20 people found this review helpful
Recommended
0.0 hrs last two weeks / 3.4 hrs on record
Posted: Oct 13, 2023 @ 6:40am
Updated: Oct 13, 2023 @ 6:41am
Product received for free

BIT.TRIP RERUNNER (RERUNNER) is a fantastic remake of the popular rhythm platformer original. Featuring completely revamped levels and mechanics, NEW levels, the introduction of RUNNER MAKER (allowing players to create their own levels) and also includes every song from every BIT.TRIP title. It is inherently clear that developers Choice Provisions have taken player feedback into consideration in the creation of this title, and despite the mixed perception of their last entry to the series, this is definitely a winner.

Pros
  • 150+ levels to enjoy including brand new levels and missions from previous BIT.TRIP games
  • Back to BIT.TRIP’s roots. Classic, but fun gameplay
  • Excellent tutorial and learning curve with new elements slowly introduced
  • Fantastic all-inclusive soundtrack with every song from every BIT.TRIP game
  • Phenomenal improvements, graphically and in gameplay

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Gameplay
Note: I have played each of the games in the Runner franchise, starting with BIT.TRIP Runner back in 2011/2012 and this review will focus on many comparisons.

BIT.TRIP RERUNNER has brought back the classic simplicity that made the original such a success, but has modernised it. The new campaign is the first campaign unlocked by default, and after completing that, players earn tokens that can be used on unlocking further campaigns and levels from previous games. After Runner3 failed to entirely live up to many fans expectations, I am absolutely thrilled to see RERUNNER taking in feedback and resulting in a game that is not only reminiscent of the original, but improves on it. I found Runner3 fun, but it was extremely dramatic, overly colourful, too quirky, too extravagant that all of the popping visuals was too distracting from the main point of the game – running. Fortunately, in RERUNNER, there are no sacrifices with the gameplay due to the visuals. Each element compliments each other wonderfully. The revamped graphics are smooth and fit the game beautifully. The initial flare from the original game is present, only updated and modernized, and I have no complaints with it. The inputs from controls feel much more responsive and are very easy to use. My only very slight remark is that the green aliens are similar in colour to the green squares which must be blocked, resulting in my colour memory failing me. Overall, not a big gripe, but I did not notice any other similar colourings in other obstacles, so this did trip me up a few times.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3050086642

The addition of RUNNER MAKER is enormous and is a feature that fans have been wanting for over a decade. Whilst it is not something that interests me personally, this addition improves the games quality of life drastically. Having the freedom to design, create and share custom levels within the game itself is a fantastic extra, and one I already see many players indulging in.


I am new to the BIT.TRIP RUNNER franchise, what is the game about?
If you are a newcomer to the series, RERUNNER is a great entry point! It is a fast-paced rhythm platformer playing as, Commander Video. As the title suggests, it is a runner game, and you must dodge, block, absorb and slide your way through the many dangers coming your way. The default campaign introduces new elements very slowly, allowing new players to build up confidence in each of the moves before having to utilise each of the actions in quick succession as seen in later levels. The enemies and projectiles are generally shape and colour based, and lightly change depending on the level settings. For example, block green cubes, press up on pink jump pads, absorb black squares, slide under fire or UFOs etc. There are a lot of different actions to learn, but as aforementioned, the game has fantastic introductions to all of them. Not only this, but the obstacle density can be altered to suit each playstyle as well. There are checkpoints scattered quite forgivingly throughout the levels, so if you slam into an obstacle, you will be transported back to the last checkpoint you went through. The music will pause temporarily, until you have respawned. The music is in tune with Commander Videos moves and it makes each correct block or jump, ever that more satisfying with a matching jingle. There are leaderboards, coins to collect and personal scores to beat. It starts off simple, but before long you will be quickly alternating between slide, jump, shoot, block and more… almost simultaneously.


Visuals & Sound
Having already touched on this, but the visuals are a great improvement. Whilst there is nothing extremely zany and there are not 100s of different animations happening on the screen at once, the look of the new obstacles are crisp, easy to learn and are not distracting. Overall, a great improvement graphically.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3049597299

The Steam store page sums up the soundtrack – a killer. Featuring eight soundtracks and every song from each of the previous games, this is a game that is highly recommended to use with good headphones!


Technical & Stats
This game was played using a controller, and with the following PC specs.:
AMD Ryzen R5 7600x 5.4 GHz
32GB DDR5 5200 CL36 RAM
Radeon RX 6800 XT
2560x1440 resolution
NVMe 3.0 SSD
Windows 10

Controller Recommended? Yes

Replayability value: Yes


Conclusion
BIT.TRIP RERUNNER is a fantastic, adrenaline pumping remake that plays homage to the original and brings the franchise back to its roots. It focuses on what made the original great, but without overpopulating it with unnecessary distractions. After clearly listening to their fanbase, developers have added a custom level creator, brand new levels and brought back levels from previous games. There is immense replayability and I have experienced no bugs or issues. With improved graphics and over 150 levels to enjoy, I highly recommend this game, for newcomers and fans of the series alike.

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1 Comments
janner66 Oct 15, 2023 @ 11:14am 
Cool. All sounds positive. The level creator should be fun to use and play other people's creations.