Runbow
| Runbow | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | 13AM Games |
| Publisher(s) | 13AM Games |
| Composer(s) |
Dan Rodrigues Dave Proctor |
| Platform(s) | Wii U |
| Release date(s) | |
| Genre(s) | Platform, racing |
| Mode(s) | Single-player, multiplayer |
Runbow is a platform racing video game made exclusively for the Wii U. Runbow was developed by Canadian indie team 13AM Games as their debut title, releasing it on August 27, 2015 in North America,[5] September 3, 2015 in Europe, and October 23, 2015 in Australia. The game was also later released in Japan on November 25, 2015, courtesy of Cross Function.
Gameplay
Runbow is a multiplayer-focused platformer in which players aim to be the first to reach a trophy at the end of each level. Players can perform a double jump as well as perform attacks to defeat enemies or gain extra reach whilst jumping. The background of each level constantly shifts between a cycle of colors, causing obstacles of the same color as the background, such as blockades and spikes, to disappear. By using the Wii Remote's connectivity to utitlise the Wii Nunchuk or Wii Classic Controllers in addition to itself, the game is capable of supporting up to nine players.[6] The game will support many features such as achievements, time trials, a special mode called "Master the Bowhemoth", and many more. There is also character customization, as well as other modes that are not racing-focused, such as "King of the Hill" and "Arena".[7]
Development
The concept of the game was created in the 2014 Global Game Jam. The game was first announced on October 24, 2014. 13AM Games confirmed that the game "is sorta like Mario Kart".[8] The game was also shown at the 2015 Game Developer's Conference, revealing the names of the game's characters, Hue and Val.[9]
On April 13, 2015, 13AM Games revealed several independent game characters that would guest-star in the Runbow roster: Shovel Knight from the eponymous Shovel Knight, Rusty from SteamWorld Dig, Juan and Tostada from Guacamelee!, Swift Thornebrooke from Sportsball, Scram Kitty from Scram Kitty and His Buddy on Rails, along with CommanderVideo and CommandgirlVideo from the Bit.Trip series.[10] More characters were announced on August 11, 2015: Gunvolt from Azure Striker Gunvolt, Teslamancer from Teslagrad, a Clone from Stealth Inc., A.R.I.D. from The Fall, the Xeodrifter from the eponymous Xeodrifter, the Princess from Chariot, Max from Mutant Mudds, the Drifter from Hyper Light Drifter, and Unity Japan's mascot Unity-chan.[11] From June 15, 2015 to June 23, 2015, a beta preview of Runbow was released on the Nintendo eShop along with 8 other "Nindie" titles. On April 11, 2016, 13AM Games revealed via Nintendo Life a wealth of new additional downloadable content released on April 14, which includes themed packs that come with new costumes and music, a complimentary addition of guest playable character Lilac from Freedom Planet, and a 48 level story expansion called Satura's Space Adventure.[12]
Reception
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Runbow received mostly positive reviews. It has a score of 82 on Metacritic, indicating "generally positive reviews", based on 33 critics.[15]
References
- ↑ http://nintendoeverything.com/upcoming-japanese-eshop-releases-112515/
- ↑ http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/40925/runbow-release-date-announced
- ↑ http://gonintendo.com/stories/241125-runbow-coming-to-europe-in-september
- ↑ "Runbow Arrives In Australia & New Zealand This Week". NintendoLife. Retrieved 22 October 2015.
- ↑ http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/40925/runbow-release-date-announced
- ↑ "Get Ready to Runbow!". 13AM Games. Retrieved April 14, 2015.
- ↑ Olney, Alex (November 1, 2014). "Showcase: Exploring Runbow - The Depths of 13AM Games’ 9-Player Platformer". Retrieved April 14, 2015.
- ↑ Latshaw, Tim (October 30, 2014). "Runbow Developers Picked Wii U for its Massive Local Multiplayer Capability". NintendoLife. Retrieved April 14, 2015.
- ↑ "Runbow GDC 2015 Trailer - Introducing Val". IGN. March 4, 2015. Retrieved April 14, 2015.
- ↑ "Shovel Knight, Rusty, and more join Runbow". Nintendo Everything. April 13, 2015. Retrieved April 14, 2015.
- ↑ http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/08/exclusive_check_out_runbows_complete_cast_of_colourful_crossover_characters
- ↑ Olney, Alex (April 11, 2016). "Video: Grab a Rundown of all of Runbow's New and Delicious DLC". Nintendo Life. Retrieved April 15, 2016.
- ↑ "Runbow for Wii U". GameRankings. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
- ↑ "Runbow for Wii U Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
- ↑ http://www.metacritic.com/game/wii-u/runbow