Bit.Trip Presents...Runner2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien

 PlayStation 3
Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Gaming Age
    Mar 21, 2013
    100
    In most other circumstances, I might be put off by the game's extreme difficulty, since I usually gravitate towards games that require the least amount of sustained effort…yet in this case, every death just spurred me to try again so that I might get a tiny bit further. Likewise, I'm not usually a fan of endless running games…yet, again, Runner 2 is a clear exception, with so much extra added in that it seems like comparing it to Canabalt or Temple Run does it a huge disservice.
  2. Thunderbolt
    Jul 20, 2013
    90
    Nearly everything it sets out to do it does remarkably well, and in many ways, Runner2 feels like the pinnacle of the fledgling genre its predecessor helped create.
  3. PlayStation LifeStyle
    Mar 19, 2013
    90
    A fantastic debut for Gaijin Games on PSN. Its deep and engaging gameplay presents more than enough of a challenge for seasoned Bit.Trippers while also opening its arms to new players curious to try it out.
  5. Digital Chumps
    Mar 14, 2013
    90
    Bit.Trip Presents...Runner2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien is the best of several worlds. It's a both a Platformer that prefers pure reaction over trial and error memorization and a Runner reaching for complexity beyond a simple endless marathon.
  6. IGN
    Feb 25, 2013
    90
    It's one of the finest music games ever made.
  7. PlayStation Universe
    Apr 4, 2013
    80
    The indie talent at Gaijin Games brings a lot to the table with Bit.Trip Runner 2, but an otherwise excellent package is bogged down by somewhat nauseating action and gameplay equal parts terrific and tiring.
  8. Hardcore Gamer
    Mar 14, 2013
    80
    If you stick with the original runner or his female counterpart, don’t mind a bit of iffy 70s-throwback art, and can forgive the repetitious level backgrounds, the actual running/jumping/sliding gameplay rapidly gets under the skin, demanding more and better play.
  9. Push Square
    Mar 14, 2013
    80
    BIT.TRIP Presents: Runner 2 - Future Legend of Rhythm Alien is a game packed with many highs and few lows. While downloadable titles are renowned for their limited staying power, we can see ourselves sprinting back to this one for more. Yes, it can be frustrating at times, but it’s been a long while since we’ve felt a true sense of accomplishment for getting things right.
  10. Gameplanet
    Apr 5, 2013
    70
    The synergy between audio and visual in Bit. Trip Presents Runner 2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien greatly redeems a game that can become as tedious as its title.

Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Best PS3 Game of 2013

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 34 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 34
  3. Negative: 3 out of 34
  1. ricklongo
    Mar 24, 2014
    8
    This a finely-crafted, rhythm-based, endless-running platformer. It's also, as a whole, a surprising game that proves to be much more than anyThis a finely-crafted, rhythm-based, endless-running platformer. It's also, as a whole, a surprising game that proves to be much more than any random gameplay screenshot would give it credit for.

    The most immediately striking feature about Runner 2 is its presentation. Simply put, it's impeccable, full of silly humor and narration to get you in the mood even before pressing start. Graphics are brightly colored and inviting. The gameplay is incredibly deep for an endless runner, featuring multiple characters to unlock, alternate paths, collectibles, and backtracking, along with some pretty tricky sections (especially on higher difficulty levels). All of this makes it a very addictive ordeal that is mostly a joy to play through.

    One of the collectibles is particularly brilliant: some stages hide Famicom cartridges, and upon touching them you'll be taken to an 8-bit style bonus level that follows the same basic gameplay layout. They are tricky to complete, often tricky to find, and very fun.

    The game does hiccup in a few particular areas. Each of the four worlds are very different in tone from one another, but the background never varies among stages of the same world. Worse: the music is the same throughout the entire game, a capital sin for a title based on rhythm. Whether you're running on a sunny seaside track, a creepy forest, or a fiery hellhole, you'll be listening to the same generic beat. This is a huge missed opportunity, made all the more frustrating by the fact that this is a game otherwise brimming with attention to detail.

    Don't let that deter you, though, because when Runner 2 gets something right, it gets it really right. It will keep a smile on your face as you meet new enemies, learn new moves, and beat stages that get harder and harder. It's a fun and rewarding experience that deserves to be in most Wii U collections.

    Rating: 8.0    … Full Review »
  2. TheQuietGamer
    Dec 14, 2013
    7
    A surprisingly complex game that packs a nice challenge and is unlike anything else that I have ever played. The game is labeled as a rhythmA surprisingly complex game that packs a nice challenge and is unlike anything else that I have ever played. The game is labeled as a rhythm game, but that is not how I would describe it. To me it's a mix between an infinite-runner and a 2D platformer. I can see why they would call it a rhythm game, because everything you do in the game from jumping to collecting items makes a sound that adds to the music playing in the background.

    The presentation is probably one of the best things about this game. The soundtrack is fantastic even when you're not adding to the music, and the graphics are lush and charming as is the setting and story. To be honest it reminded me of a LittleBigPlanet game and that's a good thing.

    Gameplay also fairs well thanks to a fair challenge and a nice amount of content. The game starts off simple enough but as you progress new challenges and abilities are added things get hectic quick. I died a lot in this game and outside of a few rare cases I never found myself getting irritated with game thanks to unlimited lives and good checkpoint placement. I do feel that the jump can be a little awkward at times thanks to how the main character baby hops throughout the game, but for the most part everything works fine and the controls are mostly responsive.

    Overall I really enjoyed the game, but I was never really blown away by it. Level design is tight and with such a large amount of content in the form of secret levels and unlockables it's hard to find a fault with this game. It just never really wowed me was all. Still there is a lot of content in this game and it can be a lot of fun. It will even keep you coming back in order to get that high-score. In closing I found it to be a very enjoyable game and I find it easy to recommend.    … Full Review »
  3. cricketlenny
    Aug 21, 2013
    9
    This game is odd to say the least. A game that starts off deceptively simple, and then continuously ramps up the skills you have and theThis game is odd to say the least. A game that starts off deceptively simple, and then continuously ramps up the skills you have and the technical difficulty of each level. You start of just being able to jump, but then you get more advanced abilities like gliding, shielding, sliding, spring jumps, dancing(yes, dancing), attacks, etc. Not only that, but the only way to unlock additional content in the game is to take alternate or more difficult paths. The arcade style point based level structure of this game give it quite a bit of lasting appeal, as you have to play the levels multiple times to get more, and to get it right. The points in the levels give an extra incentive to play more, climb the leaderboards and challenge your friends. The addition of costumes and bonus hidden retro levels make it an even larger game. The only thing holding this game back from me giving it a 10 is that the levels can at times seems repetitive, but only at times, since the expanding powers, abilities and tools available keep it for the most part fresh. I wont go into descriptions on the visuals, because honestly, its a sight to see and almost impossible to describe accurately. Very addicting, highly recommended.… Full Review »
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