Dreamfall Chapters - ends March 10th - @ $650k (76%)

This is a point and click adventure that continues the story of The Longest Journey and Dreamfall. (Also, despite the name and the habits of the industry, it's not episodic, it's a full game.)

I'm telling you about it because this is a great series, and not only should you support the kickstarter to get more of it, you should go and play the other games if you haven't. It pops up on sale every so often on Steam and GOG, wait a bit and you'll be able to grab both at a solid price. The game is gorgeous, the world is rich, and it's as good a play as any other P&C game. The project is well on it's way to being funded, and we should know about stretch goals by next week. Gokulo has been on the news of the game's return, and it's appearance on Kickstarter. You should head over to the thread on the forum if you want to discuss the game.

It will cost you $25 for a digital copy of the game, all 5000 of the $20 tier are gone. If you have the previous boxes and want the third one to add to your shelf, that's going to run you $110 (good luck Bluefan). If you just want all the extra materials in digital though, the $75 tier will get you the short stories book, the graphic novel, the lore book, and the art book, as well as the soundtrack, making of video, and access to an early release of the game.

Release - November 2014

At the Gates - ends March 8th - @ $47k (117%)

This is a classic 4x turn-based strategy game. Made by the man who brought you Civilization V (Not I & II, or III & IV though, those are different dudes.)

I'm telling you about it because it's a bit important. A few days before the Kickstarter went live the designer wrote this article. The game is essentially his put up or shut up. As such, it may cause some developments in that corner if the industry, so if you're a 4x fan you should be paying attention. As for the game itself, while opinion is a bit divided on early vs later Civ games that may put you on one side of the fence regarding the developer, there isn't much doubt they'll be able to deliver. The art needs a bit of work, it's a bit bland even by 90's standards, but they have said that funds from the kickstarter will be put in that direction (though the article suggests it's not going to be pushed much further).
The stretch goals currently run up to $85k, and the first three all add some pretty deep moddability to the game. If that's your kind of thing, you should probably keep an eye on on the project, maybe even try getting on the alpha group to try and steer some of the development so you can make even better use of the engine for your stuff.

It will cost you $25 to get a digital copy of the game. If you drop a bit more you can get beta or alpha access. I wouldn't really recommend any tiers past that.

Release - June 2014

Island Siege - ends March 17th - @ $8.5k (50%)

This is a competitive card game (though it's more a board game that uses cards) that's essentially something like a base building strategy PC game.

I'm telling you about it because it's a pretty fun, simple yet crunchy looking game that shows a bit of potential, especially if it gets expanded on. Also if you want to try it out, you can get a print & play version. It's from a developer that has successfully shipped their previous kickstarters, so it's not a particularly risky project. The game is halfway funded, and a stretch goal at $22k adds a pretty significant number of new cards to the game.

It will cost you $30 to get a copy of the game, plus another $7 to get the mini expansion. This is a pretty decent price considering the game also comes with a bunch of game pieces (27 cubes, 18 meeple, 13 METAL coins, and 4 dice) in addition to the cards.

Release - August 2013

Hull Breach!: Corporate Wars - ends March 17th - @ $12.5k (50%)

This is a competitive card game. At first glance, the closest thing I can compare it to is the old Shadowrun or Decipher CCGs (This isn't a CCG however, though not quite a LCG either.)

I'm telling you about it because it's decent looking game. Complex and challenging, and not bad looking besides (though I do hope they hit the $200k goal to overhaul the art and card design, it could use a bit more polish). Also, not being a CCG means not having to spend ungodly amounts of money on the game if you get into it. Expandable but not collectable is a great model to support.

It will cost you $35 for the base game, $70 will add in the first expansion, $100 adds the second expansion and special kickstarter exclusive cards (along with two decks of the alpha version of the game, which ship in April.) Keep in mind, the expansions are dependent on the campaign hitting stretch goals, so if you want them you should only upgrade once it's clear they'll be reached.

Release - September 2013

Roam - ends February 24 - @ $5k (12%)

This is a multi-genre game, but at it's heart it's a Diablo-like action RPG. Just with zombies. And base construction.

