Raging Rainbow: Bit.Trip Runner 2 Out Now
The original Bit.Trip Runner was a very mean game. In fact, it managed to be downright merciless in places, causing me to angrily fling clumpy tangles of hair at my monitor (aka, the wild Nathan's natural defense/temper tantrum mechanism). But it sure sounded nice. Earning those chirpy grooves kept me plunging ever onward, until the inevitable end. Just kidding. It got too hard and I gave up. But in hindsight, I really wish I hadn't. So I intend to rectify that mistake by testing the fleshliest parts of my skull against the inevitable brick wall that is Bit.Trip Presents... Runner2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien. Based on appearances (and, er, that name), I'm expecting levels of whimsy that top even the original's rainbow-emblazoned sprint. I should probably dye my rage hair in preparation.
Runner2's available right this very second, so run (don't walk, etc) and pick it up on Steam. This one features over 100 levels, five boss battles, and heaps of secret areas. Also, it looks positively gorgeous - like some kind of roving Crayola space deity vomited on a Sonic The Hedgehog game. Here's the basic idea behind it:
"In the style of the BIT.TRIP series, Runner2 is a rhythm-music platforming game. Players will run through fantastic environments, using brand new moves, to brand new soundtracks as they run, jump, slide, kick, and soar toward the goal of tracking down the Timbletot and thwarting his evil plans to destroy not only our world, but every world there is."
I plan to download it, and then play it, and then break whatever timeless family heirlooms I can get my hands on, as is my way. It should be a pleasant time. Et tu, Brute (and other readers not named that or some variation on it)?