Once again, I am tasked with contradicting myself; I always seek to present game-related Kickstarters to you, our favorite audience, with the promise that we "have no insider information or financial interest in any of these projects." Yet Stuart Gipp, prolific video game-liker and part-time writer, insists on working so hard that he's a contributor to one of these projects! Stu, why are you making my life so difficult?

I kid, Stu, please keep doing everything that you do. At the very least, I have not 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.

Infinite Mana (ends May 3 estimated reward date May 2024)
In what feels like a response to the Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters, Inifite Mana is a retro RPG with 2D characters exploring a 3D background set in "the immense magickal world of Arukea." It also leans into its game-ness by letting players switch from 2.5D to 2D, accompanied by a "glitch" effect. It's not a bug, it's a feature! There's already a demo on Steam if you'd like to try it for yourself.

Beast Slayer (ends May 5 estimated reward date Sept 2023)
Another retro RPG, Beast Slayer settles for a decidedly 8-bit look, although it still promises a variety of character classes, the means to build your own home, and even family-related activities like weddings and child-raising. Already "50% complete" according to the solo developer who already has multiple RPGs on the market.

Tales from Centropolis (ends May 12 estimated reward date Jan 2025)
Another retro RPG, Tales from Centropolis takes a decidedly different approach with an "alternate 1920s" setting featuring robots and gangsters. The team cites a broad range of influences, including "silver age EC Comics" and River City Ransom.

GameBook: The Unofficial DMG Companion (ends May 22 estimated reward date Jul 2023)
Here's that Stu-affiliated project I warned you about: A book dedicated to the Nintendo Game Boy. Covering the system's nine-year lifespan, the guide features stories about key people and titles that made the handheld console so memorable. For his part, Stu is writing about Donkey Kong, easily one of the best Nintendo games ever made.

Rune Fencer Illyia (ends May 25 estimated reward date Jan 2024)
Technically this is another RPG, but it's the side-scrolling action variety because Rune Fencer Illyia is an indie Metroidvania, one emphasizing lots of movement options. It also promises an opportunity to pet a giant capybara, a worthy goal in any video game. The developers naturally highlight Castlevania as an influence here, but they correctly specify Aria of Sorrow and Order of Ecclesia, two sterling examples of the genre.

I’m going to die if I don’t eat sushi! 2 (ends May 31 estimated reward date Nov 2023)
Released in late 2021, self-described kusoge I’m going to die if I don’t eat sushi! gained a cult following thanks to its simple yet ridiculous premise: A man loves sushi so much, if he doesn't eat enough of it quickly, he dies. Now the developer wants to make a sequel so he's using Japanese crowdfunding platform Campfire to raise the necessary funds. There's no English here so proceed with caution, but the first game came to Steam with subtitles in multiple languages, so odds are you'll understand the finished product because sushi is for everybody.

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