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[Naked Snake]

My first OT, so I'm probably doing it wrong. But since nobody seems to care about the release, nobody will care about the OP either.


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US release date September 13
Developer: Gaijin Games
Publisher: Aksys Games
MSRP: $39.99

BIT.TRIP SAGA and BIT.TRIP COMPLETE are compilations of the six games of the BIT.TRIP series originally developed as WiiWare and for play on various mobile platforms. A unique blend of classic 8-bit Arcade style graphics, and modern gaming elements, the compilations allow for a complete experience of this popular series acclaimed for its merging of the best of classic and modern gaming. Compilation features include: addictive Rhythm-based gameplay, chiptune-inspired soundtracks, a variety of gameplay mechanics, in-game guests and more.

Extra Features in Wii version:

All 6 BIT.TRIP games with new difficulty levels
120 new galactically difficult BIT.TRIP challenges!
Chill to remixes and rare demos in the audio gallery
Image and video galleries with exclusive, new content!
Online Leaderboards!

3DS version features:

Improved graphics making use of the hardware's pixel shader capabilities
Stylus control
Some re-worked art assets, effects, alternate color schemes and new visual details.
No multiplayer

The BIT.TRIP Saga Goes 3D on Nintendo 3DS

Originally developed as WiiWare and as individual downloadable games for Apple phones and mobile systems, the BIT.TRIP game series is now available from start to finish via Nintendo 3DS in BIT.TRIP SAGA. Anchored by the actions, adventures and escalating revelations of the personage of the of series hero, CommanderVideo, the six games of BIT.TRIP SAGA feature rhythm-based gameplay that blends classic Arcade style graphics with modern game elements and design. Each game in the series although brief features challenging gameplay and utilize differing classic Arcade gameplay mechanics and chiptune-inspired synthesizer soundtracks integrated into gameplay that make for unique and addictive gameplay that is destined to be a gamer's delight on the Nintendo 3DS.

The Games


BIT.TRIP BEAT

Pong meets Rez in BIT.TRIP BEAT.

Pong meets Rez in this nutty, Rhythm-based adventure that marks the beginning of the BIT.TRIP series hero CommanderVideo's epic journey of the soul.

Game Features

Ultra-precise Rhythm-based controls and crazy boss battles
A crazy chiptune-inspired soundtrack
Special chiptune guest star Bit Shifter
Classic gameplay with brain-melting visuals
Intriguing cut scenes that introduce you to CommanderVideo

BIT.TRIP CORE

Take aim in BIT.TRIP CORE.

BIT.TRIP CORE is the second installment in CommanderVideo's saga. The game again features Rhythm-based action, this time in which players control a ship know as the "core" positioned at the center of the screen and use its four-way laser to destroy geometric block patterns known as beats. Building score multipliers raises your game literally to new levels of ever addictive gameplay.

Game Features

Classic Arcade style controls and beautiful boss battles
A thumpin' chiptune-inspired soundtrack
Special chiptune guest Star Bubblyfish
Escalating mind-melting challenges
Revealing cut scenes

BIT.TRIP VOID

Expand the void in BIT.TRIP VOID.

BIT.TRIP VOID is a Rhythm-based game in which players take control of the on-sceen "void," a black pixelated circle, which grows as it absorbs black blocks that it encounters, and in turn is negatively affected by white areas.

Game Features

Mid-level checkpoints and epic boss battles
A rockin' chiptune-inspired soundtrack
Special chiptune guest star Nullsleep
Synaesthetic music/art/gameplay interaction
Hyper-realistic retro cut scenes

BIT.TRIP RUNNER

Rhythm-based action platforming in BIT.TRIP RUNNER.

Based in Platformer gameplay mechanics, BIT.TRIP RUNNER marks the first in-game appearance of CommanderVideo as he runs to the right, and players prompt him to jump, slide and kick through 50 game level filled with obstacles and bosses.

Game Features

Rhythm-based action platforming and classic Arcade-style controls
50+ challenges and boss battles against robotic terrors
A pounding Chiptune-inspired soundtrack
Special Chiptune guest star Anamanaguchi
Meet new in-game friends of CommanderVideo

BIT.TRIP FATE


Rail Shooter action in BIT.TRIP FATE.

Discover CommanderVideo's true face as you annihilate everything in your path in this strategic Rail-Shooter, filled with enemies, allies and special weapons.

