In an interview with Push Square, Gaijin Games co-founder Mike Roush cited the studio's urge to “spread its wings a bit” as the inspiration behind the change.

The character runs automatically, and in order to arrive safely at the finish, the player must perform various simple actions such as jumping, sliding and kicking, as well as more complex moves including hanging from rails, deflecting projectiles with a shield, and slide-kicking.

If the player hits an obstacle (including failing to jump and thus running into a wall) or falls off the screen, the game rewinds to the beginning of the level.

The loop-the-loop and diamond structures simply award players bonus points for good timing, with no way to suffer a hit.

If a player manages to gather every gold bar and mode upgrade in a level, they're provided a chance to shoot the character into a large target from a cannon.

Runner2 also boasts a variety of unlockables, such as additional costumes and new characters (including Unkle Dill, CommandgirlVideo, Whetfahrt Cheeseborger, Reverse Merman, Pitazo, CaptainVideo, and retro CommanderVideo).

[citation needed] Runner2 was released as a downloadable title for the Wii U on the Nintendo eShop and on Microsoft Windows, OS X, and Linux via Steam on February 26, 2013.

The developer has already promised an update for the iOS version, which features GameCenter achievements and leaderboards, virtual controls, a better in-game shop and more levels.

The DLC adds six characters from various titles, including Dr. Fetus from Super Meat Boy, Josef from Machinarium, Quote from Cave Story, Raz from Psychonauts, and the Spelunker from Spelunky, along with an invisible Commander Video skin.

[9][10] Prior to its release, Gaijin Games promoted Runner2 with several gameplay videos, character announcements, and frequent updates on their blog.

[13] In one of the more well-publicized reveals, Gaijin Games co-founder Alex Neuse informed Joystiq that the team was keeping track of how many beers they consumed over the course of development.

GameSpot similarly praised the soundtrack and gameplay, stating that "you feel like you're reacting instinctually with button presses before you consciously realize what you're doing.

"[22] Neal Ronaghan of the Nintendo World Report referred to it as "one of the best side-scrolling platformers in recent memory,"[27] citing in particular its visuals and gameplay.