If you are familiar with the series and/or love platformers than this is probably not the game for you...
[img width=560 height=315]http://i1353.photobucket.com/albums/q677/izret102/WP_20150825_001_zpsmaufa1er.jpg[/img]
Image quality may reflect my over all opinion...
Giana Sisters: Dream Runners is essentially a racing platformer with power ups. You and up to three friends* (or bots) can race on nine different stages and have access to nine different power ups. Along the way, you have to dodge traps, a handful of enemies and the attacks from the other racers.
(*I specify friends because the online community appears to be completely dead already, on the XBox One at least, despite having released only a few weeks ago.)
Each stage is unique, but all of them are just large loops typical of a racing game. The power ups are also reminiscent of those found in kart racers and most of them stun or slow other racers in the same manner. So while nine power ups might sound like a decent number, there isn't much variance among them.
Little gem charge pad areas are strewn about each track and running through them fills up a meter that allows you to use a speed boost. While not
exactly the same, my first thought was of F-Zero...
In order to win, you must platform your way through the stage faster than anyone else. When someone falls off screen they are eliminated. Once eliminated, you get to watch everyone else play until there is one person left. Then do it again and again and likely again..... until one person has won three times.
While there is not a timer on screen, the game apparently keeps track of how long you have been making your loops. Eventually, an instant elimination timer will appear on screen. After the 30 seconds are up, whoever is in first place gets the win. On the plus side, this helps eliminate the monotony since after playing each level a time or two, you will likely have no issues keeping pace.
Unless you are an achievement or trophy hunter, I'd suggest a pass on
Giana Sisters: Dream Runners. There is little replay value and all of the achievements/trophies can be unlocked with little effort in under an hour.....maybe a full hour, if you are unlucky with the power ups.
Giana Sisters: Dream Runners is currently available for PC, PS4 and Xbox One with a $9.99 price tag.
