Bit.Trip Beat

[Ganepark32]

A new title has been announced for Nintendo's WiiWare service. The title is called Bit.Trip Beat and it's a rhythm action game that sports some very retro graphics (think pre-NES and more Atari 2600). The official website is below.

http://aksysgames.com/bittripbeat/

Here's the official press release:

AKSYS GAMES ANNOUNCES BIT.TRIP BEAT

Once again, getting the high score is all that matters in life

Torrance, CA (January 13, 2009) - Aksys Games, a publisher of interactive entertainment software, is pleased to unveil BIT.TRIP BEAT exclusively for WiiWare™! Developed by Gaijin Games, BIT.TRIP BEAT marks the first adventure of Commander Video. Using the Wii Remote™, players will test their twitch skills as they battle through a retro-esque universe, familiar to the old generation and yet reinvented for the new.

BIT.TRIP BEAT STORY
Everything comes from something. We were before we became. From life comes rhythm, and from rhythm comes life. We are beings of information. Everything is a conduit for learning. We communicate in bits and bytes. And we will return to something once we become nothing; after our BIT.TRIP is complete. “BIT.TRIP BEAT is a crazy mix of 80s aesthetics and modern game design,” states Michael Manzanares, Producer of Aksys Games. “It's challenging, yet fair, and completely addicting."

“The Gaijin Games team wanted to make a game that used the tools of today to inspire the fun of yesterday. Our goal was to make a game that was as simple in gameplay as the games of the early 80s and equally as fun—even though gamers' tastes have changed over the years,” continues Alex Neuse, Designer of Gaijin Games. “And let's face it, sometimes a really good videogame is just awesome. We hope you enjoy BIT.TRIP BEAT.”

Key Features: · Bring Back That Loving Feeling BIT.TRIP BEAT brings back the classic arcade-style gameplay where getting the high score matters!

· Pixel Blocks For The Win Keeping the arcade-style gameplay isn't enough, BIT.TRIP BEAT sports a unique retro-inspired art style that will stimulate your senses.

· Old School Tunes Who said old-school 8-bit music was out? BIT.TRIP BEAT bumps the latest chiptune music to keep the action fresh!

· Friends Can Play Too! Can't beat a level? No problem, BIT.TRIP BEAT allows 2 to 4 player co-op mode! But don't think that makes it any easier…

BIT.TRIP BEAT has not been rated by the ESRB. More information about Aksys Games and BIT.TRIP BEAT can be found at www.aksysgames.com/bittripbeat . Nintendo trademarks used under license. WIiWare is avaialble through the Wii console.

[Ganepark32]

IGN has a little trailer for this up.

http://uk.wii.ign.com/dor/objects/14313172/bittrip-beat/videos/btb_trailer_012009.html;jsessionid=pukqoqamc0ed

[Shino]

I like it! So simple and yet so cool.

[S.C.G]

Sounds interesting, often the simplest concepts turn out to be some of the best.

[D_prOdigy]

This is what that "The Commander" game turned out to be, isn't it? Please someone tell me I'm not going mad.

http://n-europe.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23452

[Ganepark32]

Yes, this is that game from that strange video. If you watch it again closely, you can see the exact styling of it for a couple of seconds.

[Shino]

This is what that "The Commander" game turned out to be, isn't it? Please someone tell me I'm not going mad.

http://n-europe.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23452

Oh I remember that, its nice to see it turned out to be "true".

I'm getting progressively more hyped for this game, I can see myself losing many hours listening bit sounds and watching pretty colours.

[Nicktendo]

Bit.Trip Beat has been out for a couple of weeks on the US Wii Shop and people seem to ove this Wii Ware original, citing it as hugely addictive and an old-skool treat. As mentioned, it's an old school beat/rhythm game with NES style graphics, where high scores are the ultimate goal. At only 600 points it seems like a steal and I have traded some VIP points in prepartion for its eventual EU release (hopefully this friday). Rumours of a sequal are floating around IGN as well.

Here's a video:

<object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hZUlTWi45mY&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hZUlTWi45mY&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>

This thread can be used to post high scores and opinions when the game is eventually released here.

[flameboy]

There was a feature on this on area5.tv's co-op a few weeks back and it looks awesome...I wish they would hurry up and bring it to the EU store...

[dazzybee]

It's here and no one says anything!!!

Anyways, downloaded it and it is AMAZING!!!

[D_prOdigy]

I need 100 points :(

[Nicktendo]

I got it too with my free points. I'm finding it hard but massively addictive. Download, now!

[D_prOdigy]

First footage of the sequel, Bit. Trip Core is out:

http://gonintendo.com/?p=81180

Looks too awesome.

[Ganepark32]

That looks awesome. Nice twist on it there that'll definitely up the dramatic qualities and tension of an already tense experience. They haven't announced what it's getting released on yet but I'd say it's a given that it'll hit WiiWare. Would be strange if it didn't.

Still need to download Bit.Trip Beat. Going out for Wii points later on (I know their Nintendo points now but I only use a Wii and not a DSi so I'll stick with Wii points, kthnxbai Nintendo). Just need to think about what to spend the rest of the points on. Have 100 spare and I'll have 1400 after buying this so I could perhaps get World of Goo. Hmmm...

Edit: Bit.Trip Beat is insanely awesome. So addictive. Love the whole retro psychedelic style. My eyes were wrecked after a 10 minute session. Haven't unlocked the other two levels yet. Only getting about 150,000 on Transition. Really wish they had put in the option to use the d-pad instead of using motion to move the paddle because it's not accurate enough. Perhaps it's something that can be refined with practice. But yeh, totally loving it and now I'm eager to see more of the other one they are working on.

[dazzybee]

You can't finish the first level? I don't understand, I thought it was impossible to die on it!! I've only played it once, but had no problems...when you die it goes to that black and white version....

I'm going toh ave another bash on it in a bit. Loved it! Bargain £6

[Ganepark32]

The black and white version is the stage before you die. It goes:

Nether (the black and white version)
Hyper (the normal basic coloured version)
Mega 1 (more colourful)
Mega 2
Mega 3 and so on.

If you miss a certain amount on nether you fail and it's game over. So yeh, you can 'die'. It's definitely the controls that are hindering my progress.

[Shino]

First footage of the sequel, Bit. Trip Core is out:

http://gonintendo.com/?p=81180

Looks too awesome.

I thought it would be more drastically different, but dear god, it looks insane.

[flameboy]

Yeah great game defo worth the wait...everyone should at the very least dabble with it.

[Nicktendo]

It's definitely the controls that are hindering my progress.

That's what I love about this game, it has the easiest controls anyone could ask for but mastering it and getting a high score is a MASSIVE challenge.

I think this game is a perfect example of how the wii can present casual, simple but ultimately fun gaming whist still having a basis for a real hardcore experience. In my eyes if the sequal adds online leaderboards then it will be perfect for the price.

[Josh64]

Im having the same problem, I cant beat the first level xD
That said, ive been incredibly obsessed and trying desperatley to win. I love it when it gets more 'mega' its like 'woah!'

[D_prOdigy]

I can't get through the second level. This game hates me, but man, it's awesome.