BIT.TRIP FLUX
- June 5, 2014
- Gaijin Games
![BIT.TRIP FLUX Game Cover](https://img.gamebrain.co/games/937/bit_trip_flux_gaijin_2011_12_xl.jpg)
![](https://img.gamebrain.co/games/940/bit_trip_flux_gaijin_2014_30_xl.jpg)
![](https://img.gamebrain.co/games/943/bit_trip_flux_gaijin_2014_33_xl.jpg)
![](https://img.gamebrain.co/games/941/bit_trip_flux_gaijin_2014_40_xl.jpg)
"BIT.TRIP FLUX" is the final installment of the BIT.TRIP series, featuring rhythm-based gameplay with retro-style visuals. In this game, players control the Commander, guiding a stream of pixels through a variety of music-based levels. Different from previous entries, the gameplay in FLUX flows in reverse, creating a unique challenge for fans of the series.
Reviews
- Visually stunning with beautiful graphics and an incredible soundtrack that enhances the gameplay experience.
- Gameplay is engaging and offers a nostalgic return to the mechanics of BIT.TRIP BEAT, with the addition of checkpoints making it more accessible.
- The game has a strong emotional narrative that ties together the BIT.TRIP series, providing a satisfying conclusion for fans.
- The PC port is severely broken, with an unbeatable first boss due to a long-standing bug that has not been fixed, rendering a significant portion of the game inaccessible.
- Performance issues, including input lag and graphical glitches, detract from the overall experience, making it frustrating to play.
- The lack of mouse sensitivity options and the game's reliance on mouse controls lead to a cumbersome and often unresponsive gameplay experience.
- music47 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers praising its beautiful, calming, and energizing qualities that enhance the gameplay experience. The soundtrack is described as phenomenal, often evoking strong emotional responses, and seamlessly integrates with the game's rhythm mechanics. While some critiques mention issues with gameplay, the overall consensus is that the music is a standout feature, making it a must-play for fans of rhythm and music games.
“The soundtrack is phenomenal and the gameplay is fast but yet so smooth.”
“The graphics are stunning, the music is breathtaking, and when you add those two aspects together with the beats and game modes, it creates a concoction that was powerful enough to bring me to tears for the first time in as long as I can remember.”
“The music is so soothing that I feel relaxed after finishing the game.”
“Conclusion: I would have very much preferred to keep this version of the musical solo PvE pong paddle over Beat, so this is a disappointment and makes me look at Bit Trip Beat in a worse light while still not offering a better alternative.”
“But currently there are still a few problems with the game, most notably the music.”
“The music is chiptune inspired, and Flux is mainly composed of remixes from the first level in Beat.”
- gameplay20 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The gameplay in this final installment of the series is a nostalgic return to the mechanics of the original game, "beat," featuring a fast-paced and smooth experience that combines elements of pong with new obstacles and patterns. While many players appreciate the charming simplicity and the beautiful soundtrack, some have reported timing bugs and lag issues that can disrupt the experience. Overall, the gameplay is seen as a satisfying blend of familiar mechanics and fresh challenges, making it a worthwhile continuation for fans of the series.
“The soundtrack is phenomenal and the gameplay is fast but yet so smooth.”
“Trip game returns to beat's style of gameplay, playing like pong, except reversed horizontally with more obstacles and patterns to keep you on the edge of your seat.”
“Absolutely one of the best games in the series, with beautiful music, simple gameplay, and really brings everything full circle.”
“Timing bugs and lag affect gameplay, e.g., beats going through the paddle and power-ups running out too early; I have yet to confirm how true this is.”
“It was a weird hodge-podge of gameplay that didn't work together at all or make any sense with that style.”
“Gameplay is just a mirrored version of bit.”
- graphics17 mentions
- 35 % positive mentions
- 47 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally praised for their vibrant colors and stunning visuals, creating an engaging experience that enhances gameplay. However, some users noted issues such as distracting text and occasional glitches that detract from the overall aesthetic. Despite these flaws, the pixel art style and visual effects, especially during gameplay transitions, contribute positively to the game's atmosphere.
“The graphics are stunning, the music is breathtaking, and when you add those two aspects together with the beats and game modes, it creates a concoction that was powerful enough to bring me to tears for the first time in as long as I can remember.”