I'm telling you about it because while zombies may be everywhere, and this has a little bit of Dead State's sauce, the gameplay is different enough to be worthwhile. If you want that kind of game, but in a Diablo instead of X-com style, IT'S YOUR LUCKY DAY! Also, the gameplay prototype looks fucking impressive, especially for a two man team. Even if the art is left as is and all the further effort goes to gameplay, this is shaping up to be a quality game. These dudes have potential, and as such deserve at least a look at.

It will cost you $15 for a copy of the game with beta access. However $25 gets you an in game survival kit you always start with (along with a second copy of the game to give out), and $40 gets you that plus a backpack to start with (and a THIRD copy of the game), and all keys get the bonuses you're tiered at. The current stretch goals are to add vehicles and a skill system.

Release - January 2014

Cryamore - ends February 25 - @ $59k (98%)

This is a classic console adventure RPG. Think Legend of Mana, Illusion of Gaia (or anything Quintet), Beyond Oasis, etc.

I'm telling you about it because, OK, before I say anything, go to the kickstarter page, look at the art (about the middle of the page), look at the videos. Go on, do it, now, I'll wait here.
...
OH MY GOD, I KNOW RIGHT! And the staff too, holy shit, this is some quality talent. No real risk of them being unable to perform. And others agree, even with a higher goal than you usually see with indie kickstarters, with only a few days in, this is already about to break it's goal (largely from a pair of expensive 9 inch resin figures, but still [and there are a few left, if you want 'em]). There is still a place for these kinds of games even though the industry moved on, and this is another great one to go with the others I've had my eye on (go look at the others in the index, there is some amazing stuff). The earliest stretch goals add voice acting, the next two add areas, and then a string add more weapon types. The last two add a Japanese translation, and an Android/OUYA release. Anything more will add hires, and add more platforms.

It will cost you $20 to get a copy of the game, but there are about seven thousand $15 discount pledges left (all of the $10 ones are gone, you could try camping the site for one, some people drop from time to time, but your odds are low). Going up ten more will get you the digital soundtrack too, or $50 for actual CDs. The figures will run you $115, or $250 for both, and $100 will get you an UDON hardcover artbook.

Release - March 2014

Dragon's Hoard - ends March 25 - @ $8k (79%)

This is a stand alone card game. With a draw mechanic like Alhambra, and a cost mechanic like Magic: the Gathering. You pick your draws out of a small pool of cards, and use the face to do something, or use the back to pay for something you're doing. The things you play get you victory points, most points win. There are a few twists, but it's not too hard, about as complex as Uno.

I'm telling you about it because while it's a fairly simple game (which isn't a drawback), it has absolutely GORGEOUS card art. The production value of this project is immense, and it's a good price (especially compared to most of the other table top games I've been highlighting). It's already very close to hitting it's funding goal. It's also a pretty safe project, the rules and everything else is ready to go, it's just getting the cards printed up now. There are some stretches, and they basically fund the commissioning of new art to add some more cards, four more damsels at $12k, three more dragons at $14k, and a unicorn with a game effect at $15k.

It will cost you $22 for a copy of the game. Higher tiers mainly add extra copies, or get you some art prints.

Release - July 2013

Wildman - ends February 15th - @ $281k (25%)

This is a hybrid ARPG/RTS by Gas Powered Games (creators of Dungeon Siege, Supreme Commander, Demigod. And the successor to Cavedog, creator of Total Annihilation). Think of it like Brütal Legend, but pull out the God of War half and replace it with Diablo. Lacking Double Fine's writing, but done by a company that has solid experience in both of the genres it's merging.

I'm telling you about it because there's a bit of a brouhaha, and you need to know about it. GPG has been working on Age of Empires Online for Microsoft for the past couple of years. MS recently decided to end active development of the game, leaving it static. This left GPG without it's income stream, and now they're launching a Kickstarter to get back into business. A day or two into the start of the campaign, news came out that GPG was laying off all it's staff. There's a video on the matter in the kickstarter updates, and you should go look at it, but I'll break down the three theories that are circling around the internet. First is that this is an evil corporate moneygrab, greedy execs doing business as usual. Second is that things aren't so bad for GPG, and the whole thing is a marketing stunt to tug at your heartstrings and get money out of your wallet. Third is that GPG is on the ropes, and that this is a legit last ditch effort to save the company and developers. Considering how the money hasn't stopped coming in, there seems to be plenty who believe the last is true (or that are susceptible to the second). Considering that Square-Enix and Obsidian made Dungeon Siege 3 because GPG sold the property to raise funds to pay it's employees, I'm leaning against the first theory being particularly true. I'd say wait and see a bit before giving money, but don't disregard the project out of hand.

