Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Bit.Trip games 25-to-75% off on Steam until May 20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/bit-trip-games-25-to-75-off-on-steam-until-may-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/bit-trip-games-25-to-75-off-on-steam-until-may-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/bit-trip-games-25-to-75-off-on-steam-until-may-20/#comments Nearly everything in Gaijin Games' esteemed Bit.Trip series has been marked down on Steam, from now until Monday, May 20.

For instance: Bit.Trip Collection, which includes Bit.Trip Beat, Bit.Trip Runner, Bit.Trip Core and Bit.Trip Void, has had its price cut by 75% and is now just $11.98. Likewise, all of those games can be purchased individually at a discounted price of $2.49. Even last year's gorgeous Runner 2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien has had its price dropped to less than $12 - we recommend gettin' while the gettin's good, as our very southern mom would say.

JoystiqBit.Trip games 25-to-75% off on Steam until May 20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 May 2013 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bit-tripbit-trip-beatbit-trip-coreBit-Trip-RunnerBit-Trip-VoidGaijin-Gameslinuxmacpcrunner-2runner-2-future-legend-of-rhythm-aliensaleSteamThu, 09 May 2013 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Runner 2 jogs onto EU Wii U tomorrow, PSN still TBA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/runner-2-jogs-onto-eu-wii-u-tomorrow-psn-still-tba/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/runner-2-jogs-onto-eu-wii-u-tomorrow-psn-still-tba/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/runner-2-jogs-onto-eu-wii-u-tomorrow-psn-still-tba/#comments European Wii U owners only have to wait one more day for Runner 2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien. However, it's still unclear when the Bit.Trip Runner follow-up will cross the PSN finish line in the region.

Gaijin Games' rhythmic auto-run platformer is already out on XBLA, Steam, PSN, and the Wii U eShop in North America, but only the former two saw concurrent arrivals in Europe. Today, Gaijin revealed the April 11 release date for Runner 2 on the EU Wii U eShop, but admitted the lack of any word on a PSN arrival is out of the studio's hands.

JoystiqRunner 2 jogs onto EU Wii U tomorrow, PSN still TBA originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eshopeuropegaijin-gamesnintendoplaystationps3psnrelease-daterunner-2wii-uWed, 10 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaijin Games working on Runner 2 Wii U patch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/gaijin-games-working-on-runner-2-wii-u-patch/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/gaijin-games-working-on-runner-2-wii-u-patch/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/gaijin-games-working-on-runner-2-wii-u-patch/#comments Gaijin Games is working on a fix for the unfortunate Wii U Runner2 bug that causes the system to freeze when exiting or powering off. "We had never experienced this issue on our devkits, during development, so it seems that this is an issue that only occurs on retail Wii Us," notes Gaijin co-founder Alex Neuse. "This makes it super gnarly to debug. It might not even be our bug. But we have tried to fix it."

Aside from making it stop doing that awful thing, the upcoming patch will make a few other tweaks, like saving your highest score on the leaderboard instead of your most recent, and putting some feedback in the mysteriously long-lasting login screen.

Despite this problem, we recommend playing Runner2.

JoystiqGaijin Games working on Runner 2 Wii U patch originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Mar 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eshopgaijin-gamesnintendopatchrunner-2wii-uFri, 01 Mar 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Runner 2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien review: Running down a dream]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/runner-2-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/runner-2-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/runner-2-review/#comments If you asked me in person for my opinion of Runner 2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien, I'd probably just respond with a string of rambling praise, eager to explain the game to you and enthusiastically answer any questions you might have. In fact, every attempt to write this review so far has resulted in just such an imaginary conversation in my head.

So, I'm just going to go with it. Without further ado, here's my attempt to explain the radness of Runner 2 to a fictional, random gamer.

Gallery: Runner 2 (12/17/12)

Continue reading Runner 2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien review: Running down a dream

JoystiqRunner 2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien review: Running down a dream originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gaijin-gamesiosipadiphonemicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3runner-2runner2vitawii-uxboxFri, 01 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Runner2 out tomorrow on Wii U and Steam, Wednesday on Xbox Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/runner2-out-tomorrow-on-wii-u-and-steam-wednesday-on-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/runner2-out-tomorrow-on-wii-u-and-steam-wednesday-on-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/runner2-out-tomorrow-on-wii-u-and-steam-wednesday-on-xbox-live/#comments Runner2 out tomorrow on Wii U and Steam, Wednesday on Xbox LiveGaijin Games' Runner2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien sequel was submitted to its various platforms earlier this month, but we now have official dates and prices for the title, courtesy of Gaijin's co-founder Alex Neuse himself. CommanderVideo will start his run on the Wii U and Steam (for PC, Mac, and Linux) tomorrow, February 26, and then be available on Xbox Live on Wednesday of this week, February 27.

The PSN, iOS, and Vita releases are coming later: Neuse says "hopefully March 5" for the PSN release, "but Early March for sure!" iOS and Vita versions are due out sometime this summer. The game will be $14.99 no matter what platform you buy it on, and Neuse notes that there's still a few hours for a Steam preorder if you want the various bonuses and discounts. If you've been waiting a long time to hear the voice of Charles Martinet narrate the long-awaited BIT.TRIP sequel, your wait is almost over.

Update: March 5 on PSN is confirmed, according to Gaijin's other co-founder, Mike Roush.

JoystiqRunner2 out tomorrow on Wii U and Steam, Wednesday on Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex-neusedateddatesgaijin-gamesiosmicrosoftnintendopcpriceps3psnpsvitareleaserelease-daterunner-2runner-2-future-legend-of-rhythm-alienrunner2wii-uxboxxbox-liveMon, 25 Feb 2013 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pre-order Runner 2 for $20, get every Bit.Trip soundtrack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/pre-order-runner-2-for-20-get-every-bit-trip-soundtrack/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/pre-order-runner-2-for-20-get-every-bit-trip-soundtrack/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/pre-order-runner-2-for-20-get-every-bit-trip-soundtrack/#comments With Runner 2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien set to launch on February 26, Game Music Bundle has put together a nice little package for Bit.Trip fans. For $20, you get a pre-order of the Steam version of Runner 2, the Runner 2 soundtrack and soundtracks for all six previous Bit.Trip games, including Beat, Core, Void, Runner, Fate and Flux.

