BIT.TRIP RUN! Review
PROS
- An extremely faithful port of the PC / console version.
- Reactive music plays brilliantly off the clever level design.
- Attractive 3D backgrounds.
CONS
- Inputs are a little laggy.
- Framerate can get choppy.
VERDICT
A handsome and comprehensive port of Bit.Trip Runner 2, which is let down a little by slightly laggy controls.
- Full Review
- App Store Info
Earlier this year, Gaijin Games released Bit.Trip Presents Runner 2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien on PC and consoles. Now, the team has ported the game to iOS, and slimmed-down the title to the slightly more manageable Bit.Trip Run!
Fans of the game might be worried that this mobile version has lost more than just its unweildy title. However, we can report that the entire game has been adapted faithfully to the touch screen, albeit with a few tweaks here and there. That said, it's not without its own issues.
For those unfamiliar with the series, Bit.Trip Run! is what you might call a rhythmic runner. Each stage puts you in charge of protagonist Commander Video, whom you must guide over and under a series of obstacles.
Every time you clear an obstacle, an additional layer of instrumentation is added to the backing music. The backing track builds as you collect the four music boosters throughout the stage.
This audio rewards system gives you great sense of progression and momentum. On a good run, your actions are almost on autopilot. Each mistake might send you back to the beginning or the last checkpoint, but it will only strengthen your resolve to collect everything and make it to the end unscathed.
So how does this sense of flow fare translate to the touch screen? Well, the tap-to-jump command works, but it depressingly laggy, requiring you to tap a few micro-seconds before you instinctively want to. Swiping left and right to dance and kick works very well, but the swipe mechanic for sliding is in need of a serious overhaul. Too many times during our slide command was misread as a jump command, causing us to leap into a barrier and restart the level.
At the time of this review, the developer has promised to add virtual buttons and some performance tweaks to deal with the control issues, and correct the erratic frame rate. We hope it makes a diffference, because with a foolproof control scheme, Bit.Trip Run! would be an easy recommendation. The crazy characters, brutal challenge, and musical swells are all fantastic, and, inspite of the input lag, it's still an entertaining runner. We just hope the update gives Commander Video back his ninja reflexes.