It will cost you $20 to get a digital copy of the game, though at this time there are 2,400 discount Digital Collector tier slots left, which gets you a ton of extras, including early beta access, and three digital copies of the game. (That's pretty close to next year's BG raffle, hmmmmmmm.)

Release - March 2014

Small World 2 - ends February 15th - @ $79k (41%)

This is a digital version of the board game Small World. The goal of the campaign is mainly to update and improve the existing iPad version of Small World (all existing owners will be upgraded if the goal is met, pledge or not.) and port it to new devices. The first stretch goal at $300k adds the game to Android tablets (I'd like to see a Steam version, like Ticket to Ride). Other stretches hinted at will be whole expansions to the game. As for the gameplay itself, well I'll let a better man than me run you through it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9QtdiRJYro

I'm telling you about it because unless you're Hasbro, boardgames rarely get ported to the digital realm. Which is a damned shame, as MTGO has taught us that being able to hop online and find opponents anytime anywhere is really damn handy. It also makes setup way easier, and you won't lose any fucking pieces. Also, it's just a really fun game. I should note, that if you are already familiar with Small World, and have money to blow, this campaign is also a way to get a really deluxe version of the board game (we're talking wood, metal, and minis here.)

It will cost you $15 for a digital copy of the game, but the $30 tier gets you all the expansions (and if I'm reading it right, any stretch goal expansions.) In addition, you need the $30 tier to get BOTH the digital kickstarter powers and races. Also, for owners of the boardgame, at $30 you get actual physical versions of the new kickstarter powers and races to add to your game at home. The higher tiers are a bit of a maze of have/don't have, international/US, and partial or full game upgrade. Tread carefully, or wait for a pledge guide to be made.

Release - August 2013 (November to March 2014 for anything physical.)

Homesick - ends February 18th - @ $1.8k (23%)

This is a first person exploration/puzzle game. Yes, another. Look, remember Myst, and the genre boom it caused because the type of game wasn't super involved to make? We'll we're seeing it again, with a bunch of new players using it to get them into the business.

I'm telling you about it because it looks good, and the creator seems to have the experience needed to make a visually stunning game, which is the whole point of the genre. The goal is modest, and the price of the game is fair, but the project needs several hundred more people backing it to get off the ground.

It will cost you $10 to get a copy of the game. I personally wouldn't bust for the higher tiers.

Release - July 2013

Akaneiro: Demon Hunters - ends February 2nd - @ $68k (34%)
This is a Diablo-like free to play game from American McGee's studio. Eastern in aesthetic style, though probably not quite as twisted as usual for McGee. As for the gameplay, well, hell, the beta is open now, so go have a look for yourself.

I'm telling you about it because it does deserve mentioning. I held off a week because of the controversy over the nearly launching game going to kickstarter. But even though it's F2P and launching soon, what this kickstarter is going to do is get funds to pay for adding additional features to the game(co-op, PvP as a stretch, guilds, leaderboards, tons of others), expanding content(crafting, actual expansions as a stretch, more and more loot), and porting it to more platforms(Android/iOS tablets, Linux stretch goal). It's a bit of bet hedging, since income from F2P is a fickle beast. I'd say go hop in the beta, give it a try for the next couple weeks, and see if it's worth giving them kickstarter money for before the campaign ends. (or if you have a tablet and really want the game on it).

What it will cost depends exactly on what you want, the game itself is F2P, so you aren't buying that. $10 will get you Android/iOS beta access. $15-$100 gets you physibles and/or kickstarter exclusive in-game items. There's also one last in-game item, a Singularity Neko pet (that has game stats), only available at $110+ tiers, all of which are number limited, and all the cheap ones are gone now.

Release - May 2013

Noctemis - ends February 4th - @ $5.6k (112%)
This is a 2.5D metroidvania game (more traditional this time, a side-scroller, but not retro), but intended to have a VERY robust gear/item/customization system. It's set in a dark Victorian era, and has a bit of a Lovecraft vibe. The character looks a bit... unique, but it fits the style, which looks pretty solid.

