Bit.Trip Void

I still have no idea what is going on, but it’s fun.

When I reviewed the last Bit.Trip game I almost didn’t know what to think about the style. The game defines minimalist when it comes to concept and visuals, and this latest entry is certainly no different. The Bit.Trip games focus on music and keeping time with that. I actually found the last outing quite addictive once you understood what was going on. Void continues the trend with a sort of focus on the horizontal shooter action but retaining the same style and unique look and feel of the series. Bit.Trip Void is yet another quirky and unique game for Nintendo’s download service.

I will try to explain the premise of the game as best I can. The simplicity almost makes it complicated but think of it as Ikaruga without the ship changing. You assume the role of a giant black pixel known as the Void. Black and white dots will begin to cross the screen and it is your job to suck in all the black ones to make your void bigger and bigger. Take in enough white dots and you are sent to the Netherworld where you must perform admirably to return to the game. Seriously that is all there is to it. Once your void amasses too much for you to handle you can expend all your points for bonus multipliers; as you can imagine the larger you are, the more points you get.


Bit.Trip Void is the essence of simplicity and sometimes that is a good thing. For six bucks you get a creative experience that becomes more and more addictive as you play it. I cannot help but be awestruck at the clever Atari 2600 visuals and trippy trance music. The game almost reminds me of a government experiment. I hope I someday don’t become activated by hearing a phrase muttered in a busy intersection. Developer Gaijin Games knows its audience and Void is yet another quirky masterpiece in the genre.

If there is something to complain about it is the length of the levels. While this game is simple in design that also makes it a tad repetitive. Levels oftentimes last upwards of 15 minutes and thus becoming a bit tedious as you progress. The boss encounters totally make up for it though, and are worth trudging through the needlessly long levels to take them on. The game would benefit from more generous checkpoints or perhaps shorter levels to keep players from becoming disinterested. It would also help if you could compare scores with other players via online leaderboards, but I guess at $6 beggars can’t be choosers.

Bit.Trip Void is yet another unique entry into the series and one worth picking up if you enjoyed the past games. Gaijin continues to do a wonderful job of meshing new gaming ideas and trance music with the look and feel of classic gaming. Void is not the most immersive or innovative title you will ever play, but it goes a long way at standing out in the crowd of me-too shooters and platform wannabes.

Written by
Ken is the Editor-in-Chief of this hole in the wall and he loves to troll for the fun of it. He also enjoys long walks through Arkham Asylum and the cool air of Shadow Moses Island. His turn-ons include Mortal Kombat, Metal Gear Solid and StarCraft.