As you collect more multiplier power-ups, the music intensifies. After hitting the “Extra” level, a rainbow streams from Commander Video.

Back in 2010, Bit.Trip Runner delighted the very narrow WiiWare fanbase with its fast-paced rhythm-platformer antics. Subsequent releases on Steam — as well as Bit.Trip retail collections on Wii and 3DS — widened the audience, growing the number of fans who were treated to one of the most intense 2D experiences ever: as the constantly-moving Commander Video, the original’s quest required split-second reaction time without a single moment of rest. With the series now finally hitting HD platforms in the form of Runner2: Future Legend Of Rhythm Alien, we couldn’t wait to try it out on XBLA.

If you’ve played Bit.Trip Runner, you’ll be delighted to know that this sequel’s gameplay doesn’t stray far from the original’s mark. You’re still in control of a constantly-moving character who you must assist in leaping over, sliding under, kicking down, and shielding from any obstacles (while collecting gold pieces and special items) as he dashes from starting point to final destination. But a few gameplay tweaks have also been implemented to help broaden the game’s appeal to those who felt the first game was either too difficult or — dare we say it — too easy.

In the world of Runner2, you can’t even stop for red street signs.

For the former group, a difficulty-selection option allows you to lessen the amount of obstacles on a stage while a new checkpoint system now makes death less punishing. However, masochists needn’t fret as checkpoints can be waived for a higher score (though any hit will send you all the way back to the starting line), while a new “dance” button will force Commander Video to bust an unstoppable move. Hitting as many dance moves as possible is key to racking up the leaderboard’s highest scores, but timing is of the essence — if you’re performing a jig as a pit approaches, you won’t be able to interrupt the move to make your jump.

Just as the original Bit.Trip Runner included a Pitfall-inspired bonus stage, Runner2 will also pay homage to the past, outside of the standard levels. If you manage to collect every single gold bar in a level, you’ll be treated to a level presented in 8-bit style graphics.

Visuals have also undergone a makeover; while Bit.Trip Runner (and the series as a whole), sported an Atari-esque, pre–8-bit motif, Runner2 makes use of a cartoon-y, almost Claymation-inspired graphical overlay (though retro fans, peep our sidebar above). If there’s one area that worries us, it’s that this new look makes it slightly more difficult to spot obstacles than the more distinct pixel-based design. However, given the fact that we spent hours with the original compared to brief minutes with Runner2, we’re eager for more chances to tackle this sequel’s learning curve.

PUBLISHER: Gaijin Games • DEVELOPER: Gaijin Games • MULTIPLAYER: No • RELEASE DATE: Early 2013 • FOR FANS OF: Bit.Trip.Runner, intense platforming, high-risk dancing