Game Features

Collect power-ups to call on CommanderVideo's friends for powerful shot upgrades
A chiptune-inspired dubstep soundtrack helps bring the action to a whole new level
Video game worlds collide with appearances from Super Meat Boy and Mr. Robotube
Escalating mind-melting challenges
Chipmusic artist Minusbaby helps set the tone with a special guest appearance

BIT.TRIP FLUX


Mixed gameplay in BIT.TRIP FLUX.

CommanderVideo's final adventure, BIT.TRIP FLUX contains a blend of the Rhythm-based gameplay from the original game in the series as well as select elements found in the other previous games in the series.

Game Features

New power-ups including the full screen paddle
New beat types including 'Avoid Blobs'
Mid-level checkpoints
Classic BIT.TRIP BEAT gameplay now with all the modes including the new Meta Mode
Bit Shifter returns as the Chiptune guest star
----------------------------------------

Nintendo Life feature: BIT.TRIP SAGA vs. BIT.TRIP COMPLETE http://3ds.nintendolife.com/news/2011/09/feature_bittrip_saga_vs_bittrip_complete

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbsLYywS9RQ

Metacritic Reviews page (3DS): http://www.metacritic.com/game/3ds/bittrip-saga

Metacritic Reviews page (Wii): http://www.metacritic.com/game/wii/bittrip-complete

----------------------------------------

Update 2:

NintendoLife review of COMPLETE (9): http://wii.nintendolife.com/reviews/2011/09/bittrip_complete_wii

GameTrailers review of COMPLETE (8.5): http://www.gametrailers.com/video/review-pod-bit-trip-complete/720642

Destructoid Review of COMPLETE (10): http://www.destructoid.com/review-bit-trip-complete-211223.phtml

Of course, you get all six original Bit.Trip games in their entirety, but along with that comes a separate soundtrack disc that includes all eighteen main songs from the series. These tracks aren't just quick, thirty-second samples, either. They are special remixes of each song: loyal to the original compositions, but with a slightly condensed arrangement (to keep each song from being fifteen minutes long) with the occasional in-game sound effect added to make things feel legit. I'd be willing to pay at least $15 for this CD alone, so to have it thrown in for free feels almost too good to be true.

Then you have the bonus content present on the game disc. First up, each stage from each game now has its own online leaderboard. On top of that, each game now has three selectable difficulty levels with individual leaderboards to make 100 in total. No matter who you are, you might have a chance at making it to the top 20 on at least one of them... with practice.
[...]
There are eight additional songs, twelve videos, eighteen pieces of concept art, and six letters to fans explaining the symbolism behind the games.

All of those features are plenty nice, but the real stars of Bit.Trip Complete are the all-new challenges. Each game now features 20 new mini-levels, making for 120 new challenges in all. Each batch of 20 is about as long as one of the games' standard "worlds," which effectively means that about one-fourth of the level design on this compilation is new. Other companies would have made these challenges paid DLC, but with Bit.Trip Complete, you actually get to play the new stuff for free.

[...]

Final Verdict:10/10
Flawless Victory

EGM Review of COMPLETE (8.5): http://www.egmnow.com/articles/reviews/egm-review-bit-trip-complete/

Update 1:

Destructoid Review of Bit.Trip Saga (8.5): http://www.destructoid.com/review-bit-trip-saga-211132.phtml

Both a love letter to videogames, and a bold experiment in gameplay as storytelling, the Bit.Trip series is a truly unique, expertly crafted force in gaming today.

I'm hoping that more people will find out for themselves how amazing Bit.Trip is now that all the games in the series have been compiled for the 3DS and Wii at retail.

If you like Guitar Hero, Rhythm Heaven, and/or Parappa the Rapper, you need to try this series out. If you like any games from the Atari 2600 era, you need to play this series. If you like Vib Ribbon, Rez, Child of Eden, or Super Meat Boy, you need to play this series. If you like good videogames, you need to play this series.

Thankfully, the controls for each game in Bit.Trip SAGA are just as engrossing and intuitive as they were in their original WiiWare releseses. In fact, I imagine that some will even prefer the controls of some of the games here, particularly Bit.Trip BEAT, FATE, and FLUX. Using the stylus and the touch screen to control the action on the 3D top screen works just as well as the pointer and motion-based controls from the Wii games, while requiring more in the way of fine motor skills, and less physical dexterity among larger muscle groups. Thankfully, the stylus controls don't provide a clear advantage, and therefore don't diminish the challenge of either game. Before I forget, you can also use the analog nub to control BEAT and FLUX.

The other big new feature here is the graphics. Of course, the games are presented with glasses-free 3D, and it looks great.[...] Some of the backgrounds there could give Child of Eden a run for their money. They are totally mind blowing, especially in 3D.

