Koji Igarashi is one of those grandfathers of gaming that we often talk about. As the man behind the Metroid-inspired Castlevania genre, often termed “Igavania”, he still has a lot of credibility in the industry. So, when he announced his Kickstarter, it didn’t take long for it to reach its goal. Now it’s time to stretch and even that looks like a lot of fun.
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night has already raised over $800k at the time of writing this, over $300k more than originally asked for. Described as “An exploration-focused, side-scrolling platformer featuring RPG and crafting elements.” The premise of the game sounds rather cool:
You are Miriam, an orphan scarred by an alchemist curse which slowly crystallizes your skin. You must battle your way through a demon-filled castle summoned by Gebel, your old friend whose body has become more crystal than flesh.
The game will be coming to PC, PS4 and Xbox One, and Kickstarter rewards can include physical/retail copies of the game. But really, you have to watch Iga’s pitch to understand why this is all too awesome for words.
Really? Publishers think that gamers don’t want to play these kinds of games? Guess the instant success of this Kickstarter proves just how wrong they are.
What I like a lot about the campaign is how they’ve gamified the stretch goals and rewards. Once they reach certain checkpoints for Facebook followers, tweets and other social media tie-ins (as well as other milestones), new elements will unlock. This was what was fun about Exploding Kittens’ campaign – by getting the community involved with pictures, video and cosplay, there are opportunities for tons of engagement and lots of fun with the Kickstarter.
I love projects like this. It makes me happy to see games Kickstarted that wouldn’t have been made otherwise, particularly when publishers get proven wrong. Plus, Iga needs to keep making these games. And just like that, I think I need to Kickstart this too. Curses!
Last Updated: May 12, 2015
Jonah Cash
May 12, 2015 at 10:03
I saw Umar get a digital bone last night over this… (goes to watch the trailer)
Umar
May 12, 2015 at 10:05
No trailer yet, just a pitch by Igarshi. Adored by many for his Metroidvania Castlavania games.
Jonah Cash
May 12, 2015 at 10:09
After watching that pitch I am inclined to agree with your hype of last night. Probably the best pitch I have seen for a kickstarter campaign….
Umar
May 12, 2015 at 10:19
Hehe, Igarashi is awesome, he knows what fans want. He’s acting is so awkward japanese, but love it.
Hammersteyn
May 12, 2015 at 10:11
So a semi then?
Umar
May 12, 2015 at 10:13
FULL ON HARDNESS! STEEL!
Pariah
May 12, 2015 at 10:11
I went and looked at their kickstarter page because of Umar. Not going to get it, but it looks cool. 😛
Umar
May 12, 2015 at 10:13
Massive fan of The Metroidvania Castlevania games. MASSIVE MASSIVE, Played Symphony of the Night like 5 times over. Played all 3 GBA games at least twice. Played 2 of the 3 DS games as well…..So, needless to say, I am OOOOOOOOVER the moon lol
Pariah
May 12, 2015 at 10:21
I have Valdis Story: Abyssal City for my metroidvania style game fix. I’ve only done one character, and in the last week they released the 3rd and 4th ones. I need to get back into it though, massively challenging and fun.
Umar
May 12, 2015 at 10:24
I saw that, actually wanna get it, looks like so much fun. Sucker for these games.
Pariah
May 12, 2015 at 10:25
It really is good. If you like the metroidvania style at all (and you obvs do) then it’s well worth it.
Umar
May 12, 2015 at 10:27
Awesome, will get it soon, though I hardly play PC games, but this looks worthwhile.
Pariah
May 12, 2015 at 10:41
It’s actually on sale right now. O_o 35% off.
http://store.steampowered.com/app/252030
cc @disqus_YCIicGKzx5:disqus
Umar
May 12, 2015 at 10:04
I am so over the moon about this. I hooked my laptop to my TV with the Kickstarter page open and I was having supper just watching the amount rise. It’s over a Million now, in less than ONE freaking day. I guess gamers only MILDLY like these types of games….OOOOOH what a horrible night to have a curse!!
Blood Emperor Trevor
May 12, 2015 at 10:08
That looks really cool, I’ll throw some money at it later tonight.
These days it seems as if the big publishers only want to spend their money on $ billion blockbuster franchises that they can use to churn out sequel after annual sequel. Ubi being the only one that’ll still try something like this on a regular basis.
Lord Chaos
May 12, 2015 at 10:08
Need this
Hammersteyn
May 12, 2015 at 10:10
SOLD! take it all!
http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view1/4072112/joker-money-o.gif
SargonTheBatpandaOfTI5
May 12, 2015 at 10:23
It’s already at $1.2 million. O.O
Umar
May 12, 2015 at 10:24
IN LESS THAT ONE DAY….Did I mention…LESS THAN ONE FREAKING DAY.
Pariah
May 12, 2015 at 10:25
< 1 = 0. Geoff is screwed.
Hammersteyn
May 12, 2015 at 10:26
I’m surprised it took more than a hour.
Lord Chaos
May 12, 2015 at 10:26
Some of those packages look amazing.
*Starts looking for organ volunteers
Pariah
May 12, 2015 at 10:27
In fact, by your math, this was funded in literally no time at all.
SargonTheBatpandaOfTI5
May 12, 2015 at 10:29
Incorrect. It was funded BEFORE time.
Pariah
May 12, 2015 at 10:30
Yup yup. It certainly was.
http://img1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20141011004827/landbeforetime/images/1/1d/Ducky_300.gif
SargonTheBatpandaOfTI5
May 12, 2015 at 10:31
Yep. They called dibs on the less advanced PS4 and Xbox One versions.
😉
Hammersteyn
May 12, 2015 at 10:25
Konami could have had that cash but after seeing their corporate strategy…
http://img0.joyreactor.com/pics/post/konami-company-slide-fuck-2086389.jpeg
SargonTheBatpandaOfTI5
May 12, 2015 at 10:28
This is the greatest thing I have seen today. Lol.
SargonTheBatpandaOfTI5
May 12, 2015 at 10:28
Okay. I just watched the pitch. I have never given anyone kickstarter money. But I might do with this. Hahahaha.
Also been playing Unepic a lot lately and it’s been a very surprising little gem. So very keen to get more of these types of things into my backlog.
Pariah
May 12, 2015 at 10:29
As per my comment to Umar – Valdis Story. Go for it, it’s awesome.
SargonTheBatpandaOfTI5
May 12, 2015 at 10:30
You are NOT allowed to give me gaming advice! WE KNOW HOW THIS ENDS! Me broke. You laughing. My girlfriend shaking her head.
😛
Pariah
May 12, 2015 at 10:30
LOL!!!