I'm telling you about it because this is kind of a thing that's the whole purpose of crowdfunding. These dudes seem pretty dedicated to getting a game off the ground and have done enough groundwork to show it, even though there's no gameplay yet. Just a matter of funds to dot i's and cross t's. Software licenses, legal, paperwork, and a bit of hardware. Tiny from a business perspective, but a significant roadblock to the average person.

It will cost you $15 for a digital copy of the game. Don't go crazy on higher tier rewards that come with physibles, they're priced low like back in 2011, before people realized how onerous that was, and so are likely to cost the creators a big percentage of the funding. Stretch goals at the moment are mainly to try and get it on handhelds.

Release - February 2014

Worra Realms - ends February 9th - @ $1.3k (65%)
This is a tabletop RPG, but instead of using books, it uses CCG cards. Some RPGs have included some extras like item or enemy cards, but I can't think of any that have gone to this degree of using them to make a game. Otherwise, it's a pretty normal tabletop experience, dice, abilities, dungeons, and loot.

I'm telling you about it because it's a bit unique, even if the flavor of the game is a bit on the standard side. He also seems to have a pretty decent line on getting art assets. It's not stand out amazing, but it's way better than you generally see out of some small unknown developer. Lastly, the dude is driven. His first kickstarter fell flat, but he managed to go and get it made anyway, so if he gets properly funded there's probably no stopping him.

It will cost you $45 for a 200 card gamemaster set, or $75 for that plus 300 more cards across four player character decks. (And there are only 34 $75 sets left, at the time I write this.)

Release - April 2013

Hegemonic - ends February 4th - @ $37k (123%)
This is a competitive boardgame meant to emulate 4x space games. There have been a number of these lately, ranging from simple to crazy complicated. This is on the (relatively) simpler end compared to stuff like Eclipse, but still involved enough to be interesting. You can read the rules here, and under the spoiler there's some intro and demo videos (half an hours worth even, grab some popcorn).

I'm telling you about it because it's a solid looking game, a strong concept, and worth playing. It's also visually the best looking game they've done yet, and the stretch goals are only going to improve that. The company is dependable, having made and shipped plenty of other games, so the money isn't too risky.

It will cost you $70 to get a boxed copy of the game (you can cheap out and spend $10 for a print and play version, but trust me, it's never the same as the real thing.) It's already broken it's base goal, and the stretches add gameplay content or improve the quality of the game materials.

Release - July 2013

After the project ends you'll be able to link to a friend's account, and if that friend accepts, you and your friend get a special benefit. Characters on your Kickstarter accounts will bear the Shieldmate Mark. Any time two or more characters with the Shieldmate Mark are in a party, everyone with the Shieldmate Mark will gain a synergy bonus. In addition, your friend will be awarded all the Daily Deals as of the date you first pledged to back the Kickstarter. Each backer will only be able to invite one Friend and accept one invitation, which will be permanent (but you can change your invite if your friend request is denied).

+$10 for a special title and emote animation available only to backers of the kickstarter, who get this add-on... really?
+$15 for a Regional Trait Pack (gives you an achievement, title, and small mechanical effect)
+$20 for Twice Marked of Pharasma ("access to content and mechanical benefits distinct to those who are Twice Marked" - probably at least 2 home points)
+$20 for The Memorial of Honor ("Activating the structure removes unwanted disabilities that may have been inflicted in battle or by the acts of other characters. In addition, you may opt to have your real name inscribed on the monument, visible to any who choose to pause for deeper inspection.")

Kingdom Death: Monster - Ends January 7th TODAY! - @ $1.5 million (4,400%)

This is a tabletop miniatures game. Not a wargame like BattleTech or Warhammer, but a grid based tactical RPG. The gameplay is essentially Final Fantasy Tactics meets Monster Hunter, but with abominations instead of prehistoric beasts and dragons. Outside of combat, you use loot you get from killing things, to build weapons, armor, or develop your settlement across multiple phases. Flavor wise, the universe is Berserk's "The Eclipse Ceremony of Femto", except humanity has to live there permanently. Sucks to be them. Here's some gameplay demo videos.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mboZZZ8TuV8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4lZ13VqQ38

I'm telling you about it because first off, it's absolutely fucking gorgeous, go LOOK at the pitch video. The art, sculpts, and production is simply incredible. The gameplay looks well done and a solid play. Secondly, it's one of those important kickstarters. It's currently the second most funded tabletop game on kickstarter, and the second to break one million dollars (Reaper Bones being the first).

