Bit.Trip Presents...Runner2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien is a pleasantly fresh experience, relying on the strengths of its predecessor while simultaneously morphing into a game accessible to nearly anyone. Yes, Runner2 is at times incredibly frustrating — but only if you want it to be that way.
Spanning 100 levels, Runner2 has you guiding series protagonist Commander Video through increasingly difficult, cartoonish stages. Gone are the retro-inspired visuals of the original Bit.Trip Runner, replaced with highly stylized environments. Still, the core gameplay remains: jumping, sliding, and kicking your way past spike-laden enemies while collecting gold pick-ups in an effort to complete a high-scoring, perfect run.
Amazingly, Runner2 manages to offer up new gameplay concepts just about every few levels. New obstacles such as conveyer belts, and point multipliers such as dancing, keep things exciting and challenging from start to finish. And even when you've managed to pull off a perfect run, Runner2 will bring you back again to find a hidden cartridge that opens a retro level, or a hidden crate to unlock another character, or an alternate path.
Speaking of alternate paths, Runner2 frequently splits stages in two, with a green arrow pointing toward a friendlier route. Mid-level checkpoints offer some relief, but leaping over them offers a point bonus. The harder path will often leave you screaming in agony after the umpteenth time some tiny mistake sends you back to the start. But there's a Zen-like moment that happens when the music matches each jump, as you get in a groove, impossibly sliding your way through enemies; it's a sensation unique to Runner2, and it's absolutely wonderful.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
0 comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.