This week's Kickstarters to Watch features two projects from creators of gaming cult classics. Kickstarter has been a great place for famed developers to find funding for passion projects. The two projects listed below highlight the websites ability to help even the already successful get things made.
Armikrog
Armikrog is a clay-mation based title created by Earthworm Jim creator Doug TenNapal. The point-and-click adventure is billed as a spiritual successor to TenNapal's previous clay-mation venture The NeverHood.
The developers of the game have assembled much of the original NeverHood team to bring Armikrog to life. Developers behind the title will use a mix of stop-motion animation and clay sculpture to create the world of Armikrog.
Armikrog' story follows the life and times of Tommynaut and his companion Beak-Beak. Tommynaut is a space explorer who crash lands on a mysterious planet along with his trustful dog Beak-Beak.
The game's characters will be voiced by a slew of high-profile voice actors such as Jon Heder (Napoleon Dynamite), Michael J. Nelson (Mystery Science Theater 3000) and Rob Paulsen (Pinky and the Brain).
Armikrog's Kickstarter is looking to earn $900,000 over the next 25 days. The project has been highly successful so far by making over $300,000 in just under a week. Those who help fund the project have chance to earn prizes such as a visit to the game's studio and a free copy of the game.
The game currently looks to feature wonderful animations and a fun story in the vein of Earthworm Jim. Those intrested in funding the project can bid anywhere from $1 to $10,000. If successfully funded, the game will be released next summer for PC, Mac and Linux.
Double Fine's Massive Chalice
Massive Chalice comes from the studio behind cult classics like Psychonauts and Brutal Legend. Double Fine Studio's latest KickStarter will reportedly mash-up XCOM style gameplay with Game of Thrones type storylines. The studio says the game will feature turn-based combat and multigenerational strategy campagins.
"We're inspired by classic tactical strategy games like XCOM, Final Fantasy Tactics, and Fire Emblem, as well as Game of Thrones' array of noble families. With these influences in mind we're creating an epic, replayable turn-based tactics game where you train generations of heroes to repel a demonic invasion," says Double Fine Studios.
Massive Chalice will have two gameplay types. The strategy part of the game will see players marrying kingdoms and overseeing their dynasty. While the tactical angle of the series will feature squad-based turn-based combat.
The project is already off to a great start. Over the last two days the project has earned over $600,000. The project is currently about $100,000 away from its funding goal.
Those interested in funding the project will have the chance to receive gifts such as copies of the game and a meeting with the design team. Donators to the project can give up to $10,000. If the game is successfully funded it will be released for PC, Mac and Linux sometime next year.