Runner3, which first launched for Switch and PC in May, is coming to PlayStation 4 via the PlayStation Store on November 13 for $19.99, developer Choice Provisions announced. The game will be available at a 50 percent discount for the first two weeks of release.
The PlayStation 4 version will launch alongside a major update for the Switch and PC versions, which includes the following changes:
Extensive Difficulty Options and New Difficulty Features
You can now tailor your Runner3 experience to match your preferred difficulty in very direct ways, specifically…
- Enemy Density
- Adjusting this setting removes (or even adds) enemies / obstacles.
- “More” is the default, and is the original game’s setting.
- More Checkpoints
- This setting adds more than the traditional single checkpoint.
- “On” is the new default.
- Stair Assist
- This setting adds flippers that help pop your character up tricky stair sequences.
- “Off” is the default.
- Bonk Counter
- This setting enables / disables the Bonk Counter both in-game, and on the level end screen.
- “Off” is the new default.
- Gold Bars
- This setting allows you to turn off all gold bars, if you find them distracting.
- “On” is the default.
- Gems
- This setting allows you to turn off all gems, if you find them distracting.
- “On” is the default.
The Self-Bonk
A few of our hardcore fans requested the ability to bonk oneself, which can come in handy when going for a perfect, if you miss a gold or gem.
Just press in on both analog sticks and hold them down for 4 beats. Then whammo!
Scoring Changes
In reviewing our leaderboards and competing with our fans, we realized two very lame bugs were gimping everyone’s scores! So we fixed those, and also made some tweaks based on peoples’ Difficulty Settings…
- We adjust the base score multiplier depending on the settings used in the new Difficulty Options. Basically, a harder configuration gives more points, and easier configurations give fewer.
- Fixed a bug where skipping the main checkpoint didn’t actually award bonus points like it’s supposed to.
- Fixed a bug in the point value of gold bars and gems, which made them worth way less than they should have been.
Other Goodies
- We’ve also fixed a bunch of bugs, etc. The most noteworthy of them are as follows..
- Added input buffering to mitigate input lag when playing with various wireless controllers on various platforms.
- Made all character moves available from the start of the game–no more having to unlock them in order!
- Made the jump and avoid enemies / obstacles more forgiving.
- Added more on-screen communication regarding the Impossible Levels, the Retro Levels, and the overall difficulty of the game.
- Added a “break” sound effect to kickwalls in addition to their musical tone.
- Fixed a few out-of-world bugs.
While not specifically announced, Nicalis, which published the Switch version at retail, recently teased a physical edition for PlayStation 4.
Here is an overview of the game, via Choice Provisions:
About
The rhythm-music gameplay of Bit.Trip Runner and Runner2 is back and better than ever!
The Timbletot is determined to rid the multiverse of all its love and happiness. CommanderVideo, a lover if ever there were one, refuses to let this happen. He’s ready to jump, double-jump, wall-jump, slide-jump, slide, kick, float, fly, and dance his way to victory, all across a medley of thrilling, challenging, and joyous levels!
Key Features
- Charles Martinet! – Charles Martinet, known best as the voice of Mario, returns for his role of “The Narrator“
- Hero Quests! – Runner3 is filled with oddball characters in need of your help. Lend them a hand and they’ll reward you generously!
- Vehicles! – Players will encounter wild vehicles that stand no chance of ever being deemed street legal. Eggplant planes! A celery car! Cans propelled by carbonation! And so much more!
- Branching Paths! – Every level in Runner3 offers branching paths of varying difficulties. Take the hard path and earn yourself some gems; opt for the normal path and line your pockets with precious gold bars. The choice is yours!
- Item Shop! – Players will be able to spend gold and gems earned while playing on costumes, capes, accessories, and more. There are no in-game purchases in Runner3–keep your dang money!
- Retro Challenges! – A series tradition, every level in Runner3 has an accompanying “retro” level. These levels will also offer a series’ first: free movement! Control the Commander in ways you never have before!
- New Playable Characters! – The Commanders are joined by friends new and old, including Dave of Woah Dave! fame, Unkle Dill, Frank ‘N Stein, Awnty Rewty, and more!
Watch the PlayStation 4 announcement trailer below.