Kickstarter

A new Genesis/Mega-Drive shmup, ZPF, begins crowdfunding on Kickstarter; already achieves its goal nearly 5x over

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Are you guys ready for an especially wonderful new Sega Genesis/Mega-Drive experience? Apparently a lot of people were. A Kickstarter has been recently opened up for an incredible new shooter by the developer of indie Genesis darling Tänzer and its publisher Mega Cat Studios. ZPF is a game that aims to push the beloved 16-bit console like few modern indie hits have before, and it’s already gone way past it’s initial modest goal of $15,000 USD in less than half an hour after going live on July 1st, 2024. In fact, it is already over $100,000 raised. I think people might be a bit impressed so far.

ZPF is a horizontal scrolling shmup, much like Genesis classics such as the Thunder Force games, Steel Empire (1992), Arrow Flash (1991), and another hotly anticipated indie hit which was also a smashing success on Kickstarter, Irena: Genesis Metal Fury. ZPF aims to set itself apart with some incredibly detailed and imaginative artwork, three playable characters with their own unique attacks, and many secrets, including hidden stages and endings. ZPF aims to go hard or go home.

Suffice it to say, this game’s coming out with or without your support, but there’s still all of July to put a couple of bucks down and earn yourself some rewards. For a rundown of what you can get, as well as more of the game itself, scroll on past the break and be ready to contain your excitement.

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A new Genesis/Mega-Drive action game, Rocket Panda, hits Kickstarter; passes its base goal

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Another brand-new Genesis/Mega-Drive game has launched on Kickstarter, with the goal of raising funds to finance its development. Rocket Panda, a game developed by Space Pants Games and Mega Cat Studios, is now crowdfunding on Kickstarter and has 18 days left in its campaign. It has also just passed its $15,000 USD goal, so it seems that this is all but locked in, although there is still a stretch goal of $25,000 USD to add an as-of-now unspecified mini-game.

The game puts you in control of the titular Rocket Panda, who must navigate different mazes while avoiding traps and bizarre enemies in order to find the exit. Along the way, you’ll encounter and rescue little badgers to accompany you to the exit, similar to Flicky, Gain Ground, or Sega’s Sonic 3D Blast, except that the badgers also serve as shields to protect you from attacks. As you’d expect, you’ll want to safely guide as many of these badgers to the exit as possible to earn a good score, so fly carefully either way. A demo is also available on the Kickstarter page for you to try right away.

But would you find this to be a game worth supporting with some cash? You can read on past the break and decide for yourself.

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Chaos Creators Presents: Sonic EXPO; Event Kickstarter Page Now Available

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Another Sonic the Hedgehog fan event is on the horizon this fall with Sonic EXPO, a new and upcoming Sonic fan convention taking place in the heart of Dallas, TX on November 11 and 12 in 2023 and will be held by the experienced Chaos Creators team, known for their Arts Festival held in 2022.

Sonic EXPO will be a celebration of our collective enthusiasm for Sonic the Hedgehog. Fans will be able to meet their favorite Sonic voice actors and industry guests in person such as Ryan Drummond (Sonic), Lisa Ortiz (Amy), Jason Griffith (Sonic & Shadow), Pete Capella (Silver) and Johnny Gioeli, the singer for Crush 40, with more guests to being announced! The expo will also feature panels, a live rock concert, and a Sonic themed Artist Alley & Vendors.

The team released a Kickstarter page where you can support the event with way past cool tier rewards to choose from and details on location. If you are interested in Sonic the Hedgehog fan events, Sonic Expo is an experience you won’t want to miss. Don’t forget that we also have our SEGA themed event, Arcade Adventure, which will be held at the Galloping Ghost Arcade in Brookfield, Illinois on September 9th, 2023 with tons of SEGA arcade games to play!

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Special interview with Ross Kilgariff, the creator of Harlequest!

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Many of you probably remember the announcement of Harlequest!, a brand new action RPG in development for Sega Dreamcast that is now live on Kickstarter. As of this writing, there are 5 days remaining for the Kickstarter to raise as much money as possible.

Since I have written that article, I have gotten the opportunity to speak with the game’s main creator, Ross Kilgariff (ross:codes) to learn more about him and the inspirations behind Harlequest! Check in after the break to hear more from the man himself. Special thanks goes to Ross for reaching out to us for this opportunity.

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New 3D Dreamcast Dungeon Crawler “HarleQuest!” now on Kickstarter

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A brand new indie dungeon crawling RPG has just been announced for Dreamcast and PC (Including Mac and Linux), called HarleQuest!, and has begun its bid for crowdfunding on Kickstarter on April 1st. No foolin’.

