Gaijin Games CEO Alex Neuse takes a few minutes out of his busy schedule to discuss the ever-popular Bit.Trip series, which has helped put his company on the map over the past few years. In addition, he discusses the series being ported over the Nintendo 3DS, as well as the series’ newest addition, Bit.Trip Flux.
Review Fix: How was the idea spawn for the Bit.Trip series?
Alex Neuse: The BIT.TRIP series was born out of the idea that not every game needs to be complex to be enjoyable. We wanted to take the idea of simplicity and elegance and explore how to make rewarding gameplay with those minimal tools.
Review Fix: How is Flux different?
Neuse: FLUX differs from the BIT.TRIP pattern by returning to basics. It is the most similar in gameplay to BIT.TRIP BEAT, and that represents Commander Video’s journey coming to an end–coming full circle. So the themes in FLUX are meant to be familiar yet new to the series.
Review Fix: For someone who has never played the game before, how would you describe it?
Neuse: BIT.TRIP FLUX is a meditative kick in the balls. If you can push through the difficulty, you’ll reach a zen-like state.
Review Fix: What is your favorite part of the series?
Neuse: I think my favorite moment in the series is the very end of BIT.TRIP FLUX, when you get the only Game Over in that game. It is a true conclusion to the series.
Review Fix: Are there any future plans for the series?
Neuse: As was announced last week, we’re bringing the entire series to the Nintendo 3DS so a whole new audience of gamers can enjoy it on the go. We will also continue to spin tales within the BIT.TRIP universe for years to come.
Review Fix: With so much focus being on graphics nowadays, what made you guys go the retro route with this series?
Neuse: Our focus on simplicity and sparseness dictated the visual style.
Review Fix: Flux, like all of the games in the series, is very difficult. Do you have any words of wisdom for gamers that are getting stuck?
Neuse: Grab a friend and play two-player. Two paddles are better than one. Unless you’re playing the level two boss- go one-player on that.
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