If you're not feeling quite so generous, you can also pick up the Runner 2 soundtrack and the previous soundtracks for $10, or just the original soundtracks for any donation below $10. Keep in mind though, the top contributor gets a pretty dope Commander Video maquette.

JoystiqPre-order Runner 2 for $20, get every Bit.Trip soundtrack originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Feb 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gaijin-gamesgame-music-bundlepcrunner-2Fri, 15 Feb 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Runner 2 bounds onto all platforms late February]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/01/runner-2-bounds-onto-all-platforms-late-february/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/01/runner-2-bounds-onto-all-platforms-late-february/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/01/runner-2-bounds-onto-all-platforms-late-february/#comments Runner 2 bounds onto all platforms late FebruaryGaijin Games's Runner 2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien began cantering towards a late February launch this week, with the Bit.Trip Runner sequel "just" submitted for PSN, XBLA, and Wii U eShop approval. Gaijin says its retro-styled platformer jogs onto all of PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC, Mac, and Linux towards the end of the month, while the game's Steam page lists a February 26 release date.

On the game's dev blog, Gaijin founder Alex Neuse detailed the strenuous-sounding final stages of the submission process, which included discovering a bug and making a last-minute fix on Wii U, having to repackage the game for XBLA, and cutting out a very minor leaderboards feature from the PSN version. The toil isn't over for the Californian indie studio, with Linux, Mac, and PC submissions still to come.

JoystiqRunner 2 bounds onto all platforms late February originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Feb 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eshopgaijin-gameslinuxmacmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3psnrelease-daterunner-2wii-uXBLAXBLMxboxFri, 01 Feb 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii U indies upbeat on Nintendo's treatment of eShop]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/11/wii-u-indies-upbeat-on-nintendos-treatment-of-eshop/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/11/wii-u-indies-upbeat-on-nintendos-treatment-of-eshop/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/11/wii-u-indies-upbeat-on-nintendos-treatment-of-eshop/#comments Wii U trying to be more indie friendlyTwo indie companies working on the Wii U eShop expressed optimism about the company's efforts to sell downloadable games, a significant vote of confidence given that both of them dealt with WiiWare.

Mike Roush and Alex Neuse of Gaijin Games don't speak especially highly of the original Wii service. "We don't know for sure, but it felt like it wasn't taken seriously by Nintendo, the desire for gamers to buy stuff digitally," Neuse told GamesIndustry.biz.

Martin Pichlmair of Broken Rules, whose game hasing Aurora was released on the Wii U eShop at launch and whose And Yet It Moves came out on WiiWare, said that "Literally everything was easier this time around," compared to WiiWare.

"What's more friendly right out of the starting gate is the Wii U is developed for people to have an eShop to spend their money in and buy games easily," Gaijin's Roush noted. Neuse drew comparisons to Steam, with a less stringent (read: available) updating functionality and no first-party concept approval.

JoystiqWii U indies upbeat on Nintendo's treatment of eShop originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Jan 2013 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>broken-ruleseshopgaijin-gamesindienintendowii-uFri, 11 Jan 2013 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Why Mario's Martinet is Runner 2's narrator]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/21/Runner2-Gaijin-Games-Charles-Martinet-Mario/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/21/Runner2-Gaijin-Games-Charles-Martinet-Mario/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/21/Runner2-Gaijin-Games-Charles-Martinet-Mario/#comments
During a recent Nintendo event, Gaijin Games revealed that Mario voice actor Charles Martinet is acting as narrator for Runner2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien. His performance is a break from what we traditionally think of when we think of Martinet, as it's a lot lower-pitched and less accented than the Mario family. But you can definitely tell it's-a him ... because he introduces himself.

"We wanted to get Charles because obviously he's recognizable," Gaijin Games founder Alex Neuse said in a follow-up interview. "We like him, he's funny, and silly, and great, and awesome. We wanted to have a whimsical character voice that's reminiscent of old cartoons. You remember those old Looney Tunes when they would do 'the car of the future!'" The visual design of the game is meant to recall cartoons, with bright, colorful, rounded visuals and angular, minimal Saul Bass-esque cutscenes.

Continue reading Why Mario's Martinet is Runner 2's narrator

JoystiqWhy Mario's Martinet is Runner 2's narrator originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Dec 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charles-martinetgaijin-gamesmacmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3runner-2wii-uxboxFri, 21 Dec 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bit.Trip Void launches on Steam today, Runner2 pre-orders open]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/19/bit-trip-void-launches-on-steam-today-runner2-pre-orders-open/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/19/bit-trip-void-launches-on-steam-today-runner2-pre-orders-open/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/19/bit-trip-void-launches-on-steam-today-runner2-pre-orders-open/#comments
Another Bit.Trip game has been released on Steam for PC and Mac. Bit.Trip Void, the third game to be released on WiiWare originally, is out today for $8.99, 10 percent off its regular price. In addition, a game and soundtrack bundle, featuring tracks by Nullsleep, is on sale for $10.79.

Even if you played it on WiiWare, there are reasons to consider checking it out on PC. Void has new difficulty modes and mid-level checkpoints, which are always embarrassingly welcome in these games.

In other Steam Bit.Trip news, you can now pre-order Runner2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien for $13.49. You'll get a free copy of Runner for your trouble.

JoystiqBit.Trip Void launches on Steam today, Runner2 pre-orders open originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Dec 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bit-Trip-Voidgaijin-gamesmacpcrunner-2steamVoidWed, 19 Dec 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Charles Martinet narrating Runner 2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/17/charles-martinet-narrating-runner-2-future-legend-of-rhythm-ali/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/17/charles-martinet-narrating-runner-2-future-legend-of-rhythm-ali/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/17/charles-martinet-narrating-runner-2-future-legend-of-rhythm-ali/#comments I met with Alex Neuse and Mike Roush last week to demo Runner 2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien, the sequel to WiiWare free-runner, Bit.Trip Runner. Upon booting up the game, I noticed a familiar-sounding voice was behind the narration work, none other than the voice of Mario himself, Charles Martinet.

