Runner3

Runner3 is a thoroughly enjoyable return to form for Commander Video and friends, both as an advancement of the long-running indie series and its debut on Switch. Some minor, frustrating setbacks hold it back from greatness, but the rhythmic platforming the series is known for is present and as dynamic as ever.

I feel kind of bad criticizing a game for being too inventive and embracing its vision a little too much — but that’s exactly what I’m going to do here. I’m not going to begrudge Runner3 for going all in on the things that have made the franchise so enjoyable in the first place…but, at the same time, there’s a fine line between just enough and way too much, and Runner3 definitely crosses it.

A disappointing sequel - the new emphasis on repetition simply leads to frustration. [July 2018, p.68]

Quotation forthcoming.

The new dynamic camera, combined with more visually interesting environments, makes for some memorable locales, which are bolstered by the distinct level design. The new move-set abilities provide some freshness, and there's plenty of optional content to test your skills. It's a shame that said optional content is usually tedious to deal with, and as nice as the dynamic camera is, it can also sometimes lead to a few cheap deaths. Despite that, Runner3 is an addictive (albeit short) experience that platforming fans should look into, if they are up for the challenge.

Runner3 is a fun – if flawed – continuation of the Bit.Trip Runner series. While its stages are beautiful and the whimsical nature of it all is charming, the heavy difficulty spikes make you really work for any sense of enjoyment.

The pithy humor and charming visuals are a delight, and if you adored being beaten into submission by games like Cuphead then this is definitely worth your time. Runner 3 is available in the Nintendo Switch eShop now.

Runner3 is an excellent runner game, a good music-rhythm platformer, and a great challenge for those who dare to take it. It has an odd charm that you either love or hate, but if it resonates with you, it'll blow you away in a hurricane of music, sweat, and endless retries.

Runner3 is reminiscent of the hard as nails games of old, and wants you to play the game over, but it will cause you to lose your temper.

The simple but challenging gameplay is just as strong as it was in its predecessors, but a few new features are just wrong. The camera is too much, the framerate is unstable and that makes Runner3 a lot less amazing than it could have been.

Runner3 will tell you the truth about your gaming skills. Despite its look that could make you think its a game made for kids, you will need all your reflexes and you will have to be hundred percent focused if you want to have a slight chance of getting to the goal.

Choice Provisions has done something special with Runner3; it’s a game that might make you want to scream internally over and over again, but at the same time, will make you smile from ear to ear while jamming out when you finally overcome those pesky obstacles.

A deeply disappointing sequel that devolves from a perfectly judged mix of rhythm action and platforming to an unfairly difficult slog that’s not nearly as clever as it thinks it is.

Despite having a solid conceptual base and a (mostly) correct approach to the presented novelties, the game lacks originality due to the continuous repetition of actions.

Runner3 is challenging and fun, with an amazing control and ideal no matter how long you want to play it for.

Don't be fooled by its mask of whimsy, Runner3 is a brutally difficult game that pushes its simplistic mechanics to their breaking point. While a little rough around the edges, it's a title deserving of commendation for standing at the front of the pack in a world saturated with games of its kind.

The greatest compliment to be paid to a game like Runner 3 is that after feeling the urge to toss a controller, it's hard to think of anything else except trying again. Runner 3’s greatest strength is in rewarding that perseverance.

Runner3 builds upon its predecessors, and what it ends up delivering is a polished game that asks for precise maneuvers from its players. With a catchy soundtrack driven home by your every move, and vibrant visuals, fans of the series and genre will find a lot to love.

Although it is not adequately reinforced by a stylish design, Runner 3 is an experience that every fan of the arcade spirit must treasure.

Runner3 is overall an uneven experience. For every great feature or moment, there’s always something weighing it down not far off. Its soundtrack is fantastic but sadly the visuals disappoint. The game is tough but sometimes unfairly so. The worlds are overflowing with craziness but there are only three to explore in all. Runner3 is a fun sequel sure but it is one that’s annoyances stop it reaching the dizzying heights of its predecessor.

Ultimately, if the difficulty doesn’t bother you, there’s a lot of fun to be had with Runner3. The levels are zany, while their designs are compelling. There are a ton of collectibles to find and characters to unlock. Unfortunately, not everyone will feel the difficulty warranted or appreciate it equally. For me, it felt like the game did not respect my time.

The mechanics from Runner2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien have been integrated into each level in creative and cohesive ways, but the gameplay is significantly more difficult.

Runner3 is wonderfully creative and funny, relying on a style of play that belies the challenge at its heart. A few moments of unbalanced control or obstacle design can frustrate, but this will pass when Commander Video finally nails a sequence of movements and makes you feel like a fast-fingered expert.

Even though it's the third game in the series, Runner3 is full of a surprising amount of variety and challenges to master. Just make sure you have plenty of patience before lacing up your sneakers; you're going to need it.

Runner 3 is a fun, challenging experience with a weird, charming aesthetic brought down by out-of-date graphics. Playing the same level dozens of times wears thin, but its difficulty never feels unfair.

I wanted to love Runner3, but it’s too frustrating of an experience to ascend to any higher commendation. I’m confused as to how the response to the eminently accessible Runner2 was to make its sequel bitterly hard with no recourse. My enjoyment was consistently interrupted by too much frustrating repetition, an aspect that soiled my affection for the overall style and excellent character selection (Dave, Shovel Knight, Charles Martinet, and Eddie Riggs!).

The challenge is real without seeming too difficult, never making me feel helpless. The world of Runner3 is beautiful to behold as it bursts forth with color and life. Even though the core game can get monotonous at times, Runner3 is yet another terrific indie game that deserves everyone’s attention.

It’s as fast-paced as it is addictive as it is difficult, and the game is only enhanced by the stunning level designs and visuals throughout. The puns, alliteration and jokes scattered throughout really add to the narrative and style of the game.