In fact, there are tons of little changes like that to be found in all the games on Bit.Trip SAGA. All the titles here needed to be recreated from the ground up, and Gaijin Games took the opportunity to tweak the visuals here and there, while taking advantage of some of the consoles superior processes, such as the 3DSs capacity for per-pixel lighting.

These little changes can be found in every game. The fog effects in CORE are gone now, which allows you to get a much closer look at the game's intricate backgrounds (which again, look amazing in 3D). FATE has some new animations, and the majority of the enemies now have a glossy, new car sheen. VOID has some alternate color schemes and some new background graphics, FLUX appears to have brighter, more saturated colors, and tons of new little detials. The sky in the first stage of RUNNER is now more blue than purple. The list of changes, both big and small, goes on and on. Some of these changes are clear improvements, some of them are just differences, but they are all worth checking out for true Bit.Trip fanatics.

Sadly, it's not all good news for SAGA. The multi-player options are completely gone, which is a major blow. Only five out of the original six games had multi-player in the first place, so those of you buying this game just for RUNNER probably won't notice, but as someone who's hooked many a skeptic into the Bit.Trip series by tempting them with some four player BEAT sessions or two player CORE and VOID run throughs, the loss of multi-player is major.

-----------------------------------------

I only played a little of the first three games on Wii, and while I really liked them, not being much of console gamer I couldn't put any time into them (and I found them HARD)... Knowing they were coming to 3DS was music to my ears. Finally I could (hopefully) dedicate some time to play them, and the prospect of 3D graphics with these games' visual style was drool-worthy.

I've had the game pre-ordered for months and it's the only game I'm buying this fall in fact.

Lack of hype saddens me.

Lack of reviews worries me.

Lack of tilt controls in 3DS version confuses me.

Are either of these releases on your radar at all? Which one will you be picking up?

 

[Glix]

Lack of playing the game (whoever wrote the above copy) worries me.

You move your character left and right in BTRunner? Somebody should be FIRED! PR morons.

And yes, I'm day one on the 3DS version. For Runner, all for Runner, one of the most amazing games ever.

 

[Naked Snake]

Haha, I shamelessly copied the content from Amazon's product page. If you point out any other errors I'll fix them.

 

[Brazil]

I'll pick both up... Eventually. Probably the Wii version first.

 

[Nuclear Muffin]

Getting 3DS version first. May pick up Wii version later (already own half of the Bit Trip games on Wii Ware)

 

[Erekiddo]

I'm tempted to bite, but I see this discounting heavily within a short period of time. I would have went for $30, but not for $40. :\

How are the re-playability of these games?

 

[Glix]

Haha, I shamelessly copied the content from Amazon's product page. If you point out any other errors I'll fix them.

Haha, yeah, I wasn't calling you out, it was pretty obvious that you copy/pasted some PR from somewhere.

It just bothered me. Its like the whole point of the game that you CANT move left. SMH

Best game/music experience EVER!

 

[jlevel13]

It's hard to get hyped about a re-release of games I already own - and that I'm not interested in playing on the tiny screen of the 3DS. That said, these are mostly really good games, and bit.trip.runner is truly great, so if for some weird reason you haven't played these before, it's cool (not interested enough to double did for the extra stuff on Wii).

 

[JacksUsername]

Want to try and pick up both. Got a 15 dollar coupon at K-Mart for buying Star Fox, so I'll know I'll be picking up one for sure. Only played Bit.Trip.Beat at my friend's house, never any of the others. Tempted to get the Wii one first due to bonus content, but I'd love to have the games portable more so.

 

[AbsoluteZero]

A teensy bit bummed that I bought 4 of the 6 games already via Wiiware, but in the end I don't mind supporting Gaijin games, so I'll end up buying the 3DS and Wii versions anyway.

 

[OMG Aero]

I'd be hyped for it if it had an EU release date, but at least the official twitter account says it is coming to the EU.

 

[Ushojax]

Annoying that the extra content is only in the Wii version. Why couldn't they put that stuff in the 3DS version?

 

[The Technomancer]

One of like three total Wii purchases I'm making this year.

 

[electroplankton]

No PAL date yet?

 

[M-PG71C]

I only bought the first one, so I'll get the 3DS version for the 3D effects. It'll be a later purchase though, I'm kind of tapped out for the month.

 

[JustAnotherOtaku]

Was the 3DS version ever confirmed for a UK release? Not sure whether to buy the US Wii version now or wait for it to come to 3DS here. Either way, I want this.