I also noticed he introduces himself before the title screen so that also kind of gave it away.

"For the first time, we're allowing the press to talk about his involvement in the game - if you want to," Gaijin Games' Alex Neuse said at the outset of our time together at a demo event last week. "He does all the narration for all of the cutscenes and the advertisement in the beginning."

The advertisement in question was a fake, jaunty little number for tooth barnacle cleaner that was reminiscent of the fake ads found in You Don't Know Jack. In total, there are about 10 different advertisements players will see, all voiced by Martinet.

JoystiqCharles Martinet narrating Runner 2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Dec 2012 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex-neusecharles-martinetgaijin-gamesmike-roushnintendorunner-2wii-uMon, 17 Dec 2012 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Bit.Trip Saga coming to 3DS eShop December 20 for $15]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/08/bit-trip-saga-coming-to-3ds-eshop-december-20-for-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/08/bit-trip-saga-coming-to-3ds-eshop-december-20-for-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/08/bit-trip-saga-coming-to-3ds-eshop-december-20-for-15/#comments Aksys Games is bringing Bit.Trip Saga, the Gaijin Games 3DS compilation that hit retail last year, to Nintendo's eShop on December 20. What's more, the collection will cost $14.99, saving players a whole bunch of dollars in addition to the convenience of the compilation being downloadable.

Bit.Trip Saga includes Bit.Trip Beat, Bit.Trip Core, Bit.Trip Void, Bit.Trip Runner, Bit.Trip Fate and Bit.Trip Flux. If our math is correct, that's only a couple dollars per game in the six-game bundle. What a deal!

Gallery: Bit.Trip Saga (3DS)

JoystiqBit.Trip Saga coming to 3DS eShop December 20 for $15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 08 Dec 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsAksys-GamesBeatBit-Trip-Beatbit-trip-corebit-trip-fatebit-trip-fluxBit-Trip-Runnerbit-trip-sagaBit-Trip-Voidgaijin-gamesnintendoSat, 08 Dec 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bit.Trip Core joins Beat and Runner on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/03/bit-trip-core-joins-beat-and-runner-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/03/bit-trip-core-joins-beat-and-runner-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/03/bit-trip-core-joins-beat-and-runner-on-steam/#comments BitTrip Core now available for PC and Mac on SteamThe Bit.Trip series continues its strange, out of order journey to PC and Mac. Following successful releases of the first game in the series (Beat) and the fourth (Runner), Bit.Trip Core is available today on Steam for PC and Mac. It's $9.99 alone, or $11.99 with a downloadable soundtrack.

The chronological second game in the pixelated series uses nothing but a D-pad (or, we suppose, keys to represent four directions on a D-pad), and involves deceptively simple rhythm gameplay. All you have to do is press a direction when a dot reaches the middle of the screen.

Of course, it's a Bit.Trip game, so you'll be screaming and wailing at that "simple" gameplay within a few minutes. In a fun way.

JoystiqBit.Trip Core joins Beat and Runner on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Oct 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bit-tripBit-Trip-CoreCoregaijin-gamesmacpcvitaWed, 03 Oct 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Yup, 'Whetfahrt Cheeseborger' is a character in Runner 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/24/yup-whetfahrt-cheeseborger-is-a-character-in-runner/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/24/yup-whetfahrt-cheeseborger-is-a-character-in-runner/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/24/yup-whetfahrt-cheeseborger-is-a-character-in-runner/#comments BitTrip Runner 2 introduces playable Whetfahrt CheesebrgerAs if being pursued by an anthropomorphized, checkpoint-guarding pickle named Unkle Dill wasn't enough food-oriented oddness for one game, the folks at Gaijin Games have also announced that "Whetfahrt Cheesebörger" will be joining the cast of Runner 2, Future Legend of Rhythm Alien as a playable character.

Cheesebörger originally hails from (where else) Hamburg, Germany. After rising to stardom during the disco revolution, hard times caused by the scene's crash in the early 80s lead Cheesebörger to its current position as the mascot for a restaurant called "Burger Mouth." Since Runner 2 will have "almost 10" playable characters, we doubt this is the last bizarre character announcement we'll see before the game's launch.

Speaking of launch, Runner 2 will also be released on the Wii U at some point, sporting "Retro Challenges" to play on the WiiPad. A prototype screenshot of said challenges can be seen after the break.

Continue reading Yup, 'Whetfahrt Cheeseborger' is a character in Runner 2

JoystiqYup, 'Whetfahrt Cheeseborger' is a character in Runner 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 Jun 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gaijin-gamesmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3runner-2Whetfahrt-Cheesebörgerwii-uxboxSun, 24 Jun 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Runner2's 'Unkle Dill' preserved on video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/runner2s-unkle-dill-preserved-on-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/runner2s-unkle-dill-preserved-on-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/runner2s-unkle-dill-preserved-on-video/#comments Image
The latest build of Runner2 adds way more background detail, animation, and interactivity than I saw at GDC; there are now particles everywhere, flashy effects when you pick up a powerup item, and detailed, animated ... stuff going on behind CommanderVideo (but not too detailed for it to affect clarity.) There are fun elements like an airplane whose wings you dash across in one level, and a new cannon activity that lets you shoot CV at a target at the end of a stage if you pick anything up.

The most eyecatching new element added since my last playtest is "Unkle Dill," a man-sized, anthropomorphic pickle who hangs out at checkpoints. He runs and dives at you in futility if you decide to skip the checkpoint, basically providing incentive to skip every single checkpoint.

Gaijin Games posted some footage of the PAX East build, allowing you to see Unkle Dill for yourself.

JoystiqRunner2's 'Unkle Dill' preserved on video originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gaijin-gamesmicrosoftpax-east-2012playstationps3psnrunner-2xblaxboxMon, 09 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[See CommanderVideo's best dance moves in Runner2 video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/see-commandervideos-best-dance-moves-in-runner2-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/see-commandervideos-best-dance-moves-in-runner2-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/see-commandervideos-best-dance-moves-in-runner2-video/#comments
Gaijin Games has been toiling away on Runner2 since we last saw it (and working up a nice buzz in the process), polishing up the look with particles, new animations, and other tweaks in preparation to show it to people other than us at PAX East. You can see the results above, and then compare them to the earlier version here.