It will cost you $100 to get just the base game (Sorry, minis tend to be pricy). If you just want to support and get a PDF artbook, you can toss in $10. Even now, right before it ends, I can't tell you how much it would be to get EVERYTHING, because it's still blowing up and hitting small but limited edition stretch goals.
I have a breakdown in the blog's thread, but the short of it is a minimum "get all the exclusives only" will probably run you $200 without getting the base game, and getting EVERYTHING may be a bit north of $700. (There's also a smart value pick $300 range set.)

Release - November 2013

Beyond the Gates of Antares - Ends February 28th - @ £63k (21%)
This is a tabletop miniatures wargame. The setting is a far future space era, full of AI, tech, transhumanism, clade-ing, and the travel conceit is Mass Effect-y (a bit darker than ME, but not quite as soul-shittingly grim-dark as Warhammer). What's unique about it is that all backers who want to will have a say in the direction and creation of the game from now, through alpha and beta, and well past release. Rules, story, art, sculpts, new factions, damn near everything. The universe will even be influenced by participating in games you play. Only a handful of properties do things like this (most notably Legend of the Five Rings), but never to this degree. In fact, right now, you don't even need to be a backer, until the end of February the site and process is open to all.

I'm telling you about it because in addition to all that, it's being made under the direction of Rick FUCKING Priestley. You know, just that dude who was one of the key designers at Games Workshop, and is largely responsible for Warhammer 40,000 and many other Games Workshop properties. Oh, but he's not working at GW anymore though. So by getting in on this, you will basically be able to be involved in a Warhammer 40k game, WITH NONE of the the Games Workshop corporate bullshit. Also, from the ground up the game is meant to be digital friendly, any time errata needs to be done, the PDF rulebooks can be updated, so no waiting on new editions for fixes. Lastly, this project, like Kingdom Death: Monster, is going to be important as well. Because of the people involved, this has a solid chance at being a record funded game for it's category, it's something you should be paying attention to in the industry.

It will cost you 65 pounds (about 100 US dollars at the moment) to get a basic starter box full of minis and rules PDFs. 125 pounds (about 200 US dollars at the moment) gets you a special double starter that also comes with a physical hardback rulebook. The higher tiers are very expensive, but have some pretty unique rewards, including professionally painted sets of minis.

However, a simple one pound donation (and any higher tier as well) will get you access to the alpha and beta rules sets, and participation in testing and development and basically involved creation of the game (but not the final release rules PDF, that's 20 pounds). A little more at 25 pounds however, gets you a physical final rulebook, and a kickstarter campaign exclusive mini.

Release - December 2013

Through the Breach - Ends January 10th this week - @ $200k (670%)

This is a tabletop Pen and Paper RPG. It's an extension of a miniatures skirmish/wargame property, Malifaux. The setting might be interesting to some of you, or you may know someone who might like it. It's a steampunk/magic/horror wyrd west style thing (In fact, the company's name is Wyrd Miniatures). It's kind of like Deadlands, but different enough, maybe a bit more New Crobuzon like. Also, like Deadlands it uses decks in the game, but unlike it, uses no dice.

I'm telling you about it because it's a solid enough product, and while it hit it's goal early, pledges have slacked off and there are still some stretch goals left that expand the book's content. The company is pretty reliable as well, no particular risk of them failing to deliver, but they and their game aren't incredibly well known, so they could use some eyeballs. Also with the exception of adventure modules it's meant to be a limited game line. Only eight books, including the two offered here, so it's a pretty fixed investment as RPGs go.

It will cost you $60 for physical books of the player and gamemaster core books, and the fate deck. There is no digital only or single book tier, but when they break $205k in funding, PDFs will be added to the $60 tier. $125 will get you either a few minis, or a special edition hardcover double core book added on. $225 gets you all that, plus a fucked up looking stitched burlap dolly, if that's your kind of thing.

