Kickstarter Kompilation: June 2024 edition

Books, paddles, levers…truly something for everyone this month

Happy pride month! I don’t think any of these projects have any implicit connection to queerness but it’s June 1st so I’m saying it anyway. As always, we have no insider information or financial interest in any of these projects, and no one at Retronauts has been compensated for including anything on this page (even if one of these is in the ballpark). Also, in light of the ongoing pandemic, we recommend only backing crowdfunding campaigns if you feel comfortable with your own security and stability.

Cosmo Knight Zion (ends June 4 estimated reward date Mar 2025)
Saint Seiya fans will surely pick up on the vibes in this Game Boy Color-style action platformer. The campaign page offers a demo via direct download so you can try it for yourself, and backers at the MX$ 550 level can receive a physical cartridge to play on the go.

GladMort (ends June 5 estimated reward date Sep 2024)
The title sounds like the name of a convenience store but no, this is a Ghouls ‘N Ghosts-style action platformer made for the NEO GEO. Yes, the NEO GEO. Also modern platforms, plus the Dreamcast because why not? The campaign page offers a demo via direct download so you can try it for yourself, and physical rewards are available to backers willing to invest the big bucks.

32 Bit Library Vol 4 (ends June 8 estimated reward date Sep 2024)
We’ve highlighted the work of Darren Hupke in these pages before (Stu’s certainly a fan) so naturally it made sense to include this campaign to fund his latest tome. The list of contributing writers also includes a number of recurring Retronauts guests, so we’re all in on this project—spiritually, not financially.

RP7 (ends June 23 estimated reward date Aug 2024 )
As a frequent visitor to the Busan Indie Connect festival, I’m positive I played this curious roguelike at least once, so I had to include it here. Unlike other examples of the genre, you don’t actually control a character in RP7; you spin virtual slot tumblers which bring up monsters, treasure, and other assorted elements. There’s a demo on Steam that’ll explain it better than I ever could, and interested backers can even score a custom controller with actual levees to pull—which is likely how I first saw the game in action.

The Trial of Kharzoid (ends June 23 estimated reward date Sep 2024)
Sure sure, everyone and their sister is working on an indie Metroidvania these days, but The Trial of Krarzoid has you bouncing a ball with a paddle to break blocks while also fighting bosses and exploring a gothic environment? That’s right; it’s an Arkanoidvania!

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero Compendium Set (ends June 26 estimated reward date Dec 2024)
Alright, this one’s a little out of our wheelhouse—there’s no connection to video games—but how often do publishers offer collections of a classic comic book tie-in to a foundational 80s pop culture icon? This set includes material from hundreds of issues of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, along with spinoffs like Order of Battle and the limited series where the Joes fought The Transformers.