Perhaps even more exciting than fancy effects: in this new video, you can see CommanderVideo's "dance" mechanic demonstrated for the very first time. You can also see his new rainbow cape. Did you know the rainbow trail from Bit.Trip Runner was a cape? We didn't either.

JoystiqSee CommanderVideo's best dance moves in Runner2 video originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gaijin-gamesmicrosoftplaystationps3psnrunner-2xblaxboxThu, 22 Mar 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Runner2 delayed until November, Gaijin 'thinking' about Wii U version]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/runner2-delayed-until-november-gaijin-thinking-about-wii-u-ve/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/runner2-delayed-until-november-gaijin-thinking-about-wii-u-ve/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/runner2-delayed-until-november-gaijin-thinking-about-wii-u-ve/#comments Gaijin Games has told Eurogamer that Runner2, which we recently played in a very early state, will be released in November of this year, despite originally being slated for "early 2012." As Eurogamer notes, that puts the PSN/XBLA game somewhere within the Wii U's release window. Accordingly, co-director Mike Roush told the site that a Wii U release is "definitely something we're thinking about."

Gaijin's plans for the PS3/Xbox releases were made before the announcement of the Wii U. "When we made these decisions we never knew about Wii U, he said. "So rather than us 'leaving Nintendo', it's that these decisions were made a year ago," Roush said. "We would never leave Nintendo, we love them to death."

JoystiqRunner2 delayed until November, Gaijin 'thinking' about Wii U version originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delaysgaijin-gamesmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3runner-2wii-uxboxMon, 19 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Runner2 development fueled by 744 beers (so far)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/runner2-development-fueled-by-744-beers-so-far/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/runner2-development-fueled-by-744-beers-so-far/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/runner2-development-fueled-by-744-beers-so-far/#comments How do I know? I consulted the "beer count" note on the title screen of the in-progress build I played. Gaijin Games has implemented a counter to track the number of beers drank by the team during development of Runner2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien. Eventually, it'll be automated -- and keeping track live even after the game is released -- but for now it's a manually updated spreadsheet.

"We have a whole system," co-director Alex Neuse told me. "We have a spreadsheet; we're thinking of developing an iPhone app just to use internally. Then if you drink wine or something, we have a conversion, so it converts it to beers for the beer count." There was talk of a bottle opener that automatically logs every cap it opens.

At this point I began to think that I was being told a very fanciful tale about programmers drinking programmatically, but Neuse assured me otherwise. "We are completely serious about this. This is a real thing."

JoystiqRunner2 development fueled by 744 beers (so far) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beerbeer-countgaijin-gamesplaystationps3runner-2Wed, 14 Mar 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[My first dance with Runner2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/my-first-dance-with-runner2-future-legend-of-rhythm-alien/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/my-first-dance-with-runner2-future-legend-of-rhythm-alien/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/my-first-dance-with-runner2-future-legend-of-rhythm-alien/#comments Runner2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien is easier than Bit.Trip Runner.

I'm saying this up front because I'm guessing the difficulty in Runner turned some would-be fans away, and I want those people to keep reading. If you liked the simple rhythm-platforming gameplay of Runner but hit a metaphorical wall after hitting so many literal walls, this will be more your speed. I think I got through about 8 stages in a row of fast-moving, autoscrolling, jumping, sliding, kicking gameplay without dying.

In fact, a lot of the game is designed to welcome lapsed or new players. The retro look has been replaced by a polygonal style that co-director Alex Neuse describes as "whimsical," with a rounded, cartoony CommanderVideo and cute creatures bouncing happily to the music. Cutscenes in a Saul Bass art style act as both exemplars of a popular style and, as co-director Mike Roush explained, a "stepping stone between the old style and the new style." bridges between the 2D Bit.Trip look and Runner2's in-game presentation. As an XBLA/PSN title, it's also available to people who couldn't play the WiiWare-based Runner. "So this is like, hey everyone, this is our fun little gameplay thing, rhythm music platformer, and we can all play it," Neuse said.

Even if you're a bad enough dude to enjoy the insane difficulty of Runner 1, there's plenty in the sequel to capture your interest. Like choices.

Continue reading My first dance with Runner2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien

JoystiqMy first dance with Runner2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksys-gamesgaijin-gamesgdcgdc-2012microsoftplaystationps3psnrunner-2runner-2-future-legend-of-rhythm-alienxblaxboxWed, 14 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bit.Trip Saga UK launch pushed forward to March 16]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/18/bit-trip-saga-uk-launch-pushed-forward-to-march-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/18/bit-trip-saga-uk-launch-pushed-forward-to-march-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/18/bit-trip-saga-uk-launch-pushed-forward-to-march-16/#comments Ah, the rare anti-delay, a happenstance so seldom seen in the gaming world that its occurrence should be marked by fireworks and a ticker-tape parade. Those things cost money, though, and our budget is still tapped out from smuggling our Editor in Chief out of South Africa, so this post will have to suffice.

Bit.Trip Saga's UK release date has been changed from March 26 to March 16, according to Pocket Gamer, and while that's still 6 months after the North American release, it is earlier than we were all expecting.

JoystiqBit.Trip Saga UK launch pushed forward to March 16 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsAksysanti-delaybit-tripbit-trip-sagadelayEUeuropegaijin-gamesnintendorelease-dateSat, 18 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Early screenshot of Runner 2 slides out]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/early-screenshot-of-runner-2-slides-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/early-screenshot-of-runner-2-slides-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/early-screenshot-of-runner-2-slides-out/#comments Every once in a while it's good for Gaijin Games to pop in and remind us that it's really making a sequel to Bit.Trip Runner; it wasn't a dream after all. The latest evidence of its existence in the waking world is the screenshot above.

It's early, lacking some elements like textures, but it's much less early than the fully placeholder art we saw in previous footage. And it's a good show of the fluid, cartoon-style look Gaijin Games has adopted for the new game.