Being developed by Ross Kilgariff, with assistance by Alastair Low of LowTek Games (Who have experience with Dreamcast development, porting indie NES games to the console), HarleQuest! is envisioned as a “high difficulty, procedurally-generated dungeon crawler” inspired by Gauntlet, Diablo, The Legend of Zelda, MidiEvil, and “SoulsBorne” games such as the Dark Souls series and Bloodborne. The dungeon layouts will be randomized, many different weapons and loot will be scattered around for the taking, fearsome enemies and giant bosses lurk around most corners, the option of co-op multiplayer is there, and best of all, the game will be in full 3D, a rarity for independent Dreamcast games. At the time of this writing, HarleQuest! has raised $8,214 of the $13,811 needed and has kept a good momentum after the Kickstarter campaign went live.

Go check out the Kickstarter page now, which is running until April 30th 2023, or check in after the break for more info from us at SegaBits.

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Yu Suzuki says there are ‘no concrete plans’ for Shenmue 4 yet

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Shenmue creator and SEGA legend Yu Suzuki recently attended a event to celebrate Shenmue in Yokosuka, right during the finale of the Shenmue the Animation. At this event there where several gaming outlets including IGN Japan and Famitsu, where he discussed the anime and talked about the future of the series.

One of the interesting points he touched on was the fact that Shenmue 3 was created to please long time fans from the start since they’re the ones crowdfunding it. Yu Suzuki says he received positive feedback from those old time fans but felt that newcomers “felt like they had been left behind”. This made it a bad entry point for newcomers.

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SEGA Talk #90: Shenmue III (2019)

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Finally! SEGA Talk covers the long awaited sequel to 2001’s Shenmue II – Shenmue III! We discuss the ups and downs of the Kickstarter campaign, the new gameplay elements and the future of the franchise.

Support us on Patreon! Get early access, tell us what games to cover, and have your SEGA memories read at the end and more!

[iTunes – Stitcher – YouTube – RSS – Download]

If you want to give us feedback, suggest a topic for the next podcast or want to ask a question for us to answer on the next episode you can add  them as a comment below or send theme directly to our email. Make sure you use subject line ‘SEGA Talk’ and as always, thanks for listening!

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‘Irena Genesis Metal Fury’ Kickstarter launched, a metal shoot ’em up for SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive

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A new studio making new shoot’em up Irena Genesis Metal Fury for the SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive have launched their kickstarter. According to the Kickstarter page the game is influenced by SEGA classics such as Thunder Force III/IV, Aero Blaster, Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master, and Contra Hard Corps. Looking at the footage above, its definitely obvious.

As most SEGA fans know, these new studios pop up and promise big Kickstarter retro projects but most turn into nothing. The team seems to understand this and have at least put up a proof of concept demo, which you can download here.

If the game is fully funded (which seems likely right now, its half way to its goal with 29 days left. ), it will get a 7 level game with cut scenes including dialogue, 3 upgradable weapons, multiple speed modes, and a ton of other features.

If you are a big SEGA fan collector, there is some really great priced physical goods given out like the $55 dollar pledge with the physical game cartridge with manual and a bunch of cool digital goodies. Check it out before its gone since some of these rewards are limited (and moving fast).

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ToeJam & Earl’s Funky Fresh Foods of Funkotron Cookbook Launches On KickStarter

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From the makers of “The Legend’s Cookbook” and “Mother’s Cookbook” alumni, with guidance from TJ&E co-creator Greg Johnson, comes ToeJam & Earl’s Funky Fresh Foods of Funkotron Cookbook which has officially launched on Kickstarter.

Owners of this cook book will be able to make 35 unique recipes, and the book features fresh photos and original illustrations with an authentic ’90s vibe taking inspiration from the Toe Jam and Earl franchise. This cook book is great for beginners and hardcore fans alike if you want to try out food from Toe Jam and Earl’s home planet, Funkotron.

You can pre-order the cook book on the official Kickstarter page until October 30th with additional backer rewards available such as stickers, enamel pins and your very own TJ&E apron. There will also be community events and challenges for a chance to win free copies of the “ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove” game on Steam with more details coming soon on the official Kickstarter and Twitter pages. Hit the jump to see sample pages of the recipes to try out for yourself!

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Shenmue 3 release day is here, plus a reminder for Kickstarter backers about digital rewards

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Today’s the day! After 18 long years, we’re leaving the cave and are experiencing Shenmue 3. Kickstarter backers, Limited Run Games customers and the general public are now receiving their physical copies. Based on a Twitter poll we held, fans are receiving their Kickstarter and Limited Run Games releases on release day, though some are still waiting. But hey, if you are waiting what’s a few more days. At least we can now say that Shenmue 3 is complete and now we begin the fun part: playing the game!

If you are a Kickstarter backer, make sure you login to Fangamer as you should have some digital bonuses available. In addition to digital wallpapers for your PC and phone, backers at $80 and above receive a digital in-game phone card. The phone card allows you to call characters from the first two games including Nozomi, Guizhang Chen, Ine-san, Joy, Fuku-san and others. Not only will you talk on the phone but you will also view flashback scenes. No idea if these are in-game footage from the old games or newly rendered cutscenes, but it sounds cool. All backers are also given a backer number code on Fangamer that is entered on the main menu screens, so do not forget to do this as well.

