Currently Funding - Hyper Light Drifter

Hyper Light Drifter is an ambitious project, aiming to mix together some of gaming's best ingredients into an artistically strong RPG adventure. The developer, Heart Machine, describes the game as 'a 2D Action RPG in the vein of the best 8-bit and 16-bit classics, with modernized mechanics and designs on a much grander scale.'

Currently seeking funding on Kickstarter (and now deep into stretchgoal territory), Hyper Light Drifter draws influence from past classics like A Link to the Past and Diablo. There is a focus on fluid combat, mobility and exploration, with an intriguing science-fantasy world to wander through. There is some preliminary detail on the combat and equipment on the project page, along with a little lore for the game. I recommend checking out the project's posts and updates as they're written in an effortlessly interesting and engaging tone that other projects could do well to take note of.

Something that really drew my interest here is the science-fantasy aesthetic. It may be personal preference, but something about this kind of setting just screams out to be explored... The varied dungeon and forest environments shown on the Kickstarter trailer hint at the greater world, and the titbits of lore shared on the project page sound intriguing. Whilst clearly inspired by 8-bit and 16-bit games, there are also aspects of the art reminiscent of Hayao Miyazaki's classic animé Nausicaa, and Miyazaki's work is cited as inspiration for the animation and design. This blend of inspirations and influences have come together through Heart Machine's art direction and created something that is visually arresting.

The trailer is scored with an airy and energetic piece of music by Baths, who may also be providing an additional piece for the games soundtrack. Main soundtrack duties are being covered by Disasterpeace (composer of the phenomenal Fez soundtrack), which is pretty exciting. Between these two, the soundtrack is in good hands.

Between the gameplay, the setting, the art direction and the soundtrack... There's a strong foundation here for something quite special.

Hyper Light Drifter is initially aiming for a PC, Mac and Linux release in 2014. There is a stretchgoal for PS4 and Vita versions, with potential for other consoles further along too. You can check out the game on Kickstarter, vote for the project on Greenlight, or follow @HeartMachineZ on Twitter.