Gameplay Today - Because You're Always Gaming

The Bit Trip series to this point has been a series of rhythm based pong titles, Bit Trip Runner aims to change that. Deviating far from a table tennis style of play, Runner is more platformer on rails than anything. What it shares in common with the previous titles is a theme of keep your eye on the ball, because glancing away for a second can spell death.

Bit Trip Guy has three tactics to traverse the 50+ levels in this Wii Ware title, which is a lot more than the similar Tomena Sanner that came out early in the year. Your runner can jump over obstacles, slide under enemies, kick specific barriers and shield against specific projectiles. Those that may remember Mega Man 8's on rails stages will feel at home here with the style of frantic reaction gameplay.

Runner like the previous titles are not for the light of heart. With punishing difficulty that keeps increasing most gamers will flunk out in Zone 1, the game's first set of levels. Screwing up a jump or landing on an enemy will kill you since the objective of the game is to flee. With infinite tries players that stick with it can use trial and error to their advantage and never fear the depletion of lives.

The music in the credits screen is pretty catchy and the only song you don't feel as if your composing with your actions. The in game music is essentially made with the rhythm of your runner, imagine the game as live action sheet music and you'll grasp the concept.

Graphically the game is rather beautiful; going against the series staple of bare minimum graphics. Fan art litters the third zone and the background for those watching is just plain pretty. The real shame of a title like this is the inability of the player to enjoy the graphics. Breaking concentration to do so is the equivalent of dangling food in front of cast members on The Biggest Loser.

At 800 wii points Bit Trip Runner is a definite recommend to all Wii owners looking for a hardcore challenge. While not as funny as Tomena Sanner was, the game play is vastly superior. Runner definitely earns points for its clever bonus stage recreating the classic game Pitfall. Just remember, practice makes perfect.