JoystiqEarly screenshot of Runner 2 slides out originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksys-gamesgaijin-gamesmicrosoftplaystationps3psnrunner-2xblaxboxThu, 05 Jan 2012 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Bit.Trip Saga and Complete ride a Rising Star to Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/bit-trip-saga-and-complete-ride-a-rising-star-to-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/bit-trip-saga-and-complete-ride-a-rising-star-to-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/bit-trip-saga-and-complete-ride-a-rising-star-to-europe/#comments Bit.Trip Saga for 3DS and Bit.Trip Complete for Wii came out in September here in North America, collecting all six WiiWare Bit.Trip games into convenient new formats and, in the case of Complete, adding new challenges. Not that there wasn't enough challenge to be found already.

For those of you in Europe looking for a more portable, three-dimensional and/or expanded Bit.Trip experience, Rising Star Games has signed on to publish Saga and Complete in that region, in the first quarter of 2012.

Complete on Wii will include a soundtrack sampler, just as it does in North America. It's a nice way to kick back and relax when not playing the games -- you certainly won't do any kicking back while playing them. Maybe some kicking.

Gallery: Bit.Trip Saga (3DS)

Gallery: Bit.Trip Complete (Wii)

Continue reading Bit.Trip Saga and Complete ride a Rising Star to Europe

JoystiqBit.Trip Saga and Complete ride a Rising Star to Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsBeatBit-Trip-Beatbit-trip-completebit-trip-sagadsgaijin-gamesnintendoq1-2012release-daterising-star-gameswiiThu, 03 Nov 2011 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Runner 2 running in debug mode]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/runner-2-running-in-debug-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/runner-2-running-in-debug-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/runner-2-running-in-debug-mode/#comments
Gaijin Games revealed the first footage of Runner 2, the XBLA/PSN followup to its Bit.Trip hit. We should mention that it's extremely early code, with placeholder graphics, running in debug mode. You can pretend it's a new graphical style that's even blockier than the original (though Runner 2 will actually be super-smooth).

Even in this early state, you can see some of the new content, like a jump-slide move. More moves means ... more potentially wrong moves at any point, and more deaths. You'll actually see a couple of deaths in this demo video, proving it's still Runner.

JoystiqRunner 2 running in debug mode originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gaijin-gamesmicrosoftplaystationps3psnrunner-2xblaxboxTue, 25 Oct 2011 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Bit.Trip Presents: Runner 2, Future Legend of Rhythm Alien]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/08/bit-trip-presents-runner-2-future-legend-of-rhythm-alien/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/08/bit-trip-presents-runner-2-future-legend-of-rhythm-alien/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/08/bit-trip-presents-runner-2-future-legend-of-rhythm-alien/#comments
Gaijin Games has announced a sequel to the fourth entry in its lauded Bit.Trip series, Bit.Trip Runner, entitled Bit.Trip Presents: Runner 2, Future Legend of Rhythm Alien. The first direct sequel in the Bit.Trip series, Runner 2 sheds the 8-bit graphical motif so closely associated with the titles in favor of something else, preliminary hints at which can be seen in the concept art gallery below.

Still in the extremely early stages of development, Runner 2 returns Commander Video to action with at least 10 new abilities, HD visuals, support for "Achievements/trophies/leaderboards," unlockable costumes and "LOTS more to be revealed later." The game will arrive sometime in 2012, as a download (in true Gaijin fashion), though this time on PSN and XBLA. If the brainstorming session above is any indication, Runner 2 may feature some paradigm-shifting design choices.

Gallery: Runner 2 (Dev Blog Concept Art)

Continue reading Bit.Trip Presents: Runner 2, Future Legend of Rhythm Alien

JoystiqBit.Trip Presents: Runner 2, Future Legend of Rhythm Alien originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 08 Oct 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bit-tripBit-Trip-Runnerbit-trip-runner-2gaijingaijin-gamesmicrosoftplaystationps3psnrunner-2sequelxblaxboxSat, 08 Oct 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bit. Trip collections come to 3DS and Wii September 13]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/24/bit-trip-collections-come-to-3ds-and-wii-september-13/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/24/bit-trip-collections-come-to-3ds-and-wii-september-13/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/24/bit-trip-collections-come-to-3ds-and-wii-september-13/#comments Bit. Trip Saga, the 3D-ized Bit.Trip compilation for 3DS, will arrive in stores on September 13. But if you'd rather play the games on the big screen -- and especially if you didn't buy all of them on Wii already -- there's another collection for you. Bit.Trip Complete collects all six WiiWare games on a single Wii disc, with a generous pile of extras.

120 new "challenges" have been added to the games in Bit.Trip Complete, along with new difficulty modes and leaderboards. In addition, there's an "audio gallery" of new songs, demo versions, and fan remixes of the series' signature sounds. Other bonuses include image and video galleries and a bundled soundtrack CD.

It'll be up to you how you want to experience these games -- handheld and in 3D, or on your TV with bonuses. You could always buy both in order to have the most options as to how you want to be mesmerized and frustrated.

Continue reading Bit. Trip collections come to 3DS and Wii September 13

JoystiqBit. Trip collections come to 3DS and Wii September 13 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Jun 2011 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsaksys-gamesBeatBit-Trip-Beatbit-trip-completebit-trip-sagadsgaijin-gamesnintendoq3-2011release-datewiiFri, 24 Jun 2011 19:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Go see Hecker, Neuse and Blow speak at UC Santa Cruz next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/go-see-hecker-neuse-and-blow-speak-at-uc-santa-cruz-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/go-see-hecker-neuse-and-blow-speak-at-uc-santa-cruz-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/go-see-hecker-neuse-and-blow-speak-at-uc-santa-cruz-next-week/#comments Between Jonathan Blow, Chris Hecker and Alex Neuse, the University of California Santa Cruz panel being held next week should be chock full of interesting, honest discussion from the trio of all-star indie developers. The group is being gathered to speak for UCSC's "Foundations of Interactive Game Design" class on May 26, though the panel is open to the public. The discussion is being moderated by associate professor Noah Wardrip-Fruin.

