When a game is homage to elements, both good and bad, in the history of game systems, how many bad elements are you willing to forgive for the sake of that homage? When a game is purposefully trying to mimic the bad camera work and occasionally sluggish controls of certain generations, does that forgive it?
This is one of the questions to ask when playing a game like Bit Boy!!, which professes to be a look back at the styles of each generation of game systems. Of course, other questions about the game arise as you guide Kubi on his quest. While you try to rescue his friends from the monsters that have kidnapped them, you may discover that these other questions overshadow the initial one.
Bit Boy!! is a journey through the different “Bit Eras” of gaming. It starts in the days of 4-Bit and progresses up through the modern 128-Bit days. Each Era is five stages long and attempts to replicate a distinctive look. These looks represent the more recognizable visual styles of each generation. For example, the initial 4-Bit world looks like something you would see on an Atari 2600 before moving on to an NES-style look in the 8-Bit world. You kind of have to take the game’s word for it that there is a notable difference between the 32-Bit and 64-Bit Eras though.
The game requires you to move through small mazes, avoiding monsters and collecting cubes that are your friends. You start off only able to avoid things, but once you reach the 8-Bit world you gain access to the ability to attack five times per world to clear enemies around you. You will need this ability, as Kubi moves slowly and sluggishly and it is easy for him to be cornered by enemies. The only other upgrade he gets is a jump in the 128-Bit world but that is unresponsive at times.
Speaking of controls, there are two variations you can use in Bit Boy!!. The sideways Wiimote controls work well enough, but the vertical, “Joystick” mode alternates between twitchy and unresponsive. Do not try to play the game this way. Another way to not play the game is when you reach the 32-Bit Era and have the option of a psudo-3D mode. The camera in this mode lurches around in an incredibly over exaggerated manner that is very uncomfortable to watch. Players prone to motion sickness will want to make sure the camera is pulled out to a wider perspective.
The biggest flaw this game has is that it is far too short. Even with the bonus modes that focus on attaining high scores, you will be finished with Bit Boy!! in 4-5 hours at the most. The game’s pace contributes to this flaw, as its lack of any real franticness, even in the accelerated Turbo Mode, keeps it from properly emulating the challenge of maze-based puzzlers.
Bit Boy!! is a cute concept, and one that should be explored again in a more ambitious title. However, a concept on its own can only carry a game so far and the flaws that Bit Boy!! shows, purposeful or not, keep this game from being worth more than a momentary look.
