Too often, the conversation around Kickstarter projects is focused on the blunders. There’s no shortage of ambitious MMOs asking for millions only to cease development, but beyond those unfortunate cases are success stories that deserve more time in the spotlight. Life is too short to focus on negativity, and with so many great Kickstarter successes releasing onSteam in 2022, it’s time to unwind with something exciting.
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Whether it’s a predilection for the past, a hunt for a new speedrunning community, or a desire to be lost in a world fullof eccentric characters (2021 saw some real favorites), these games show the dedication and care their developers put into them. When that joy is shared with fans, all those hours coding, designing, and writing will have made the gaming community a better place.
March 29th 2022
Funds Raised
CA$ 5,504 of CA$ 1,000 goal
Incorporatingthose popular card-based mechanicsinto a roguelike dungeon crawler is a winning concept, if the success of 2021’sInscryptionis any evidence. While some may go to great lengths to ease their card-collecting itch, the bite-sizedForward: Escape the Foldwraps it all up in a gameplay loop that’s simple to learn and lasts as long as the player dares enter another round.
With stories of multimillion-dollar efforts breaking on a regular basis, it’s easy to forget that fundraising can have more modest goals. In the case of Two Tiny Dice’s sole developer, Christophe Coyard, the campaign appears to have resulted in a small and dedicated community.
May 2nd 2022
$16,070 of $6,000 goal
The February 2022 Nintendo Direct announced a pleasant surprise forEarthboundfans. Those with a love forpure ‘90s nostalgia— particularly JRPGs — received news of aMother 2rerelease, among others.The Last Relicis keeping that good news flowing with a strategic combat system, expansive crafting, and unlockable costumes.
Created by a duo team of human Chris Hall and the cat Monty, what started as a love of the NES days flourished into an enjoyable entry intothe JRPG genre. WithThe Last Relicand other indie JRPGs likeCesspoolreleasing this year, Nintendo is sleeping on an opportunity to finally releaseMother 3in the West.
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dunny
€4,208 of €4,000 goal
Fans of retro platformers have been blessed with quality releases of their favorite genre. 2021’sCeleste Classic 2was just one in a long line of hits. While OK Games is busy working on their latest game,Earthblade, Spanish developer, dunny, is putting the last touches onSoulchild,their platformerwith those ever-popular metroidvania elements.
If the promisingitch.iodemo is a taste of what’s in store,Soulchildcould be in the running for one of the best platformers of 2022. To help the game along the way, a close-knit community for fans to share fan art,dedicated speedsters' speedrunsand daily cheese facts is there to build the hype.
September 1st 2022
£14,119 of £8,000 goal
Speaking of speedrunning,Metroidfans know how a well-designed moveset lends itself to pushing a game to its limits. Fans brought to the series throughMetroid Dreadneed look no further thanRecursorto challengea gripping new sci-fi world.
Active in theSuper Smash Bros Meleecommunity, creator Wills Blackett — also known as Schmoo — put his experience creating a browser-basedMeleedemake into his original IP. Featuring time trials, a versus mode for up to 4 players, and a customizable campaign, prospective speedrunners should giveRecursor’sdemo a shot to get a feel for the quick-paced action and fluid controls.
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€93,868 of €27,000 goal
Austrian studio Metall Adler Studios teamed up with publisher Cryptivo to create areal-time strategy gamein which battles are fought by armies that stalk prey at night. Rats are cute but they are highly adaptive, so it makes sense that they’ve taken to the trenches.
Certain studios may be trying to keep an iron grip on the RTS genre, but they have serious competition withRatten Reichon the field. On top of campaign and skirmish modes, the intricate lore allows players to lead factions based on real-world nations: America, Japan, Ethiopia, and Austria to name a few.Ratten Reich’s Discord server is the place for memes, dreams, and historical battles.
€19,488 of €7,500 goal
Inspired by theSTALKERseries,Zero Sieverttakes in-depth craftingand survival gameplay and wraps it into a colorful pixel art package. Featuring base building, weapon customization, and inventory-wrangling, complete with aFallout-esque personal device, players find no lack of activity in this post-apocalyptic world.
Those familiar withProject Zomboidwill recognize the gameplay loop of gathering supplies and battling menaces in the wild, but with a mission and faction system,Zero Sievertsets itself apart.
2022
AU$ 73,087 of AU$ 18,000 goal
The term ‘platforming tearjerker’ should be well-understood by those familiar with games such asOri and the Blind Forest. Like the ‘sports dog’ film genre, there’s something about cute characters taking on tall challenges that always seems toend in heartbreak (like the saddest Netflix movies). Even so, they’re irresistible.Ailuri, the fluffy titular character, is worth a tear or two.
Luckily,fun couch co-opallows players to take on sprawling levels and bosses with added emotional support.Ailuri’s demo doesn’t spoil the ending, but if the final release is anything likeOri, the journey along the way will be something special.
CHF 25,682 of CHF 9,000 goal
An art style reminiscent ofPaper Marioand gameplay elements inspired by the 2D installment of theLegend of Zeldaseries along withUndertale:The Outbound Ghostcertainly knows how to mix everything together to make a unique blend.
Fans ofThe Minish Capwill appreciate the colorful cast and puzzles, while those new to the adventure genre will appreciate something cute and comedic.The Outbound Ghostis one to watch. With a Switch release on the way too, Nintendo’s roster of adventure games is shaping up well for 2022.
CA$ 25,813 of CA$ 15,500 goal
‘90s fans have no shortage of nostalgia bait, but what about those looking torelive the ‘80s? Whether it’s a love for the scent of Aquanet or the Netflix seriesStranger Thingsthat draws you to the decade,Unusual Findingskeeps the spirit of neon and pleather alive.
Unusual Findingsis not just a bunch of references; it offers a gameplay style reminiscent of classic point-and-click adventures likeKing’s Quest.Those born a few decades late shouldn’t be put off, however.Unusual Findings’ sci-fi coming-of-age story is one that can be enjoyed by anyone.
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carrotcake
£30,474 of £20,000 goal
Many have their eyes peeled for the next great life sim to transport them into a world full of compelling characters and endless adventures. They’d be pleased to learn thatThe Garden Pathfinally has a release date scheduled for 2022.
WhileStardew Valleymay be an immediate comparison, with gardening taking the forefront of this flowery landscape, developer carrotcake citesAnimal CrossingandDon’t Starveas the main influences for this real-time sim. Here, players are supposed to grow with the natural world around them. Those interested in hearing more about the design philosophy of solo developer, Louis Durrant, can check out our interview below.
MORE:The Garden Path Interview: Dev Discusses Characters, Achievements, And Future Plans
