Taking the “rhythm” and “runner” out of “rhythm runner”...
The Bit Trip series originally delivered on the promise of rhythm-based games that had you actually making the music by whatever gameplay the particular game had. Every jump you made or bit you reflected back was on the beat and helped to create the music of the level.
Runner 2 did something interesting in that it was the 3D evolution of Bit.Trip Runner. It still maintained the rhythm elements (though not as strictly) but it was fun and different. I 100%’d that game.
Runner3 not only further steps away from the rhythm elements (really the game hardly feels like a rhythm platformer anymore) but it also takes a step away from the “runner” elements by introducing horribly-controlled vehicles and atrocious boss fights.
And none of that is to the rhythm anymore. The only rhythm/music-creating element that still remains in the game is a blip when you collect the gold and even that doesn’t work correctly. Often times the sound is delayed. Other times it doesn’t even happen.
This game is all-around a disappointment. Quit in World 2.
The Bit Trip series originally delivered on the promise of rhythm-based games that had you actually making the music by whatever gameplay the particular game had. Every jump you made or bit you reflected back was on the beat and helped to create the music of the level.
Runner 2 did something interesting in that it was the 3D evolution of Bit.Trip Runner. It still maintained the rhythm elements (though not as strictly) but it was fun and different. I 100%’d that game.
Runner3 not only further steps away from the rhythm elements (really the game hardly feels like a rhythm platformer anymore) but it also takes a step away from the “runner” elements by introducing horribly-controlled vehicles and atrocious boss fights.
And none of that is to the rhythm anymore. The only rhythm/music-creating element that still remains in the game is a blip when you collect the gold and even that doesn’t work correctly. Often times the sound is delayed. Other times it doesn’t even happen.
This game is all-around a disappointment. Quit in World 2.
What a disappointment this game is. I had such high hopes because of the greatness of Runner 2, but this game is terrible. The gimmicks it adds are just awful, the vehicles aren't fun and the double jump throws off everything about the game. The levels are way too long, making you have to play well for much longer than you should have to. I also hate how sometimes the platforming feels like it is trial and error and not always the player's fault. This game just sucks and DO NOT buy it.
Bit.Trip Runner brought a cool concept, whereas Runner 2 perfected it. Runner3... What happened?
Starting with a positive note, Charles Martinet is a fantastic narrator, as always.
Unfortunately, this is where my praise ends. Runner 3 is a departure from its rhythm-runner predecessors. Plenty of actions in the levels are often not cued properly with the music, including the new double jump. The longer length of the stages mixed with the slower pace of the game doesn't help either. Vehicles are also very frustrating to drive.
Don't even get me started on the retro levels. (They're much too punishing.)
Starting with a positive note, Charles Martinet is a fantastic narrator, as always.
Unfortunately, this is where my praise ends. Runner 3 is a departure from its rhythm-runner predecessors. Plenty of actions in the levels are often not cued properly with the music, including the new double jump. The longer length of the stages mixed with the slower pace of the game doesn't help either. Vehicles are also very frustrating to drive.
Don't even get me started on the retro levels. (They're much too punishing.)
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent with Runner 3. It was creative, funny, and most importantly, a blast to play. Runner 3 has many flaws, and experience dampening issues, but those issues rarely kept me from having fun, though it did occasionally happen. Runner 3 was very fun, but not my personal favorite in the genre. If you’ve had your eyes on it, I think you should look a bit closer as the price is steep for what you get, however, I did enjoy Runner 3, so I do recommend it.