Join Commander Video as he experiences his life from an 8-bit perspective. As a rhythm-based series that began on WiiWare, BIT.TRIP Complete pays homage to many iconic games from yesteryear. Gamers old enough to remember the Atari 2600 and games like Pitfall will instantly recognize some of the similarities in mini games like Runner.
BIT.TRIP Complete includes all six games from the series – Beat, Core, Void, Runner, Fate, and Flux. Each game is a test of hand-eye coordination, memorization, and the player’s ability to rack up a high score. The concept is simple and refreshing.
Core is an interesting concept. The playfield has a circle on each side of the screen with one in the middle. Little dots swarm the play field from all sides in various patterns and at different speeds. To eliminate the dots, you must press the directional pad in the desired direction (up, down, left or right) and press the 2 button on the Wiimote to create a laser barrier. It sounds simple in theory, but it requires precise timing.
Void is the only game in the collection that requires the Nunchuck controller. As a black ball, your objective is to collect black dots to increase your size. While doing this, you must dodge white dots in the process. If the white dots collide with your ball, it will return to its original size. Void can be very challenging. especially as you weave through the various patterns as your ball grows in size.
Runner happens to be the most addictive game in the collection. The player must guide Commander Video through a series of side-scrolling levels that include various obstacles. The game begins at a slow pace, but it quickly speeds up as you collect gold bars and race toward the finish line. As you progress through the levels, certain elements are introduced — like sliding under large rocks with worm-like creatures and crystal rocks that need to be kicked. Eventually, every obstacle encountered from each level is added, increasing the difficulty.
After collecting the number of gold bars required for a level, you are sent to a bonus stage that resembles the Atari 2600 classic, Pitfall. The green jungle background and water pits are unmistakable.
Fate is one of the stranger games in the collection, and for good reason. Commander Video rides on a line that follows a linear path. Using the Wiimote, you must aim a pair of crosshairs and press the A button to fire at incoming enemies. Transparent boxes also need to be destroyed because they block your path. Failure to kill an enemy will result in damaging Commander Video, and missing one too many enemies will result in the game ending. Fate is a departure from the other games in the collection, but it happens to be the most original.
Beat/Flux are both similar to Pong. Instead of two sticks batting a ball back and forth, the object is to control a Pong-style stick and block various objects from leaving the playfield. Every time an object is repelled, a different tone is played. The game speeds up as different pattens flood the screen. Beautiful colors and patterns dance in the background as you try to concentrate on the gameplay.
There are two meters that monitor your progress. The more balls you hit, the Mega meter at the top of the screen increases. If this meter maxes out, the pace increases and the balls become harder to manage. If too many balls are missed, the Nether meter at the bottom of the screen fills. Once this meter reaches capacity, it sends you into a monochrome world that resembles the classic game Pong. To enhance the experience, simple sound effects play through the Wiimote’s speaker.
BIT.TRIP Complete is a collection of simple, challenging games. The graphics may not impress some gamers, but BIT.TRIP Complete is about gameplay, not modern-day flash. It replicates the simple fun that early games had during the heyday of gaming. While BIT.TRIP Complete may be a flashback to an era gone but not forgotten, it will introduce a new generation to a time when gaming was more about gameplay than graphics. With a limited soundtrack CD packed in with the game, BIT.TRIP Complete for Wii is worth the investment, even if you purchased the games separately on Wiiware.
Mike Pittaro
Platform: Nintendo Wii
Developer: Gaijin Games
Publisher: Aksys Games
ESRB: E (Everyone)
Price: $39.99
| Review Score | |
|---|---|
| Graphics |   |
| While they're fairly basic in design, the graphics compliment the experience. | |
| Sound | |
| The music is funky and fresh. | |
| Gameplay | |
| The mini games are simple, fun, and downright addictive. | |
| Overall | |
|---|---|
| Even if you own the games individually, BIT.TRIP Complete is a must-have for any gamer. | |
