Welcome to the brand spanking new weekly edition of Kickstart This. The switch is so we at Warp Zoned can highlight great game projects more frequently and hopefully not miss any gems that would have fallen through our monthly window. So sit back, relax, and let us tell you the story of three games – 2D Action Platformer Hollow Knight, MMORPG Skies, and That Dragon, Cancer.
Project: Hollow Knight
Genre: 2D Action Platformer
Platforms: PC (Win, Mac, Linux)
Funding Target: $35,000 AUD ($30,170)
What Is It?
Not to be confused with Yacht Club Games’ amazing Shovel Knight, Hollow Knight falls into the same 2D side-scrolling platformer genre, but that is where the similarities end. Where Shovel Knight ensnared us with its 8-bit pixel art, instantly reminding us of the NES era, Hollow Knight uses a traditional, hand-drawn style and muted palette to create the evocative world of the Hollownest.
Why Fund It?
Australian-based outfit Team Cherry are onto a sure-fire winner here. A simple idea well executed in its design and concept, it offers fluid gameplay while exploring a vast underground kingdom and interconnected realms. It is rare to see a project on Kickstarter for this level of funding that is so sure of its identity, as is evident in the artwork and character design.
Best Rewards?
- Game alone in digital format – $10 AUD
- Game plus digital copies of map, manual, and comic – $25 AUD
- Three copies of the game plus your name inside – $75 AUD
- Design an NPC character, plus eight copies of the game – $400 AUD (limited to five)
- Design a boss, plus 10 copies of the game – $600 AUD (limited to three)
Project: Skies
Genre: Post-Apocalyptic MMORPG
Platforms: PC
Funding Target: $350,000
What Is It?
An MMORPG that, like many, claims not to be an MMORPG (I’m looking at you, Bungie), Skies looks to address the key area in which many MMORPG projects fail, namely story (yes, you again, Destiny). New York-based developer Eforb Gamebox describe it as a “desert romance,” and have an accompanying book that will become available should the project receive half its funding.
Why Fund It?
If you like your post-apocalyptic settings and frontier attitude, Skies is the game for you. Eforb Gamebox is aiming to develop a game where every player can find a place in this rich world, whether you simply want to explore, or have ambitions of running a factory empire.
Best Rewards?
- Digital media pack and alpha access – $15
- Four month premium account and PDF Thank-You letter – $25
- Six month premium account and unique in-game items – $75
- Skype call with developers and likeness to appear in game – $250
- Land and transport for setting up a business in the game – $1000
Project: That Dragon, Cancer
Genre: Emotional Point-and-Click
Platforms: Ouya, PC (Win, Mac)
Funding Target: $85,000
What Is It?
This heart-breaking games project from husband and wife Ryan and Amy Green is a beautiful ode to their son, Joel, who battled cancer for four years. It takes the point-and-click genre and removes the puzzle aspects to create something both experimental and emotionally gripping. In short, it is like walking in someone else’s memories, both good and bad.
Why Fund It?
When That Dragon, Cancer was shown at E3, it managed to grab people’s imaginations, not through fancy graphics, but through the appeal of experiencing the world and the story. While the titular dragon does not actually appear, the designers offer a sense of danger through subtle art changes and also the haunting soundtrack by Josh Larson.
Best Rewards?
- Game alone in digital format – $15
- Game, digital wallpaper, poster, and soundtrack – $30
- Play and help developers as consultant – $125
- Join the team in presenting game at a conference – $1,000 (limited to four)
- Get your dog’s likeness in the game (sorry cat lovers, Joel loved dogs) – $4,000 (limited to four)
Until Next Time…
So, do you like the new format? Or does it suck? Are you a developer with a game project on Kickstarter you want us to highlight next week? Get in touch with bribes of cheesecake!