As for what's being discussed, your guess is as good as ours. Hecker describes it as "an open panel discussion" and notes that his game SpyParty unfortunately won't be on-hand for attendees. Blow separately confirmed to us that he doesn't plan on having his studio's next game, The Witness, at the event either. Bit.Trip series co-developer Alex Neuse didn't get back to us before this post was run, but it stands to reason that his next game, Laserlife, won't make an appearance either.

That isn't to say you should miss the talk, which will assuredly be thought provoking. And hey, if you're that worried about getting a chance to play SpyParty, why not sign up for the beta? That worked out pretty well with you and Minecraft, right?

Continue reading Go see Hecker, Neuse and Blow speak at UC Santa Cruz next week

JoystiqGo see Hecker, Neuse and Blow speak at UC Santa Cruz next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 May 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex-neusechris-heckerd6gaijin-gamesjonathan-blowlaserlifenoah-wardrip-fruinnumber-nonespypartythe-witnessucscuniversity-of-californiauniversity-of-california-santa-cruzWed, 18 May 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bit.Trip Saga brings all six of CommanderVideo's adventures together on 3DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/bit-trip-saga-brings-all-six-of-commandervideos-adventures-toge/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/bit-trip-saga-brings-all-six-of-commandervideos-adventures-toge/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/bit-trip-saga-brings-all-six-of-commandervideos-adventures-toge/#comments Gaijin Games and publisher Aksys have revealed what those pseudo-cryptic Bit.Trip teasers were about: a retail collection of all six Bit.Trip games on 3DS, called Bit.Trip Saga.

Saga contains Bit.Trip Beat, Core, Void, Runner, Fate and Flux, all of which have been updated with 3D effects. Because staring at Bit.Trip Beat for 15 minutes didn't already effectively pull you into a trance state! The announcement offers no indication of how the motion-based controls in Beat will work, other than that they're "ultra-precise."

Continue reading Bit.Trip Saga brings all six of CommanderVideo's adventures together on 3DS

JoystiqBit.Trip Saga brings all six of CommanderVideo's adventures together on 3DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsaksys-gamesbit-tripbit-trip-sagadsgaijin-gamesnintendoThu, 28 Apr 2011 20:02:00 EST<![CDATA[The indie origins of the Portal 2 'Potato Sack' ARG]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/25/the-indie-origins-of-the-portal-2-potato-sack-arg/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/25/the-indie-origins-of-the-portal-2-potato-sack-arg/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/25/the-indie-origins-of-the-portal-2-potato-sack-arg/#comments For fans, the recent Portal 2 ARG began with the discovery of unexpected, hidden messages within the "Potato Sack" bundle of indie games. As it happens, the project's development also started with a mysterious missive -- to the developers of those games.

"Dude, it was so rad," Alex Neuse, CEO of Bit.Trip Beat developer Gaijin Games told Joystiq. "[Valve] contacted a bunch of independent developers -- like a whole bunch. They contacted a bunch of us and said, 'Hey, we're thinking of doing something wacky up here at Valve, and we were wondering if you'd be interested in coming up here and talking to us about it.' And that was about it."

Gallery: Bit.Trip Beat (Portal cameo)

Continue reading The indie origins of the Portal 2 'Potato Sack' ARG

JoystiqThe indie origins of the Portal 2 'Potato Sack' ARG originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex-neuseargbit-trip-beatgaijin-gamesmacpcportal-2potato-fools-daypotato-sacksteamvalveMon, 25 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam offering 13 indie games (including Super Meat Boy!) for 75% off]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/02/steam-offering-13-indie-games-including-super-meat-boy-for-75/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/02/steam-offering-13-indie-games-including-super-meat-boy-for-75/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/02/steam-offering-13-indie-games-including-super-meat-boy-for-75/#comments Rather than go the "make up a fake game/product/service" route that so much of the game industry takes on April Fool's Day, Valve instead put together an indie bundle and heavily discounted it, making those who didn't buy it fools in the process. It's what we like to call "the old switcheroo."

Including Joystiq Game of the Year awardee Super Meat Boy, terror simulation Amnesia: The Dark Descent, and Gaijin Games' synesthetic masterpiece Bit.Trip Beat, "The Potato Sack" drops all 13 games by 75 percent off their normal asking prices (or 50 percent when purchased a la carte). Considering that all of those games would normally cost around $160 if you bought them individually, you're looking at a savings of approximately $120. Also, you'll do untold wonders for your invaluable indie cred. And hey, if none of that does it for you, there's a potato hat for Team Fortress 2 included.

Also of note, each of the bundle's games have been modified with a potato-themed update -- head to the gallery below for a look at Super Meat Boy and Bit.Trip Beat's starchy additions.

Update: Added AaAaAA!! -- A Reckless Disregard for Gravity to the gallery, courtesy of NoodleGunshot.

[Thanks Joseph Leakey!]

Gallery: Indie April Fools 2011

JoystiqSteam offering 13 indie games (including Super Meat Boy!) for 75% off originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 02 Apr 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>april-foolsapril-fools-2011bit-trip-beatgaijin-gamesmacpcsteamsuper-meat-boyteam-meatSat, 02 Apr 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaijin hints at Bit.Trip for 3DS (again)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/gaijin-hints-at-bit-trip-for-3ds-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/gaijin-hints-at-bit-trip-for-3ds-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/gaijin-hints-at-bit-trip-for-3ds-again/#comments Oh, Gaijin Games -- you truly are a cruel mistress. Not only have you teased us once again with the Bit.Trip franchise's arrival on the 3DS by emailing us the red-and-blue Commander Video posted below, but you've done so on the day where absolutely nothing is believable. This is Bit.Trip.Sadistic.

Continue reading Gaijin hints at Bit.Trip for 3DS (again)

JoystiqGaijin hints at Bit.Trip for 3DS (again) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsapril-foolsapril-fools-2011bit-tripcommander-videodsgaijin-gamesnintendoFri, 01 Apr 2011 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Bit.Trip Runner's bits take the trip to Steam today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/28/bit-trip-runners-bits-take-the-trip-to-steam-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/28/bit-trip-runners-bits-take-the-trip-to-steam-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/28/bit-trip-runners-bits-take-the-trip-to-steam-today/#comments Bit.Trip Flux isn't the only release in Gaijin Games' abstract series to arrive today. While CommanderVideo's journey is ending today on WiiWare in Flux, his highly-choreographed run is just getting started on Steam with the debut of Bit.Trip Runner for PC and Mac. Gaijin announced the surprise SteamPlay port for release today, currently on sale for $9 (the price will bump up to $10 on March 8).