 

[Platy]

Will get the Wii version as soon as possible ! =D
The 3ds too ... but i don't even have a 3ds yet ... so .. this one is more complicated =P

I have all the games on wiiware ... but could not finished half of it.
Is it wrong that one of the things that i'm more interest in this is the new levels ?

 

[Fantastical]

I need some impressions before buying the 3DS version. I only played the demo of the first game and loved it.

EDIT: Actually, after looking at that NintendoLife article, I might bite on the Wii version.

 

[Clunker]

I'll pick up the 3DS version definitely, though not sure if it'll be at launch or wait to maybe see if it goes on sale in a month or two. I only ever played the first two games, so this seemed like an awesome way to grab the rest. Plus portability will add a ton to my replay factor.

 

[Nuclear Muffin]

Was the 3DS version ever confirmed for a UK release? Not sure whether to buy the US Wii version now or wait for it to come to 3DS here. Either way, I want this.

You're in the same situation as me. I just can't be arsed to import it right now.

 

[DarkWish]

Definitely getting the 3DS version... I played only Beat and Runner before. Beat was interesting, but it was Runner I really enjoyed. Can't wait to play them all in 3D! I never bought any of them on WiiWare because I play handhelds a lot more so it's great to have this in portable form (not even talking about the iOS Bit.Trip stuff, hated the controls on that).

 

[n8]

I think I'll pick up the 3DS one.

Also still waiting for the rest to release on PC. What's the hold up on the PC side anyways?

 

[Amagon]

I have a funny feeling that these games (especially the 3DS) might be rare later down the road. I'm down to pick up both versions though!

 

[nincompoop]

I have them all on Wiiware so I'm not sure if I want either version at this point... the 3DS version would be nice to have for portability, but it's missing the extras of the Wii version... but those extras aren't worth buying the Wii version for by itself when I already have all of them on the Wii. They really should have done a better job of giving players who already own the games a reason to buy this.

 

[chickdigger802]

curious about price for 3ds version.

$30 would be a good place.

 

[Nocturnowl]

I'd be hyped for it if it had an EU release date, but at least the official twitter account says it is coming to the EU.

Entered the topic looking for EU news, was not disappointed.
There may be no date but I expected nothing at all for some reason. I've only ever played the demo for fate and beat, they didn't impress enough for me to buy them separately but the whole lot in a package like this is very tempting.

 

[d0c_zaius]

my eyes are ready!

 

[inthegray]

gonna self-link here to some posts aksys sponsored on our site, but i thought you guys might be interested in these two bits:

1. We're giving away two sets of Bit.Trip Saga/Complete to the winners of a our Bit.Trip fanart contest ending this week
2. Gaijin Games produced a Challenge video for us demonstrating one of the 120 new challenges in Bit.Trip Complete. We also shared some info on a challenge for each of the six games.

anyway, really looking forward to getting some anamanaguchi on my 3DS!

 

[Why would you do that?]

Ugh, was planning on getting the 3DS version first, but the Wii version's extras and soundtrack... I don't know. I'd love to try the challenges and harder difficulty level for the Wii version of Core, since that was the Bit.Trip game I've played the most.

I'll probably get the 3DS version first, because it'll be a treat to play the Wii version's extras in the future. Plus, better controls for Beat/Flux.

curious about price for 3ds version.

$30 would be a good place.

Based on the prices on Amazon, they're both $40. I think it's a fair price, considering each game individually was $8. So that's like saving $8 right there.

 

[Naked Snake]

hmm, my thumb strap from DS phat might be finally be put to good use in this game (hate using stylus, although NintedoLife says it works very well).

 

[nincompoop]

Ugh, was planning on getting the 3DS version first, but the Wii version's extras and soundtrack... I don't know. I'd love to try the challenges and harder difficulty level for the Wii version of Core, since that was the Bit.Trip game I've played the most.

I'll probably get the 3DS version first, because it'll be a treat to play the Wii version's extras in the future. Plus, better controls for Beat/Flux.



Based on the prices on Amazon, they're both $40. I think it's a fair price, considering each game individually was $8. So that's like saving $8 right there.

The first 3 were only $6, so you're only saving $2

 

[hosannainexcelsis]

I've got the PC versions of Beat and Runner and enjoy them, especially Runner. I certainly intend to pick up Bit.Trip Complete so I can play the other games in the series as well as the extra challenges which look neat, but I don't really want to spend $40 on it when there are so many other games I'm committed to over the next month. One day.

 

[Why would you do that?]

The first 3 were only $6, so you're only saving $2

Ah, that's why I was unsure if the games were $6 or $8...

