A follow-up to rollicking rhythm platformer BIT.TRIP RUNNER is in development for Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network under the snappy name BIT.TRIP Presents: Runner 2, Future Legend of Rhythm Alien, developer Gaijin Games has announced. CommanderVideo will return in an "all-new" and "re-imagined" adventure, complete with a new art style.

Runner 2 moves away from the retro-styled graphics the BIT.TRIP series is known for, breaking out a "smooth, graphic, and somewhat cartoony" style. It'll boast heaps of new abilities for CommanderVideo and the other playable characters, leaderboards, unlockable costumes, and other shiny things yet to be revealed.

"Runner 2 is going to blast open your mind like a blooming flower and Gaijin Games is going to pollinate it with our fun proboscises," Gaijin art master Mike Roush said in the announcement.

Someone more prosaic, CEO Alex Neuse offered, "With its new art style, fantastic music, and gameplay innovations, Runner 2 will make your brain glands SWEAT BLOOD!"

You can expect your brain glands to be sticky with blood and game-pollen in 2012.

Here's the Gaijin gang brainstorming new moves for CommanderVideo. The official Runner 2 website has plenty of behind-the-scenes snippets, if you want more.