Runbow

Game Overview

Runbow centers around constant motion and quick visual adaptation. As players sprint, jump, double-jump, and punch their way toward the finish line, the background sweeps through a spectrum of vibrant colors. If a platform is orange and the background turns orange, that platform temporarily vanishes—requiring players to constantly re-evaluate their path forward mid-stride.

The game shines with its robust multiplayer capabilities, supporting up to nine players simultaneously on a single Wii U system—one on the Wii U GamePad, four using Wii Remotes or Pro Controllers, and four using attached Nunchuks or Classic Controllers. Multiplayer modes include standard Run (a race to the trophy), Arena (a chaotic last-man-standing brawl), and King of the Hill (a battle for control of a central zone). Additionally, ColorMaster mode allows a player on the GamePad to play as the supreme villain, altering colors and dropping traps to ruin the run for up to eight other players.

For solo players or cooperative groups, Runbow offers Adventure Mode, containing over 140 stages across a massive map, as well as The Bowhemoth, a punishing gauntlet designed for hardcore platforming enthusiasts. The game also features a star-studded cast of guest indie characters, including Shovel Knight, Juan (Guacamelee!), Rusty (SteamWorld Dig), Commander Video (BIT.TRIP), and Scram Kitty.

Quick Specifications

• Title: Runbow

• Platform: Nintendo Wii U

• Developer: 13AM Games

• Publisher: 13AM Games

• Release Date: August 27, 2015 (North America) / September 3, 2015 (Europe) / November 25, 2015 (Japan)

• Genre: Platformer, Racing, Party, Action

• Mode: Single-player, Local Multiplayer (1–9 players), Online Multiplayer

• Input Method: Wii U GamePad, Wii U Pro Controller, Wii Remote, Wii Remote + Nunchuk, Classic Controller Pro

• ESRB Rating: Everyone (E)

Key Features

• Color-Shifting Mechanics: Platforms and hazards appear and disappear dynamically as the background changes through the color spectrum.

• 9-Player Local Multiplayer: Compete with up to nine players locally using a combination of the GamePad, Wii Remotes, Nunchuks, and Pro Controllers.

• ColorMaster GamePad Mode: One player controls the environment on the GamePad touchscreen, dropping bombs and changing colors to stop other players.

• Indie Guest Characters: Unlock and play as iconic indie heroes like Shovel Knight, Juan, Commander Video, Rusty, and Hyper Light Drifter.

• Extensive Single-Player & Co-op Campaigns: Tackle over 140 stages in Adventure Mode or brave the continuous, ultra-challenging Bowhemoth gauntlet.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q: How many players can play Runbow on Wii U?

A: Runbow supports up to 9 players in local multiplayer on a single Wii U console, using the GamePad along with various Wii hardware controllers.

Q: What is the main mechanic of Runbow?

A: The core mechanic is color-shifting: platforms and obstacles match background colors, meaning objects fade out when the background matches their color and reappear when it shifts.

Q: What is ColorMaster mode?

A: ColorMaster is a asymmetric multiplayer mode where one player uses the Wii U GamePad touchscreen to trigger traps, drop obstacles, and change colors to prevent the other players on the main TV screen from reaching the goal.

Q: Does Runbow support Off-TV Play on the Wii U GamePad?

A: Yes, single-player and standard local modes can be played directly on the Wii U GamePad display using Off-TV Play mode.