Kickstarter—the go-to platform for passion projects that are looking for that extra financial push into becoming realities. Video games in particular have gravitated towards Kickstarter as there are now over 20,000 video game projects having been or currently being hosted on the platform. A grand majority of these games are indie and they take their chances to spark up interest by offering up unique combinations of genres, themes, and mechanics.
Today, we look at ten upcoming Kickstarter indie game passion projects that could ignite said spark in anyone looking for new takes on favorite genres or something that piques an interest in a new one.
“Must Follow” Upcoming Indie Game Campaigns
All You Can Take
All You Can Take Kickstarter
Genres: Physics Platformer, Party Co-op
A perfect match for those in need of some simple games to play with their Among Us friends or have a fun time with someone just getting into games. Play with friends as you attempt to steal as much from a house within a time limit. A simple premise that is paradoxically elevated by simple mechanics (grab and jump), bringing back memories of web-based Flash games that would be shared among friends through IMs.
Find more information and a playable level on the Nofuel Games Website.
Altered Alma
- Altered Alma Kickstarter
- Genres: Metroidvania, RPG with some Dating Sim elements
Definitely one for the retro gamer that likes a little bit of edge and depth to their games. In this cyberpunk metroidvania, a bionically-enhanced mercenary fights her way through brutal adversaries with the electrifying setting of Neo-Barcelona depicted in spectacular pixel art. The trailer showcases attention-grabbing finishing move animations like those in Mortal Kombat. Yet there is definitely going to be more to the game as a player can recruit crew members and forge relationships throughout a story-rich journey written by Anthony Johnston (Resident Evil: Village) and Emma Beeby (Judge Dredd: The Darkest Judge).
There’s more information over on the Altered Alma Steam Page.
Fallen Tear: The Ascension
- Fallen Tear: The Ascension Kickstarter
- Genre: Metroidvania, RPG
Waiting for Silksong? Want to try a metroidvania but tend to like more fantasy aesthetics? A fan of Dofus and Wakfu art styles? Then adventure awaits in this game as corruption threatens to undo the balance upheld by a pantheon of deities and upend a peaceful way of life. The only thing standing in the way of total destruction and mayhem is a mysterious boy with an unknown past. While the premise can be seen as typical, the advertised fully-voiced characters and the gorgeous hand-drawn world and animations that have been shown are definitely a draw to the game.
More information is available on the Fallen Tear: The Ascension Steam Page.
Fantastic Haven
- Fantastic Haven Kickstarter
- Genre: Zoo Sim
A cozy and fantastical approach to the average zoo sim with creature designs that will be sure to enchant any fantasy lover. Great for anyone looking to immerse themselves in a different world and still play a relaxing sim. Rehabilitate endangered fantasy creatures in their own environments as a means to restore the equilibrium of magic in the world. Explore unique regions and unite neighboring inhabitants to the cause of living in harmony with the magical creatures. It is a unique premise that helps this sim stand out amongst others in the burgeoning genre.
A demo is available to play on the Fantastic Haven Steam Page.
Heartworm
- Heartworm Kickstarter
- Genre: Survival Horror
A good find for those looking for more of the macabre, the spooky, and the occult in their video games. Lovers of the old “camera as weapon” mechanic in other horror games will not be left wanting either. On a message board, a post states that there is a house that has some connection to the afterlife. The protagonist will stop at nothing to enter said house as the deaths of close ones consume her in this Resident Evil-inspired game—PSX graphics and camera angles included. While horror is a densely populated genre in indie games, this game shows promise with its understanding of what makes its predecessors tick and presenting a well-crafted take on typical themes and mechanics.
Download the demo and find more information on the Heartworm Steam Page.
High Times
- High Times Kickstarter
- Genres: Visual Novel, Cooking Sim
Such a perfect treat for anyone looking for a colorful and animated visual novel that has more interactive elements like Dream Daddy. Help people eat (and process) their feelings in this bright and fun visual novel. Make donuts based on people’s needs and problems while also tackling broken relationships that need closure. It’s a sweet and lighter take on the cooking sim side of things while adding story through its visual novel foundation. The art style also helps with its vibrant color scheme and matches the game’s theme perfectly.
Find more information on the High Times Steam Page.
Nif Nif
- Nif Nif Kickstarter
- Genres: Deckbuilder, Roguelike
This charming deckbuilder puts a new spin on the growing genre where you help out fellow creatures out of messy situations through a love of cleaning. Discover new techniques and abilities to tackle all sorts of goopy messes in the forest everyone calls home. With charming visuals and a wholesome premise, this is a unique deckbuilder for anyone looking into the genre and is into all things cute and cozy.
For more information about the game, go to the Nif Nif Steam Page.
Parallel Percent
- Parallel Percent Kickstarter
- Genre: Visual Novel
Haunted by the remnants of humanity, a young woman finds herself as a host to an artificial intelligence as she herself finds herself struggling to survive in an apocalyptic world. A story-rich game emphasizing the “visual” in “visual novel” with hand-drawn animations and designs along with animated CG—all done with a simple color palette that doesn’t hold it back. An impeccable match for those visual novel fans that enjoy a darker take on the medium and those who are about an aesthetic experience.
Follow the Parallel Percent progress over on the X profile for Parallel Percent.
Prisma
- Prisma Kickstarter
- Genre: Turn-based RPG
An RPG for those looking for a fresh premise and a new combination of mechanics within one of the tried-and-true genres. Isekais meet the multiverse phenomenon as a young woman with a special camera gets transported to another world to fight alongside her other selves. A colorful manga-like artstyle builds the 2D world for this Everything Everywhere All At Once-in-game-form. Changing the world through camera lenses and filters and progressing the story through strengthening relationships with the protagonist’s other selves brings an additional layer of gameplay that may be needed for those tired of just “wait your turn” mechanics.
Information about the game can be found on the Prisma Steam Page.
Wander Stars
- Wander Stars Kickstarter
- Genre: Turn-based RPG
A nostalgia bomb for those who grew up with Saturday morning anime dubs and JRPGs that want something with some heart and goofiness. This RPG takes the phrase “those are fighting words” quite literally. Help an unlikely duo fight their way across the universe by using words to create powerful movesets to use against rivals all while looking for a lost sibling. Uncover mysteries, learn new words, befriend rivals (or give them a verbal smack down), and do it all with honor. Another RPG on this list that elevates itself by not adhering to just simple turn-based mechanics thanks to its “fighting words” premise and hitting that nostalgic high for shouting out movesets along to one’s favorite anime.
A demo is available to play over on the Wander Stars Steam Page.