Enjoy the game and in the comments below, share your thoughts on Shenmue 3!

 

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Sonic Mania developer Headcannon launches Kickstarter for new game called Vertebreaker

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If you’ve been enjoying Sonic Mania and wanted to know what the teams behind the game have been up to, we got our answer for Headcannon games. It seems that Headcannon has been working on Vertebreaker and has now launched a Kickstarter. According to the project’s description:

“Rest in Peace?!” You wish! “Vertebreaker” is a brand-new and authentic pixel-based side-scroller from Headcannon, the studio that helped bring “Sonic Mania” to the masses. Starring a stubby-yet-seemingly-unstoppable skeleton who’s thrashing their way to victory, it’s gothic, cartoonish, and unabashedly retro!

Take control of our bony hero in a crusade to crush the undead and look cool while doing it! In “Vertebreaker”, traversal is key as you slash, bash, and grapple your way through the most wicked 2D adventure yet! “What is ‘traversal'”? It’s slinging, swinging, and launching from floors, walls, and ceilings to propel yourself forward or even upward with serious speed!

Save the day with our pearly-boned mascot, their mysterious golden half-skull, and their sick grappling hook made from the spine of a demon! “What demon”? It doesn’t matter … does it … ?

Vertebreaker is only seeking 275,000 dollars to make the project, with tiers allowing backers to transform the final game. Some of the high tiers, like the one for $500 dollars even allows you to design enemies. But if you just want a regular digital copy, its at the $15 dollar tier which includes your name in the credits. You can also try the Vertebreaker demo right now on PC and see if the game is for you. So far the game is only announced for PC and is suppose to come out Q3 2021, if the project games founded. One of the extended tiers includes a Nintendo Switch port at $330,000. Pretty smart to launch this Kickstarter on Halloween.

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Playing the Shenmue III Backer Trial Demo

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Decided to do a walk through of the Shenmue III trial demo, showing off what you can do within the demo and giving some commentary. I have to say, this demo totally FEELS like Shenmue and I feel like that’s a good thing.

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Shenmue III will not have a Steam key option on launch for backers

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Poor YS Net has upset some PC fans when they announced a few months ago at E3 2019 that Shenmue III would be Epic Store Exclusive. This lead to people getting upset that after the Kickstarter was done, the studio asked fans what PC service they would want keys on and most people said Steam; it seemed that the studio got a better deal from Epic Games Store.

YS Net has confirmed that there will be four versions of Shenmue III which includes the PlayStation 4 physical, digital and of course the same for PC. But for PC both physical and digital will come with Epic Game Store. But if you want the game on Steam, there will be an option for it if you select ‘delayed steam key’, which means you will have to wait about a year from launch to be able to play it. Yeah, this will obviously piss off backers, especially those that paid extra (100+) for a beta they never got! You can also change the platform to PlayStation 4 if you don’t want to deal with all this nonsense.

But don’t worry, if you are angry YS Net is allowing users to get refunds for Shenmue III backers that expected a Steam Key day one. They still don’t have a way of doing it and will update us on how to request a refund soon. Here is the statement after the jump:

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Review: ToeJam and Earl Back in the Groove

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Disclaimer: The author of the review is a Kickstarter Backer and received a copy of the PC version through the campaign. A Nintendo Switch review copy was also provided by the via the game’s PR team.

ToeJam and Earl have returned during a time that could not be more appropriate for not only SEGA fanatics but also for the roguelite genre’s recent surge in popularity with ToeJam and Earl Back in the Groove. The game serves as a return of the adventure-like aspect from first game, serving as an all-star tribute to the history of the franchise and provides a strong artful representation of the culture with it’s cast of characters and musical appreciation. Starting as a Kickstarter project in 2015 this allowed the developers to stick closer to the first game without having to bend to publisher direction and create the long awaited follow-up to the original ToeJam and Earl. Despite the long development time, having to shave off a few goals, (Sorry Wii U) and going through two publishers, the game succeeds bringing the first game’s roguelike experience up to date with bigger multiplayer opportunities while struggling with performance issues on consoles.

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Shenmue 3 pre-order page up on Amazon

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Its crazy that Shenmue II released on September 6, 2001 for the SEGA Dreamcast. Ever since then, fans have been begging SEGA for a 3rd entry and now, almost 20 years later we have an Amazon pre-order page. I used to tell people Shenmue III would never happen and now I get to eat crow.

The only thing I would complain about is that Deep Silver and YSNet are going to charge full price for a game that was basically kickstarted by fans? I’m OK with them charging what they want, but personally think it should have launched at a reasonable price of $39.99.

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