Into the Beat.
Let me start this review by saying, rhythm games were never really my thing. The only exceptions are Guitar Hero and Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory (it’s Kingdom Hearts, i’ll consume everything about that franchise!), so when BIT.TRIP RERUNNER arrived at my doorstep, I was skeptical.
BIT.TRIP RERUNNER is a remaster of a classic rhythm platformer game, originally released as Bit.Trip Beat in 2009. “Rhythm platformer” might sound strange at first – in traditional platformers, you set the pace. However, BIT.TRIP RERUNNER throws that idea out the window and creates a surprisingly good experience. It’s a reminder that sometimes, stepping outside your comfort zone in gaming can lead to something truly enjoyable.
BIT.TRIP RERUNNER is a reimagined experience with perfectly balanced difficulty and a lovely crafted production. For those who have never played a Bit.Trip game before, this is the perfect time to start.
Make the Perfect Run.
Bit.Trip Rerunner’s challenge comes from how many obstacles you face. You can choose from low, medium, or high difficulty, which impacts the number of hazards you need to dodge. This difficulty setting also affects your point multiplier, starting at Mega and increasing through Super, Ultra, and finally Extra. These difficulty levels are reflected by a colorful bar behind CommanderVideo and a more intense soundtrack. For an even tougher test, you can turn off the automatic checkpoints (which are on by default). Additionally, you can toggle a collision counter and ladder assist to further customize your experience.
With a straightforward yet engaging gameplay loop, you’ll constantly move forward, relying on precise jumps, powerful kicks to smash barriers, and the directional controls for a variety of actions. Slide under obstacles, launch off trampolines, activate a protective shield, or even absorb certain hazards. In mid-air, you can extend your jump with a satisfying glide, and a dedicated button lets you fire projectiles to destroy the occasional blue stone blocking your path.
Smooth Moves & Crisp Lines.
On top of the 36 brand-new levels, Bit.Trip Rerunner throws in a collection of bonus levels featuring music from the preceding 8 games. Altogether, this bumps the total up to over 150 levels, significantly extending your playtime beyond the main story.
The game also boasts a thriving Community Zone. Here, you can explore levels crafted by other players, put your skills to the test, and even cast your vote for the most impressive ones. The central hub keeps you informed, providing details about each level’s difficulty, length, and your total number of collisions.
Bit.Trip Rerunner ditches the old look in favor of vibrant, modern visuals. While some cinematics still retain a touch of pixelated charm, the overall aesthetic is now sleek and dynamic. Background elements, like cranes and machinery, come alive with smooth animation. These crisp, clean lines perfectly complement the angular, all-black design of CommanderVideo. Having performance issues? Don’t worry, apparently everybody has it. You can adjust the resolution and frame rate (FPS) to optimize the game’s performance for your system.
The music is a total banger! This is the kind of soundtrack that begs to be blasted through wired headphones or cranked up on your speakers. The coolest part? Your gameplay directly contributes to the music, making every successful jump and dodge sound even more epic. And if you’re new to the series, you can unlock the original game’s tracks for a double dose of retro goodness!
An Unforgettable Trip.
I had an incredible experience with this game, one that will remain in my SSD when i feel like jumping around. Between the multiple difficulty settings and the relentless pursuit of a perfect run, it’s insanely replayable. The level creator is the icing on the cake, giving you the possibility of craft your own stages, then dive into the wild creations of the community. There’s always something new to conquer.