Release - September 2013

Ehdrigohr: The Roleplaying Game - Ends January 21st - @ $8k (174%)
This is a tabletop Pen and Paper RPG. Mechanically it uses the FATE system, but at higher stretch goals the creator is willing go back and make an additional version using the Savage Worlds system. The setting is fantasy, but extending on native american myth rather than western. Which isn't to say it's a low level simple tribal tale, but it is more pre-classical than medieval however.

I'm telling you about it because the setting is one that doesn't pop up too often in the industry. The only others I can think of that even slightly leaned on the material without being set in the wild west, are small portions of Werewolf: the Apocalypse and Shadowrun. But building on it to this degree, nothing comes to mind off hand. From the material so far, it looks to have enough variety to handle a few different game styles, survival horror, national intrigue, or heroic adventures. Warning though, it's full of spiders (and more besides, the fauna is a bit "The Future is Wild".) While it may never end up being a major property, it does look to be a cut above what you generally see in independent RPG products.

It will cost you $15 to get a PDF copy of the game, $25 gets you a printed book. The higher tiers mainly get you physibles, and stretch goals mainly add adventures and a campaign.

Release - April 2013

Pathfinder Online - Ends January 14th - @ $.6 million (62%)

This is an MMORPG, specifically a sandbox style, in the fantasy genre. It's being made by a bunch of former CCP people (the makers of EVE Online), using the Pathfinder property (Dungeons & Dragons 3.75ed basically). If you aren't familiar with what sandbox MMOs are, it's sadly a bit involved to explain here in the blog. The main things you need to know is that unlike theme park MMOs (like FFXI or WoW) the focus isn't on getting through content to endgame and doing boss raids. (Though, this is D&D there will be dungeons, there will be bosses, but it's the not be all end all of the game.) Also, since this is being done by former CCP people, they're going to do this as a single shard game. No having to stress over or hop servers to reach your friends, if they play, you're always going to be able to play alongside them.

I'm telling you about it because there just aren't that many sandbox MMOs, in fact the only really major one is... EVE Online. So unlike any other MMOs in that style that are beginning to pop up (and after all the recent boom/bust theme park MMOs lately, more sandbox MMOs are coming) these people have experience doing it. Also, it'll be new, Pathfinder will be a frontier. For all the good things EVE has, it's a simple fact that you'll have to deal with Goons, Redditors, or Russians if you want in on the sovereignty game (and unlike EVE, PO is probably not going to be spreadsheets online). Another important thing to note is, Pathfinder is happening no matter what, they have private investors, you will get to play it eventually. What this kickstarter does is get them funds to speed up development time, and most of all get you in on the game early and give you a voice in it's development. I can not describe how much CCP (and thus to a degree Goblinworks) is the absolute opposite of Square-Enix. FFXIV failed because they didn't fucking listen to us in the beta. These people listen, AND are also smart enough to not listen to cheese sandwich/official FFXI forum type fools.

It will cost you $35 for a post-beta entry. The meat and potatoes tiers start at $100, which get you beta access to the game. There won't be any wipes after the beta, and it's nine months long, so it's a slight advantage for a sandbox MMO. At this time, all of the solo month #1 slots are gone. The $500 tier gets you six beta slots, so with friends it's the lowest per slot price to get into the beta. It also allows you to name a guild, and thus participate in the settlement land grab. Also, all $35 and up backers will have set to their account that a mule character will gain passive exp in addition to your main. It's a bit hard to explain to someone who doesn't know EVE Online, but trust me this is a big fucking deal. If you're at all interested in the game, it would be very smart to basically buy your copy now rather than at release.

Then there is a daily, minor in-game item they've been putting up. The only way to get them is by backing at $35+, BEFORE they're announced. You've already missed 16 of them, and they're never going to be craftable or loot, you'll have to trade with someone who has one if you want one.

Also, they just added a SHITLOAD of P&P RPG PDF books to all $100+ tiers, more than $200 worth. If you don't give a damn about the MMO and just want RPGs, this may be of interest to you. (Also, if you just want a Paizo published superdungeon module made by industry legends, you can simply back $15 for a PDF.) They do have stretch goals planned, and they're supposed to be decent, but the project needs to reach it's base goal with time on the clock, so spread some word and let people know about this thing.