The Steam version of Runner features a graphical upgrade over the original WiiWare release to better showcase the IGF-nominated visual design, along with leaderboards, achievements and new Easy and Hard modes. According to Gaijin, Xbox 360 and Wii (via Bluetooth) controllers are supported, too, which is good -- forced keyboard controls wouldn't have been the best way to alter the difficulty level.

JoystiqBit.Trip Runner's bits take the trip to Steam today originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Feb 2011 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bit-tripBit-Trip-Runnergaijin-gamesmacpcpricingrelease-datesteamsteamplayMon, 28 Feb 2011 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaijin Games' Chris Osborn starts new indie studio Tracer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/25/gaijin-games-chris-osborn-starts-new-indie-studio-tracer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/25/gaijin-games-chris-osborn-starts-new-indie-studio-tracer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/25/gaijin-games-chris-osborn-starts-new-indie-studio-tracer/#comments Is it possible for an indie dev to get indier? Chris Osborn, one of the three founding members of Bit.Trip developer Gaijin Games, has announced the formation of his own studio, Tracer, through which he plans to "continue to bring resonant, synesthetic experiences to indie gamers."

Tracer's projects are intended to foster greater collaboration between the worlds of music and games, to be "a venue for cutting-edge musicians and artists to share their visions with the gaming community," according to Osborn. The first, presumably musical, game from the fledgling studio is scheduled to be released this fall on PC and Mac.

JoystiqGaijin Games' Chris Osborn starts new indie studio Tracer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chris-osborngaijin-gamesindiemacpctracerFri, 25 Feb 2011 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaijin Games acquires Robotube Games, hints at GDC announcements]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/gaijin-games-acquires-robotube-games-hints-at-gdc-announcements/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/gaijin-games-acquires-robotube-games-hints-at-gdc-announcements/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/gaijin-games-acquires-robotube-games-hints-at-gdc-announcements/#comments Gaijin Games, creator of the Bit.Trip series, has acquired the similarly independent Robotube Games. In a cheeky press release, Gaijin CEO Alex Neuse detailed plans to combine the two developers' "licenses, brands, personnel, and flavors" to "focus on creating more unique franchises faster than ever." Under the new umbrella, Gaijin will move towards bigger projects, while Robotube (currently working on an iPad puzzler called Bloktonik) will "keep the creative juices flowing."

There was already a working relationship here, and Mr. Robotube was actually a playable character in Bit.Trip Fate. Neuse promises more news about future projects from both teams will come out of next week's Game Developers Conference.

JoystiqGaijin Games acquires Robotube Games, hints at GDC announcements originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bit-trip-fatebloktonikgaijin-gamesmobilenintendorobotube-gameswiiThu, 24 Feb 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bit.Trip Flux keeps CommanderVideo alive Feb. 28]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/14/bit-trip-flux-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/14/bit-trip-flux-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/14/bit-trip-flux-release-date/#commentsCommanderVideo, hero of the Bit.Trip series, will finish his journey through psychedelic techno-scapes of attacking pixels on February 28 in North America, and February 25 in Europe, according to developer Gaijin Games. Those are the dates when Bit. Trip Flux will be released on WiiWare.

In the announcement of the release dates, Gaijin's Alex Neuse revealed that there is no "Game Over" result in Flux -- which is a pretty sharp contrast from the other five Bit.Trip games, in which "game over" is basically the natural state. "To help tell the story of CommanderVideo's transition back to The Source," he said, "we wanted to convey the point that it is an unstoppable pull which draws him home. For this reason, there is no Game Over."

Flux is designed to be completed in a single session, something that "most players" will be able to do. The challenge will be in reaching and sustaining the "Meta Mode" for as long as possible by hitting consecutive beats. "But the primary goal of Flux is to be an exploration of visual beauty, aural splendor, graceful gameplay, and how it feels to be lost in the beauty of life," Neuse added, "while reminiscing about all the events that led CommanderVideo to this, his purest form."

Continue reading Bit.Trip Flux keeps CommanderVideo alive Feb. 28

JoystiqBit.Trip Flux keeps CommanderVideo alive Feb. 28 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Feb 2011 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksys-gamesbit-tripbit-trip-fluxgaijin-gamesnintendoq1-2011release-datewiiwiiwareMon, 14 Feb 2011 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaijin Games' 'laserlife' on hold, will 'probably' go to Move/Kinect]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/02/gaijin-games-laserlife-on-hold-will-probably-go-to-move-ki/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/02/gaijin-games-laserlife-on-hold-will-probably-go-to-move-ki/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/02/gaijin-games-laserlife-on-hold-will-probably-go-to-move-ki/#comments We were really intrigued by the concept video for Gaijin Games' laserlife (see it for yourself just after the break), a game that allows you to relive a deceased astronaut's memories. In an interview with PCTuner.net user Floppy, studio boss Alex Neuse dropped the equally intriguing tidbit that, if completed, the game would likely be designed with Kinect or Move in mind. He added, "we've even toyed with bringing it to iPad."

Sadly, the project's on hold at the moment, but Neuse doesn't rule out returning to it later. We're keeping our fingers crossed, if only so we can see the part where the astronaut tries to get the Jupitarians out of their space dresses.

[Thanks, il giuda!]

Continue reading Gaijin Games' 'laserlife' on hold, will 'probably' go to Move/Kinect

JoystiqGaijin Games' 'laserlife' on hold, will 'probably' go to Move/Kinect originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Feb 2011 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex-neusegaijin-gameskinectlaserlifemicrosoftmobileplaystationplaystation-moveps3xboxWed, 02 Feb 2011 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Bit. Trip Flux trailer will delight and frighten you]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/01/bit-trip-flux-trailer-will-delight-and-frighten-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/01/bit-trip-flux-trailer-will-delight-and-frighten-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/01/bit-trip-flux-trailer-will-delight-and-frighten-you/#commentsAre you ready to be simultaneously soothed and terrified? This emotional paradox is brought to you by Gaijin Games, who released the first trailer for Bit. Trip Flux.

