I thought it was safe to breathe with August behind us, but it seems summer is hanging in there for another week or two. Yet the stores already have Halloween merch on the shelves, I can't tolerate this contrast! But enough talk, let's get down to the business of backing video game Kickstarters.
As always, we have no insider information or financial interest in any of these projects, and no one at Retronauts has been compensated for including anything on this page. Also, in light of the ongoing pandemic, we recommend only backing crowdfunding campaigns if you feel comfortable with your own security and stability.
Nara: Facing Fire (ends September 2 estimated reward date June 2024)
Our first indie Metroidvania of the month is being produced by a "family studio" and takes inspiration from Hollow Knight, the Ori games, Celeste, Terraria, Lord Of The Rings, Attack On Titan, and Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Pizzamon (ends September 6 estimated reward date September 2024)
With over 25 years in the franchise, has there been a pizza-type Pokémon? I know there's been magnets, keyrings, and sentient Pokéballs, but why not a pizza? Would it open the door to an uncomfortable discussion of whether Pokémon are edible?
Pizzamon has no qualms in that department because this game is about competitive pizza making. As the two-person dev team puts it, "you create your pizzamons based on ingredients that you obtain from ingredient shops, secret locations, bosses and chests." Try the demo for yourself if you need more info.
Old School Gamer Magazine (ends September 14 estimated reward date November 2022)
A magazine about old video games? What more needs to be said?
Chester's Revenge (ends September 15 estimated reward date December 2023)
I've gone on record more than once concerning my affection for Metal Slug (I even hosted an entire episode dedicated to the series), so this loving homage to the run-and-gun genre automatically has my attention. There's a demo available if you wish to partake of a trial run or gun. Also, shoutout to Buffalo, New York where the developer calls home. Go Bills!
Dead Pets Unleashed (ends September 19 estimated reward date June 2024)
"Dead Pets Unleashed is a feminist, narrative, slice of life, and management-lite game about punk music, friendship and growing up." That covers a lot of ground, but skips over the fact that the entire game is full of demons who live and work and play music together. Check out the demo!
Rebel Transmute (ends September 29 estimated reward date June 2023)
Our second indie Metroidvania of the month reminds me of Xeodrifter, although the developer (singular) cites Hollow Knight, Super Metroid, Hyper Light Drifter, and Nier: Automata as his inspirations. A demo is already live for the curious.
Armed Fantasia & Penny Blood (ends September 30 estimated reward date March 2025)
An unprecedented DOUBLE Kickstarter that has already smashed its funding goal, this campaign brings together two veteran JRPG developers to create two separate titles. The former is a "Westernpunk" adventure with gunslingers on the frontier, while the latter takes place in New York City in 1923 and has more gothic themes. Backers may choose to support either game or grab both at a discount.