Giana Sisters: Dream Runners is essentially a speed runner clone, combining the original Mario clones from Giana Sisters with a competitive multiplayer twist.

It can be described as a 2D endless runner against your friends, supporting up to 4 players on 9 different maps, including a dash function and power-ups or items.

The maps have minimal branching paths but are primarily 2D loop courses. Players who fall too far behind are eliminated until only one player remains in the lead, earning a point, and the race restarts. The first player to accumulate the required points wins the overall match. There is no significant cross-progression, item unlocks, or similar features – it’s a straightforward gameplay experience.

While the metascore hovers around the mid-30s, the game is undoubtedly more enjoyable when played in a group setting. It also features online play with leaderboards, although that aspect is less relevant for our current discussion.

Available at major platforms of the 8th console generation: