Runbow originally released on the Wii U and now is looking to grab a rush of PC players. A racing platformer, Runbow is a colorful game that can become an amazing party game, or just a game to relax and waste time as well.

Runbow Review

Title: Runbow
Platform: Wii U, PC [Reviewed]
Genre: Racing Game
Developer: 13AM Games
Publisher: 13AM
Players: Singleplayer, Multiplayer
Rating: E for Everyone
Release Date: August 27, 2015 (Wii U), November 18, 2016 (PC)
Price: $14.99

Game Play

Runbow is very unique. Movement and controls are pretty fluid if played with a Gamepad or controller. The game features levels on easy, medium, and hard, allowing the player to choose their difficulty level. There’s over 150 levels available to play through too. The game uses platforms that focus on color. The screen changes color over time and it’s the player’s job to progress through the level as the colors change. If the color matches the platform, the platform disappears causing the players to either react quickly, or forced to restart the level.

The use of color is creative in Runbow. The fact that they made the colors give the game a purpose is pretty amazing. The levels though could use some improvement in terms of making them different. Most of the levels become very similar, regardless of difficulty level. After a while, the game starts becoming repetitive. Admittedly with a game like this, repetition is almost unavoidable. The game does offer different game modes. There’s a mode which allows for custom levels and races. As well as, a full adventure.

Graphics

There doesn’t seem to be much improvement over the Wii U version in the graphics department. Although, there probably didn’t need to be either. It’s simplicity is what makes it special. Not only that, but it throws gamers back to the classic fun of retro platformers. The use of color in its level design is also unique, blending the platforms themselves into the background, while keeping the game clean and easy to view. The catchy theme music also works well with the game’s appearance as well.

Replay Value

For those gamers who are into getting achievements, there’s plenty of them here to obtain. Also, there are several unlockable characters as well. However, there isn’t much reason to go back and play, outside of just wanting an occasional match with friends.

Pros

Character Customization

Fun platforming that creates waves of nostalgia

Can be Addicting

Great way to waste time

Cons

Online features not fully working

Not much diversity in gameplay

Final Rating

Overall Thoughts 7 Out of 10. Runbow is a fun game. I like to use it for streaming during my podcast, as well as having a potential game to play with friends. While the game is still in beta, and online functionality is still not fully operable, I think this game could be a big hit on the PC. Especially since it is on a platform with a bigger audience. I’d say this game is definitely worth the fun and rage it brings.

for the sake of transparency: the publisher did provide a code for review purposes.