BIT.TRIP Presents: RUNNER 2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien is the next instalment of the popular BIT.TRIP series, which originally began as a humble WiiWare exclusive.
It will be the first game in the series to be fully HD and is due to be released before the end of the month for the Wii U eShop, as well as a multitude of other platforms. Back in November, before Wii U launched, developer Gaijin Games spoke to NES about how the new iteration came about.
When development first began, it appeared that the title would only be on its way to PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, as well as the PC. At the time Gaijin Games had no plans to make a Wii U version — however, upon seeing what it could do, they had a rethink.
Once we started seeing what the Wii U had to offer, being Nintendo developers, we started to get excited.
Since we’d self-published with Nintendo before with lilt line, we were confident that we could handle it with Runner2, and made the decision to go in that direction for the Wii U version.
The developer seems to be impressed with the Wii U system since working on it and says it's far easier to develop a game for Wii U than it ever was for Wii:
If there were anything to complain about, it would be that their online stuff still isn’t as robust as Sony or Microsoft’s, but it’s WAY better than the Wii, and in the end, easy enough to use once you get used to how they do things.
Also, at first, we had some load time issues that were really gnarly, but we’ve since figured out a workaround using our own internal engine. We like the Wii U at least as much as any other console we’ve developed for, and more than some.
Gaijin Games also recently wrote on its blog that the Wii U version would offer the best loading times:
The clear difference with the Wii U version is that you can play the entire game on either your GamePad or your TV. Also, because it is the newest platform with the most memory, it has the best overall load times of any of the consoles. Initial loading may be a bit slower, but it speeds up as you play since we can keep more content in memory, which means fewer loads overall.
Many indie developers have mentioned the ease of making games for Wii U compared to how it was on Wii. It appears Nintendo really took on board the developers' concerns and made some large improvements with Wii U. However, judging from what Gaijin Games has said, there are still some creases that need ironing out.
Gaijin Games has stated that it hopes to release the game on or around 26th February.
Will you be downloading this one from the Wii U eShop? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
[source runner2.com, via notenoughshaders.com]
Comments 22
I can't wait til this releases. I couldn't imagine a new Nintendo platform without some iteration of Bit.Trip
The water tower immediately made me think of Animaniacs.
Good to see some people who aren't dissing the Wii U for no reason.
This game looks really interesting and I will definitely be downloading it.
lilt line was actually a pretty fun game. Can't wait for RUNNER 2
I'm glad enough that Bit.Trip didn't leave its roots behind.
Best series of downloadable games that I played on Wii.
Runner 2 is gonna be a blast!
This is one of the two eshop games I'm pumped up for, Bit.Trip Runner 2 and Toki Tori...
"It will be the first game in the series to be fully HD"
..No, it will be the fifth, following the PC releases of Beat, Runner, Void and Core.
@MagicEmperor "The water tower immediately made me think of Animaniacs."
It made me think of the Dead Kennedys.
@Burning_Spear...I was literally just listening to DK's Viva Las Vegas before I saw your comment!
@MERG Eerie. I've had Shawn Colvin's version of Viva Las Vegas in my head since I woke up this morning.
@Burning_Spear Now that is just plain weird!
thumbs up
I'll be getting Runner 2, but I'm a little off put by the pickle and hamburger guys.
Food is for eating.
Can't wait! First one was good fun! Any word on a price yet?
It appears to be showing a release date of the 26th in the eshop finally....that's a good sign.
Seriously? Did they not think Runner 2 would sell best with Nintendo fans at the time, considering Runner was only on Wii U. And still to this day, Runner is not on Xbox or PS3
"The clear difference with the Wii U version is that you can play the entire game on either your GamePad or your TV."
Well, I know what version I'm getting.
@accc 720p isn't full HD.
Ah.. what a luck, i could never live without BIT.TRIP.
Another great game to keep an eye on for the Wii U. We need to support Nintendo by buying quality games like the one above.
Tap here to load 22 comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...