Also available on 3DS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, OSX, and Windows Bit.Trip Fate followed Runner's example of having more detailed environments and models than the first three games in the series. This time, the game is a sort of side scrolling on rails shooter; Commander Video can move back and forth along a line that often zigzags up and down like an EKG, but he can only move along that line as the screen steadily scrolls to the right. I've not played many shooters quite like it, and while it gets pretty tough, it's ridiculously fun. Whereas most of the Bit.Trip games (save Runner) took place over three giant levels, Fate is broken into three environments with two levels in each. The first level's no problem. The second level isn't too bad. The third level is where the difficulty starts to increase. By the fourth level, the level itself isn't insurmountable, but the boss is no walk in the park. The last two levels, however, get brutal. It's not unfair, mind you, but the game's not pulling any punches by the time you get to the last environment. Music stays central to the game, but like Void, it takes a back seat to the timing of the gameplay here. Fate has all the intensity and tension of a standard shmup, but the limited range of movement adds a new element that changes how you have to play. It's a fantastic take on the series, and when coupled with the distinct "Bit.Trip" visual and musical style, it's an experience I haven't seen truly or well replicated in any other game. Bit.Trip Fate doesn't manage surpass Runner's greatness and addictive nature, but it's an excellent game nonetheless and is second only to Runner in the Bit.Trip series. It's extremely challenging in the latter levels of the game, but it's totally worth it. The visuals and music are superb, and the Wii controls work perfectly. Like with Runner, Fate is an absolute must-play. My Rating - A |
I'm a teacher.And I like to play video games. I like to collect video games. I like to talk about video games, and I like to write about video games. During the day, I teach high school history; during the night, I spend my spare time gaming. Then I write about it. Archives
March 2024
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