Release - June 2014 (For Beta)

Anima: Gate of Memories - Ends January 14 - @ $59,000 (65%)

This is a fantasy action-RPG using the Anima property. [Yes, another tabletop property project. Look, if I had started this thing a couple months ago, it'd all be 80's/90's property reboots. This is what's good on kickstarter at the moment.] Basically a God of War type deal, but with a far more robust character advancement system. What makes it notable is the art and setting, it's a little bit like a cross between Exalted and Eberron, but that is a horrible comparison. Just go look at the pitch video and updates.

I'm telling you about it because it's a pretty good property that's a bit under the radar. You might not care about the P&P RPG, or the card game, or the miniatures game, (the game has a weak US presence, it's actually made by a studio in Spain, the US translation is lagging behind the original release in Europe.) but the setting is solid, and has a number of artists involved that do gorgeous work, and that's one of the backbones of the video game. (Most notably Wen Yu Li, you can see a good chunk of his work here.) The game's pre-production is basically finished, so it's just coding from here.
They've also got pre-alpha prototype in-game footage now.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeC_M-9Fkm8

It will cost $25 for a copy of the game when it's done. All of the higher tiers mainly just add normal physical bonus items. It's a bit over halfway to it's funding goal, but the stretch goals beef up the game decently, so it would be nice to see more backers to really drive it up.

Release - June 2014

Radio the Universe - Ends January 23rd - @ $49k (400%)
This is a Zelda/Metroidvania type game, with bits of danmaku. Retro in style, absolutely gorgeous, and meant to be very challenging. There isn't much else to say because the game speaks for itself.

I'm telling you about it because fucking seriously, go look at the art and video, listen to the music. This looks to be a great game, and the material already made shows tons of potential. Also, one of the tiers is a kickstarter only version of the game with extra content. Don't get it now, and you'll miss out, so you may want to get on it even though it's already funded and past all stretch goals.

It will cost you $10 for the base game, but the Kickstarter version is $25.

Release - March 2014

GameStick - Ends Feb 1 - @ $240k (240%)

This is an android machine meant to run mobile video games. The distinguishing feature is that the hardware is the size of a USB stick, so you can just plug it into any TV's HDMI port and go. And the controller has a slot that holds the stick when not in use. (Though you'll need to carry around a second controller unless you want to be forever alone.)

I'm telling you about it because it is important. It's similar to Ouya, but there is enough difference that it merits an examination of the project.

The main difference is that Gamestick uses a weaker set of hardware due to it's form factor. Think of it as an Android cell phone that happens to plug into your TV, where as Ouya is a tablet level PC that happens to use Android as it's OS. Otherwise the only separation in hardware is that Ouya has an ethernet port and it's controller has more features (the touch pad, which should allow touched based phone games a better chance of showing up on Ouya.) Also, Ouya runs on Ice Cream Sandwich, while GameStick runs on Jelly Bean. Both have pledged to be open with their devices, though in GameStick's case this means a little less since there's only so much you can do with the stick hardware, Ouya is relatively more moddable.

Considering services, Gamestick has a slight advantage because it comes from the PlayJam group, and as a consequence has experience with serving games on a smartTV network, and so have a relationship with a number of game companies already. Ouya has had to bootstrap that from the ground up, though they have had quite a lot of support pledged to them the past few months, including OnLive and TwitchTV. It remains to see if the same will happen to GameStick.

Lastly comes the portability selling point. Gamestick is designed to be portable, it will fit in your pocket. Here's the caveat though, currently it's only truly portable with TVs whos HDMI ports are MHL and output power, otherwise you'll need some extra cables to make sure it gets power from either powered USB (which is a bit more common), or a normal adapter (which will have to be a bit longer than what should comfortably fit in your pocket). This may improve with time, but the system launches in a few months (also, there's no news on how GameStick's controllers wil be powered). On the Ouya side, the box is not particularly large, and while you won't be sticking it and a controller in your pocket, it is not inconceivable that you can pack the console, controllers, and cables into a small case and bring it with you places.

Personally, I would wait until the end of the kickstarter to see all the developments before donating, and pay attention to news coming in from Ouya dev kits and how Ouya HQ is responding to feedback.

It will cost you $80 to get the hardware, but a bundle with a second controller will run you $115. (20-15 dollars less than Ouya's kickstarter prices, though it is a lesser machine.)

Release - April 2013