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[Runner 2 Wii U patched to fix freeze bug]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/runner-2-wii-u-patched-to-fix-freeze-bug/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/runner-2-wii-u-patched-to-fix-freeze-bug/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/runner-2-wii-u-patched-to-fix-freeze-bug/#comments The patch fixing Runner 2's Wii U bug, which would cause the system to freeze upon shutting down the game, is now available for download. Now all you have to fear when playing are spikes from above, spikes from below, wooden obstacles, flying wooden obstacles, fireballs, Beats, gaps between platforms, and the fiendish Timbletot.

And a bunch of other things. But that's all.

JoystiqRunner 2 Wii U patched to fix freeze bug originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Mar 2013 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eshopnintendopatchrunner-2wii-uFri, 29 Mar 2013 19:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Overheard@GDC: 'Absolutely']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/overheard-gdc-absolutely/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/overheard-gdc-absolutely/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/overheard-gdc-absolutely/#comments OverheardGDC 'Absolutely'The PlayStation Vita Development panel featured a lineup of veteran Vita developers, who for an hour espoused the benefits of working with Sony and getting a game on its handheld platform. The panel featured Brian Provinciano of Retro City Rampage, Bobby King of Pinball Arcade, Chris Harvey of Guacamelee and Richard Hogg of Frobisher Says, and it was moderated by Gaijin Games' Alex Neuse.

Neuse was interested in the panelists' answers since Runner 2 is on its way to Vita sometime in the summer. To help set his mind at ease, he asked the developers if their next games would show up on Vita.

"Yes," they all said. "Absolutely," one of them added. When Neuse later asked the crowd who was considering developing for Vita, a sea of hands shot straight up. For those interested in developing for Vita, a Sony representative suggested this website.

JoystiqOverheard@GDC: 'Absolutely' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>frobisher-saysGDCGDC-2013guacameleepinball-arcadeplaystationplaystation-vitaretro-city-rampagerunner-2vitaThu, 28 Mar 2013 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Indie Spring Sale bounces onto Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/indie-spring-sale-bounces-onto-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/indie-spring-sale-bounces-onto-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/indie-spring-sale-bounces-onto-steam/#comments Indie Spring Sale bounces onto SteamFrom now through March 29, Steam will be hosting a cavalcade of discounted indie games, both old standbys and newcomers alike, as part of its Indie Spring Sale. The list of discounted games (just click on "Specials") is as long as it is jam packed with great deals.

For instance, 25 percent off of Kentucky Route Zero is something you can have in your life right now, as is the opportunity to buy To The Moon, Home or Jamestown for less than $5 each. Runner 2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien, Super Hexagon, Proteus, Retro City Rampage, VVVVVV; the list of discounted greatness goes on and on. There's even quite a few options for you Linux gamers out there, so apologize to your wallet and start restocking your gaming retirement fund.

JoystiqIndie Spring Sale bounces onto Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homeindieindie-spring-saleJamestownkentucky-route-zeromacpcproteusretro-city-rampagerunner-2Steamsuper-hexagonto-the-moonVVVVVVThu, 21 Mar 2013 16:00:00 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[New Nintendo eShop releases: Retro City Rampage, Runner2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/new-nintendo-eshop-releases-retro-city-rampage-runner2/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/new-nintendo-eshop-releases-retro-city-rampage-runner2/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/new-nintendo-eshop-releases-retro-city-rampage-runner2/#comments New Nintendo eShop releases Retro City Rampage, Runner2Two high-profile indie games make their way to Nintendo platforms this week. Runner2 has actually been on Wii U since Tuesday, but it's worth noting in case you only check the eShop on the "official" update day.

And finally, Vblank's Retro City Rampage comes to WiiWare as promised, where it will very likely be the last major WiiWare release. The Wii version includes the bonus "ROM City Rampage," a genuine 8-bit remake of the game!

On 3DS, there's a demo of Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate, which hopefully lasts longer than the title. And Fractured Soul is on sale for $7.99 for the next week!

Continue reading New Nintendo eShop releases: Retro City Rampage, Runner2

JoystiqNew Nintendo eShop releases: Retro City Rampage, Runner2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Feb 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscastlevania-lords-of-shadow-mirror-of-fatedsdsiwareeshopfractured-soulnintendonintendoware-weeklyrunner-2wiiwii-uwiiwareThu, 28 Feb 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Runner 2 on PS3 next week, 20% off for Plus]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/runner-2-on-ps3-next-week-20-off-for-plus/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/runner-2-on-ps3-next-week-20-off-for-plus/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/runner-2-on-ps3-next-week-20-off-for-plus/#comments Runner 2 on PS3 next week, 20% off for PlusEarlier this week, Gaijin Games told us Runner2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien would be released on PS3 next month and Vita sometime in the summer.

That PS3 version arrives next week, on March 5. While the game requires 100 percent accuracy, it only requires 80 percent of the full $15 price if you are a PlayStation Plus member and you buy it in the first two weeks.

Gaijin co-founder Mike Roush also reiterated the summer release window for the very exciting Vita version, "the only place for Runner2 on the GO!" Unless you count lugging the Wii U with you and plugging it in at a nearby power outlet. Runner2 will not support Cross Buy, unfortunately, so you'll have to choose your platform.

JoystiqRunner 2 on PS3 next week, 20% off for Plus originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Feb 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationplaystation-plusplaystation-vitaps3release-daterunner-2vitaWed, 27 Feb 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Runner2: Launch Trailer of Rhythm Alien]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/runner2-launch-trailer-of-rhythm-alien/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/runner2-launch-trailer-of-rhythm-alien/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/runner2-launch-trailer-of-rhythm-alien/#comments
The launch trailer for Runner2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien shows more of the sequel than anything we've seen, with tantalizing looks at all the various worlds in which you'll be restarting, restarting, and restarting.

Runner2 will deliver a newly polygonal Commander Video to you on Wii U, PC, Mac, and Linux today, with XBLA following on Wednesday and PSN for PS3 early next month. Vita (!) and iOS (!) will be in the summer.

Gallery: Runner 2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien (2/26/13)

JoystiqRunner2: Launch Trailer of Rhythm Alien originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Feb 2013 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3release-daterunner-2vitawii-uxboxTue, 26 Feb 2013 06:00:00 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[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[Runner 2 defies fictional nature with its 'Reverse Merman']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/14/runner-2-defies-fictional-nature-with-its-reverse-merman/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/14/runner-2-defies-fictional-nature-with-its-reverse-merman/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/14/runner-2-defies-fictional-nature-with-its-reverse-merman/#comments Runner 2 reverse mermanOf all the launch window games revealed for Wii U yesterday, only one has a guy with a fish body and human legs, running in flip flops and overly tight briefs, and that's Mass Effect 3 Runner 2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien.

JoystiqRunner 2 defies fictional nature with its 'Reverse Merman' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Sep 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftnintendopcplaystationps3runner-2wii-uxboxFri, 14 Sep 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Runner 2 revisits retro]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/03/runner-2-revisits-retro/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/03/runner-2-revisits-retro/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/03/runner-2-revisits-retro/#comments Runner 2 revisits retro
The first Bit.Trip Runner had a generally "retro" look, with bonus levels that imitated the Atari 2600's Pitfall. Runner 2 has its own pixelated levels, as revealed in this latest trailer and screens. It appears that Gaijin Games has shifted its reference point a few years into the future.

Continue reading Runner 2 revisits retro

JoystiqRunner 2 revisits retro originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Aug 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftnintendopcplaystationps3runner-2wii-uxboxFri, 03 Aug 2012 20:30:00 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[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[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