Kickstarter Check-In: Hazelnut Bastille, Midnight Wave

RPGamer’s ad hoc Kickstarter Check-In feature returns for a look at two ongoing crowdfunding campaigns. This edition features Aloft Studio’s Hazelnut Bastille and Walthall Studios’ Midnight Wave.

Hazelnut Bastille

Hazelnut Bastille is a 16-bit adventure RPG from Aloft Studio and the developer has begun a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign for the game. Inspired by the top-down Legend of Zelda titles, Hazelnut Bastille follows a young woman who has landed on the shores of a hostile island looking for the knowledge of a long-dead ancient race.

The campaign cites four main elements for the game: exploration, puzzle solving, combat, and a complex inventory system. Japanese composer Hiroki Kikuta, whose works include the score for Secret of Mana, Seiken Densetsu 3, and Koudelka, will be contributing to the game’s soundtrack, on which he is collaborating with composer Shannon Mason.

Aloft Studio is looking for $65,000 in funding for Hazelnut Bastille by November 29, 2018. The game is being developed for PC, Mac, and Linux, with Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 releases listed as stretch goals. Those who pledge at least $15 will receive a digital copy of the game as part of their backer rewards. A demo of the game is currently available to download from Aloft Studio’s website.

Midnight Wave

Walthall Studios’ Midnight Wave is billed as a cyberpunk samurai blend of strategy RPG and platformer. Listing the eclectic mix of Fire Emblem, Persona, Super Smash Bros., and Mass Effect as its inspirations, the game takes place in the Japanese-inspired world of Neo-Nihon, which is split into states run by corporations, each based on a particular element.

Players control Yu, a would-be revolutionary alongside his friends Nobu and Mitsu, who come to the attention of a mysterious benefactor. The story will have various branching paths based on the player’s choices and action, which will drastically change the fates of various characters. Yu has three social stats, which will grant additional dialogue options in conversations with allies, enemies, and potential love interests. The game will feature professional voice acting, with Ray Chase, Kyle Herbert, and Kira Buckland confirmed as voice actors alongside many others.

Combat is a mix between turn-based strategy and platform-based fighter. When starting a mission, players start on a top-down tactical map with their party consisting of three classes — Samurai, Ninja, and Ashigaru — that form a rock-paper-scissors-style system. When attacking, the character can either use a tactical skill or engage in a platforming duel. The world’s five elements — Water, Fire, Air, Earth, and Void — will also play roles in both parts of combat.

Walthall Studios is looking for $47,337 in funding for Midnight Wave by November 22, 2018. The game is being developed for PC and Mac, with console releases planned to follow after the game’s initial launch. Those who pledge at least $15 will receive a digital copy of the game as part of their backer rewards.

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