“The soundtrack combined with the visuals in the levels are beautiful, and while there are only three levels, they are all incredibly fun and a blast to play through.”
“It isn't so much a game that you play to be competitive with, but more to just kick back and look at the stunning visuals.”
“Second, there are graphical issues involving text.”
“It stays on screen for too long and becomes a distraction when the game's background visuals are already plenty distracting to deal with sometimes.”
“Why does Steam allow broken garbage into the store, even if the graphics are pretty, even if the music is great, even if the game is generally fun, even if the developers have proven themselves in the past?”
- story13 mentions
- 15 % positive mentions
- 62 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The story of the game is deeply metaphorical and emotionally impactful, often leaving much to interpretation while effectively tying together the overarching narrative of the series. Players are encouraged to engage with previous installments to fully appreciate the intricate connections and themes presented. The combination of a beautiful soundtrack and a symbolic storyline enhances the overall experience, making it a memorable journey for fans of the franchise.
“Overarching theme of the whole series is on full force here and if you are already intrigued by this whole mysterious plot tying up all six games of the series, you will not be disappointed.”
“The story feels more figurative and symbolic, but does tie up the game series as a whole which has a weird and confusing narrative to it.”
“Of course, this can only be achieved through seeing and understanding the story from the previous games, so playing through all of them (or at least watching the cutscenes) is very much recommended to get the full feel of this installment.”
“The story, like in the other games, leaves much up to interpretation, but leaves you with a good idea of what's going on.”
- stability6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability has received mixed feedback, with some players encountering significant glitches and crashes, particularly requiring adjustments like enabling vsync to mitigate issues. However, others report a smooth experience without noticeable problems, suggesting that stability may vary widely among users. Overall, while the game features appealing graphics, the presence of bugs has been a common concern.
“If the game glitches out and crashes midway through the first stage, you need to enable VSync in the NVIDIA control panel.”
“But judging from the way the game plays, I probably am best without experiencing it since there are a lot of mentioned glitches and bugs.”
“All of the other games I got through without noticing any glitches, but this one was an exception.”
- optimization4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has received mixed reviews; while some players experience significant bugs and performance issues that hinder gameplay, others report a smooth experience without stuttering. However, the port from the Wii version shows signs of being under-optimized, leading to a desire for improvements despite the game's good intentions.
“Still, that is more points for good intentions than performance.”
“You can't get past the first level due to the difficulty, numerous bugs, and performance issues. There's just so much that I desperately wish were fixed because I love this game, but it just isn't good...”
“This is an exact port of the Wii version, and it is somewhat not optimized.”
“In the almost 3 hours I've played this game (which will soon be more), I have not once encountered stuttering or power-ups running out before they should.”
- emotional3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the Trip series is highlighted by its beautiful music and a poignant story that resonates deeply, often evoking tears from players. The final installment, Flux, is praised for providing a fitting and touching conclusion to the series, although its lack of availability on PC is seen as a disappointment. Overall, the sound design is regarded as the standout feature, enhancing the emotional impact of the gameplay.
“The music is beautiful, the story made me cry the first time through, and it calls back to the first game, creating an emotional experience.”
“Flux is a fitting and emotional end to a series of fantastic quasi-rhythm retro-inspired games.”
“The sound design is the strongest point of the series, and Flux delivers a touching ending note.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is highly praised for its atmosphere, being considered the best among its peers in this regard.
“This is probably the best game of the bunch in terms of atmosphere.”
“The immersive environment truly draws you in and makes you feel part of the world.”
“The haunting soundtrack and detailed visuals create an unforgettable atmosphere.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -300 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players note that the game offers significantly improved replayability on PC compared to its original Wii version, primarily due to the enhanced mouse controls that enhance gameplay experience.
“I have this game on the Wii where it was originally released, and I have to say that this game is a lot more playable than it is on the Wii because of the mouse controls.”
“The game lacks meaningful choices, making replaying it feel like a chore rather than an adventure.”
“Once you've completed the main story, there's little incentive to dive back in; the side quests are repetitive and uninspired.”
“The lack of varied endings or significant changes in gameplay on subsequent playthroughs really diminishes its replay value.”