Have you ever played Guitar Hero (or Rock Band - no judgments here) and said to yourself, “I wish this had 8-bit graphics, a chiptune soundtrack, and was more like Pong”?

Probably not, but your non-existent wish as been granted despite.

Aksys Games and developer Gaijin Games have announced BEAT.TRIP BEAT, a side-scrolling WiiWare title that could easily be mistaken for an Atari 2600 port.

There is a Pong-like paddle for you to control on the left side of the screen, and strings of single pixels that stream from the right side of the screen – your (apparent) task: catch those pixels to complete the song that is playing.

Check out this gameplay video (note - gets awesome at around 55 seconds):

Seriously, you tell me there isn't a definitive rhythm game feel. Also, I dare you not to crack a gleeful smile when that first snake-like string of pixels bounces off of the paddle.

Looks like a solid WiiWare title. That makes, what, five of those so far?

Peep the full press release here:

"Torrance, CA (January 13, 2009) – Aksys Games, a publisher of interactive entertainment software, is pleased to unveil BIT.TRIP BEAT exclusively for WiiWare™! Developed by Gaijin Games, BIT.TRIP BEAT marks the first adventure of Commander Video. Using the Wii Remote™, players will test their twitch skills as they battle through a retro-esque universe, familiar to the old generation and yet reinvented for the new.

BIT.TRIP BEAT STORY

Everything comes from something. We were before we became. From life comes rhythm, and from rhythm comes life. We are beings of information. Everything is a conduit for learning. We communicate in bits and bytes. And we will return to something once we become nothing; after our BIT.TRIP is complete.

“BIT.TRIP BEAT is a crazy mix of 80s aesthetics and modern game design,” states Michael Manzanares, Producer of Aksys Games. “It's challenging, yet fair, and completely addicting."

“The Gaijin Games team wanted to make a game that used the tools of today to inspire the fun of yesterday. Our goal was to make a game that was as simple in gameplay as the games of the early 80s and equally as fun-even though gamers' tastes have changed over the years,” continues Alex Neuse, Designer of Gaijin Games. “And let's face it, sometimes a really good videogame is just awesome. We hope you enjoy BIT.TRIP BEAT.”

Key Features:

• Bring Back That Loving Feeling
BIT.TRIP BEAT brings back the classic arcade-style gameplay where getting the high score matters!

• Pixel Blocks For The Win
Keeping the arcade-style gameplay isn’t enough, BIT.TRIP BEAT sports a unique retro-inspired art style that will stimulate your senses.

• Old School Tunes
Who said old-school 8-bit music was out? BIT.TRIP BEAT bumps the latest chiptune music to keep the action fresh!

• Friends Can Play Too!
Can’t beat a level? No problem, BIT.TRIP BEAT allows 2 to 4 player co-op mode! But don’t think that makes it any easier…

BIT.TRIP BEAT has not been rated by the ESRB. More information about Aksys Games and BIT.TRIP BEAT can be found at www.aksysgames.com/bittripbeat. Nintendo trademarks used under license. WiiWare is available through the Wii console."

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