But even still, I think $40 is a good deal for 6 great games. Though that also means I'm hesitant to buy both versions... I'm gonna have to make a touch decision.

 

[watershed]

Dang I just got Star Fox today so this game will have to wait. I'm a bit apprehensive about getting this game because I already know there are 2 or 3 in the series that I don't like. That plus the high difficulty make me not want to pay full price for this. I'll add it to my wishlist and get it on a sale later.

Also why is this game not in the eshop's 3ds retail section? It could use the exposure.

 

[AbsoluteZero]

Dang I just got Star Fox today so this game will have to wait. I'm a bit apprehensive about getting this game because I already know there are 2 or 3 in the series that I don't like. That plus the high difficulty make me not want to pay full price for this. I'll add it to my wishlist and get it on a sale later.

Also why is this game not in the eshop's 3ds retail section? It could use the exposure.

You in the US? Target has a deal where you can buy Starfox 64 and get a second 3DS game for 50% off. Buy Starfox & Bit Trip from Target with that deal and then take the sealed copy of Starfox back to your original retailer.

 

[entremet]

Nice its getting a retail release. Never bother with WiiWare due to the lack of game transfer, so I'll buy these.

 

[Kerub]

Europe release date - never!

Nintendo doesn't want me to pay money to them.

 

[watershed]

You in the US? Target has a deal where you can buy Starfox 64 and get a second 3DS game for 50% off. Buy Starfox & Bit Trip from Target with that deal and then take the sealed copy of Starfox back to your original retailer.

That's a good idea, thanks.

 

[SabinFigaro]

Hmmm... Wii or 3DS?

Portability is nice, but so is comfy couch (lol).

 

[nincompoop]

You in the US? Target has a deal where you can buy Starfox 64 and get a second 3DS game for 50% off. Buy Starfox & Bit Trip from Target with that deal and then take the sealed copy of Starfox back to your original retailer.

That sounds like a great deal for me, I wanted both Star Fox and Bit Trip but not for $40. But $30 each I could probably go for. Thanks!

 

[Captain N]

Does the 3DS version have Online leaderboards? I thought I had read it does, but can't remember.

 

[watershed]

I want this game to succeed but it really needs some advertising and it really shouldn't come out so soon after star fox. I feel like its doing itself a disservice.

 

[arglebargle]

I only bought the first one, so I'll get the 3DS version for the 3D effects. It'll be a later purchase though, I'm kind of tapped out for the month.

ive played beat, core, void, and fate, and beat is the best one in my opinion.

 

[dr3upmushroom]

You in the US? Target has a deal where you can buy Starfox 64 and get a second 3DS game for 50% off. Buy Starfox & Bit Trip from Target with that deal and then take the sealed copy of Starfox back to your original retailer.

I'm hoping to do this. Target will carry this, right? It seems like it would be a low-print, niche kind of game, but I'm not sure.

 

[Reticent Rhino]

Does the 3DS version have Online leaderboards? I thought I had read it does, but can't remember.

According to the NintendoLife preview in the OP, only the Wii version has leaderboards.

I've never played any of these games, but I'm leaning towards getting Complete.

 

[A Human Becoming]

[*]We're giving away two sets of Bit.Trip Saga/Complete to the winners of a our Bit.Trip fanart contest ending this week

I hate contests that discriminate against the artistically challenged.

 

[Naked Snake]

ive played beat, core, void, and fate, and beat is the best one in my opinion.

I played a little of beat, core and void, and out of those I also liked beat the most. But everyone and their grandmother who played all of them say Runner is the best. Even the developers seem to think so. I'm looking forward to playing it the most.

Another interesting thing I've heard several times is that the series has a good story! Which becomes apparent when you finish it. Looking forward to discovering that too.

 

[Why would you do that?]

I've played Beat, Core, Void (demo), Runner, Fate (demo), and I think Flux (demo). I order the series like this:

Core
Runner
Beat
Flux
Void
Fate

Core's my absolute favorite, though. Beat and Flux are good, but they don't feel... I guess the right word is "tangible" to me. It just feels like I'm moving a paddle back and forth. Core feels tangible, as I actually have to hit the buttons to my actions.

Void seems weird, but I liked what I played.

 

[TheMissingLink]

Holy cow! $40 for the 3DS version!? I'm sorry, I own half the games already, I can't justify paying that price

 

[AcceptableGhost]

It would be nice if they finished their PC ports that they started and just kind of forgot about I guess. These collections look nice but I own 2/6 on the PC and I would rather own 6/6 on PC then get these.