The final Bit. Trip game, which returns to the Pongery of Bit. Trip Beat, is revealed in this trailer to have wonderful, dreamy visuals, catchy music with themes from previous games ... and insane patterns of flying Beat dots that makes the first game seem manageable. This game is going to kill us.

Continue reading Bit. Trip Flux trailer will delight and frighten you

JoystiqBit. Trip Flux trailer will delight and frighten you originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksys-gamesbit-tripbit-trip-fluxgaijin-gamesnintendowiiTue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ESRB suggests Bit. Trip Flux returns to Bit. Trip Beat's style]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/30/esrb-suggests-bit-trip-flux-returns-to-bit-trip-beats-style/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/30/esrb-suggests-bit-trip-flux-returns-to-bit-trip-beats-style/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/30/esrb-suggests-bit-trip-flux-returns-to-bit-trip-beats-style/#commentsThe ESRB has rated Bit. Trip Flux, providing a content description that confirms what we suspected from the first screens: that the gameplay in Flux resembles that in the first Bit. Trip game, Beat.

The ratings board describes the sixth WiWare game as a "musical paddle game in which players move a vertical platform to deflect waves of dots that fly across the screen." In addition, "musical tones" accompany each successful deflection. In other words, it's the same kind of extreme Pong we saw in Bit. Trip Beat. With similar gameplay, but in reverse (the screens show the paddle on the right side, whereas it was on the left in Beat) Flux appears to work with Beat to bookend the series.

Even so, we expect a few significant surprises out of Gaijin Games (if it's possible to expect surprises) as no two games in the series have had even remotely similar gameplay to date.

JoystiqESRB suggests Bit. Trip Flux returns to Bit. Trip Beat's style originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bit-tripbit-trip-fluxesrbgaijin-gamesnintendowiiwiiwareThu, 30 Dec 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaijin not done with Bit.Trip games yet, working on title for 3DS launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/23/gaijin-not-done-with-bit-trip-games-yet-working-on-title-for-3d/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/23/gaijin-not-done-with-bit-trip-games-yet-working-on-title-for-3d/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/23/gaijin-not-done-with-bit-trip-games-yet-working-on-title-for-3d/#comments Sad that Bit.Trip Flux is presumably the last game in the Bit.Trip series? Dry those eyes, pixel lover, because Gaijin Games seems to have something else up its sleeve. CEO Alex Neuse has confirmed that the series isn't quite over, though the developer is "not ready to make any specific announcements yet."

Neuse also told EGMi that the company is working on a title that "will be out within the launch window" of the Nintendo 3DS. Nintendo told Joystiq that it "can't wait" to bring Bit.Trip Runner to the new handheld, but Neuse also said that whatever Gaijin does after Flux will be "something totally different" from the standard music/retro games we've seen from the it so far.

Gaijin's CEO does admit that he's making games for himself, and suggests that the next game or series the company puts out might put a twist on "a hugely popular game now," much like Bit.Trip Beat originally twisted the premise of Pong. So you heard it here first: the next game will be Red Dead Redemption, done Gaijin Games-style. We're looking forward to it!

JoystiqGaijin not done with Bit.Trip games yet, working on title for 3DS launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Dec 2010 21:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex-neusebit-tripbit-trip-fluxdsgaijin-gamesnintendonintendo-3dsThu, 23 Dec 2010 21:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Debut Bit.Trip Flux screens give us deja vu]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/17/debut-bit-trip-flux-screens-give-us-deja-vu/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/17/debut-bit-trip-flux-screens-give-us-deja-vu/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/17/debut-bit-trip-flux-screens-give-us-deja-vu/#comments You'll forgive us if we make an obvious observation here, but these first screenshots of Bit.Trip Flux look very ... familiar. Perhaps it's because of our recent proclivity to play Bit.Trip Beat on the iPhone every chance we get, but the images -- unlocked by Extra Lives after completing "Day 17" in the Flash-based indie game Mission in Snowdriftland -- look similar to the very first game in Gaijin Games' Bit.Trip series.

One item of note: The Flux images appear to show a reverse version of Beat's right-to-left gameplay. We're not sure what other difficult twists Gaijin has in store for this sixth and final Bit.Trip, but we could use some reassuring right about now.

Gallery: Bit.Trip Flux (first screens)


[Thanks Anthony!]

JoystiqDebut Bit.Trip Flux screens give us deja vu originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Dec 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksys-gamesbit-tripbit-trip-fluxgaijin-gamesmission-in-snowdriftlandnintendowiiwiiwareFri, 17 Dec 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Indie advent calendar releases Bit. Trip Flux teaser image]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/09/indie-advent-calendar-releases-bit-trip-flux-teaser-image/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/09/indie-advent-calendar-releases-bit-trip-flux-teaser-image/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/09/indie-advent-calendar-releases-bit-trip-flux-teaser-image/#commentsA teaser image for Gaijin Games' Bit.Trip Flux appeared in Mission in Snowdriftland, the online advent calendar game created by Extra Toxic and originally used for Nintendo -- operating sans-Nintendo this year in an "Indie Games Edition." Each door that opens leads to a platformer level, and unlockable downloads for a certain indie game. This was the Bit. Trip image. As usual, we have no idea how to interpret it.

In addition, Aussie-Nintendo posted some icon images of characters, like Commandgirl Video, Junior Melchkin, and even Meat Boy, all of whom appeared as powerups in Bit. Trip Fate. It also posted icons representing the previous games -- which could be interesting considering the line in the first Flux teaser that "all is in flux." Could "all" mean "all" the gameplay styles in the series?

JoystiqIndie advent calendar releases Bit. Trip Flux teaser image originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Dec 2010 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bit-tripbit-trip-fluxgaijin-gamesmission-in-snowdriftlandnintendowiiThu, 09 Dec 2010 19:40:00 EST