I Hate Running Backwards
A vertical-scrolling shoot 'em up spin-off in the Serious Sam series.
I Hate Running Backwards is a 2018 shoot 'em up game developed by Binx Interactive and published by Devolver Digital. It is a spin-off in the Serious Sam series, featuring procedurally generated levels and a vertical scrolling perspective as the player character runs backwards. The game was the first release under the Croteam Incubator programme and includes guest characters from several other franchises.
Quick Facts
- Title
- I Hate Running Backwards
- Developer
- Binx Interactive
- Publisher
- Devolver Digital
- Series
- Serious Sam
- Engine
- Unity
- Platforms
- PlayStation 4 · Windows · Xbox One · Linux · Nintendo Switch
- Released
- PS4, Windows, XONE · 22 May 2018 · Linux · 28 June 2018 · Switch · 19 October 2018
- Genre
- Shoot 'em up
- Modes
- Single-player, multiplayer
- Designer
- Filip Kovač · Matko Šimecki
- Programmer
- Nikola Đurinec · Denis Mraović
- Composer
- Damjan Mravunac · Demolite
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
I Hate Running Backwards originated from a mobile driving game prototype created by two Binx Interactive employees in their free time. The prototype was presented to Croteam composer Damjan Mravunac at the Reboot Develop conference in 2016, leading to collaboration under the Croteam Incubator programme. The game was reworked into the Serious Sam universe and renamed from Serious Sam: I Hate Running Backwards to I Hate Running Backwards, a title taken from a quote by Sam 'Serious' Stone after traveling long distances in reverse. A publishing deal with Devolver Digital was reached in 2017, and the game was released in May 2018.
The game features a roster of characters from multiple franchises, including Serious Sam, Broforce, Hotline Miami, Enter the Gungeon, Nuclear Throne, and Shadow Warrior. Players traverse five thematic environments with procedurally generated levels, using two ranged weapons, a melee attack that deflects projectiles, and an ultimate ability charged by defeating enemies. The screen scrolls vertically as the character runs backwards, with enemies approaching from the bottom. Cooperative play for two local players is supported, with increased enemy spawns and boss health.
Reader's Guide
I Hate Running Backwards was met with mixed reception upon release. Critics praised the simple control interface and the fixed line of fire, which made navigation easier, as well as the expansive and imaginative arsenal. The visual style was described as bright and chaotic, though opinions varied on its appeal. The character unlock system drew conflicting responses: some found the progress requirements unclear, while others considered it a good reward system. The game's procedural generation was faulted for causing inconsistent difficulty between runs due to uneven placement of collectables and enemies. The slow pace and repetitiveness were criticized, particularly in longer sessions, with some reviewers suggesting the game was better suited for mobile platforms. Several of these issues, including pace and shortcut saving, were addressed through later patches. The game was named among the best exhibited at PAX East 2018 by GamesRadar+.
Did You Know?
- I Hate Running Backwards was the first game released under the Croteam Incubator programme.
- The developers considered bringing the game to iOS after its console and PC releases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is I Hate Running Backwards?
It's a 2018 vertical-scrolling shooter that branches off the Serious Sam universe. Binx Interactive built the title and Devolver Digital shipped it to PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Linux, and Nintendo Switch.
How does I Hate Running Backwards differ from the main Serious Sam games?
The core twist is that levels are procedurally generated and the perspective scrolls vertically while the character runs backwards through the action. It also features crossover guest characters from other franchises, something the primary Serious Sam titles don't include.
What is the Croteam Incubator and how does it connect to this game?
The Croteam Incubator is a programme run by the original Serious Sam studio to bankroll experimental offshoot projects. I Hate Running Backwards was the inaugural title to come out of that initiative, hitting shelves in May 2018.
How was I Hate Running Backwards received by critics?
Scores landed in the solid-but-not-stellar range: 71 on PC, 63 on PS4, and 65 on Xbox One per Metacritic. Reviewers tended to single out the backwards-running mechanic and the procedural level design as the game's most distinctive elements.
When did I Hate Running Backwards come out on each platform?
The initial launch covered Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One on May 22, 2018. Linux followed on June 28, 2018, and the Nintendo Switch port arrived on October 19, 2018.
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