Runner3 | Switch Review
Runner3 was my first experience with this popular Bit.Trip Runner indie series from Choice Provisions (formerly Gaijin Games). It’s a game of which I’ve been aware, but had no clue about the mechanics or even the appeal. Within ten minutes of playing the third game in the series, I wondered what took me so long to dive into the world of Commander Video. Although I have some minor issues with the difficulty ramp in this title, I found the concept brilliantly satisfying.
For those, like me, who are new to this genre, Runner3 is (you guessed it) a runner. Commander Video moves from left to right automatically without the player pushing him forward. Your job is to navigate our hero to end of the level by jumping, double jumping, sliding, kicking, and bouncing to the goal. While this may sound very simple, it’s anything but. Each level is roughly three to four minutes long with only one checkpoint along the way. On top of that, this is a one-hit-kill situation, so a mistake can cause you to start from the beginning of the stage again.
The cleverness of these mechanics is in its equal parts memorization and reaction. Every mistake is a learning opportunity for your next attempt. When you reach that area again, you know it’s coming, but you have to react in the appropriate manner. At its heart, Runner3 is a rhythm game. You’ll find yourself getting into the groove as different combination of techniques make the platforming more complex. This is definitely a game that makes you pump your fist in the air when crossing the finish line.
As mentioned above, this game is not easy, despite the cartoony aesthetic. The first couple of levels are easy as you’re introduced to the basic jumping mechanics. The remainder of the levels in the first world each give a new ability to Commander Video. Instead of merely jumping over pits, you may have to kick through barriers, slide under obstacles, or bounce off of springboards to avoid death. The problem is that the difficulty spikes very early on, so new players to the series may find themselves easily frustrated. Games like this appeal to a broader audience when they give fresh blood easy victories early, and slowly ramp up the difficulty. I fear many will miss the incredible experience simply because there won’t be enough satisfaction for them out the gate.
For the hardcore platforming fans out there, however, there is a ridiculous amount of content in Runner3. Each level has 100 gold bars to collect along the way. Grabbing all of them opens an opportunity for a “perfect” run, which is a completionist’s paradise. On top of that, collecting enough gold bars will unlock challenge levels, and they definitely deserve that title. There’s even alternate paths for each level to add increased difficulty to a game already chockfull of to-do lists.
Let’s not forget about the music aspect of this game. Full disclosure: Grant Henry (who provides all of the music on our podcast) has multiple original tracks present in the retro levels of Runner3. With that said, all of the artists have provided a perfectly whimsical soundtrack that will stick in your head without being overbearing. Part of the brilliance of this game is how every jump, every collectible grab, every slide, kick, and bounce are all perfectly timed with the beats of the music. Fans of rhythm games should be right at home with just how satisfying this feels.
Runner3 Final Verdict
Proceed with caution when deciding to pick up Runner3. The developers have put together a tight platformer that sets the standard for this type of game. But don’t let the cutesy look of this fool you. This is a brutally difficult game that requires a high amount of patience. If you’re not easily frustrated, however, this is an easy recommend. The game is truly something special for those up to the challenge.
If you’d like to hear me talk about this game on our podcast, be sure to check out Episode 198, which is available on iTunes, Google Play Music, and Spotify.
This review is based off of a Nintendo Switch review copy provided by Stemage and Choice Provisions for coverage purposes.
Runner3
$29.99
Pros
- Vibrant Art Style
- Catchy Music
- Satisfying Core Gameplay
Cons
- Steep Difficulty Curve
