Crowdfunding Check-In: Bot Net: Ramshackle Robotics, Geneforge 1 – Mutagen

RPGamer’s ad hoc Crowdfunding Check-In feature returns for a look at two ongoing crowdfunding campaigns. This edition features CaffeineWare’s Bot Net: Ramshackle Robotics and Spiderweb Software’s Geneforge 1 – Mutagen.

Bot Net: Ramshackle Robotics

Canadian developer CaffeineWare’s Bot Net: Ramshackle Robotics is a blend of turn-based strategy and roguelike gameplay set in a spaceship invaded by aliens. The game begins after the invasion has already occurred: the spaceship has been captured, no help is coming, and all crew members have already been killed. All, that is, except for the ship’s IT guy, who has barricaded himself in his office with a group of custodial robots redesigned into makeshift combat machines, and who must now attempt to take back the ship.

In order to achieve victory, players must program their robots with unique commands to then go and collect parts and supplies from throughout the spaceship. The ship is divided into several rooms, and important Stations within these rooms will, if taken over, provide them with bonuses and useful abilities. The ship’s layout, as well as enemy and item positions, are randomized each new playthrough. Along the way, players must also contend with randomized events and an ever-depleting generator integrity bar, which spells game over if it reaches zero. That’s not to mention the alien creatures of The Legion that have infested the ship and must also be dealt with.

As of this writing, the campaign for Bot Net: Ramshackle Robotics has reached about 15% of its $32,000 goal, with 21 more days left in the campaign, though all pledged funds will be awarded even if the campaign does not meet this goal. Supporters are able to secure a digital copy of the game starting at the $19 reward tier. The game is being developed for PC, and a free demo is available now via Steam. The estimated release window is November 2020.

Geneforge 1 — Mutagen

Geneforge 1 – Mutagen is the planned remaster of the first part of the Geneforge series, released by Spiderweb Software in 1999. It tells the story of a civil war that occurs when creatures born of twisted magic rebel against their creators, the Shapers. This first chapter will see the sparks of rebellion fanned from both sides of the conflict, paving the way for future episode remasters.

This overhaul of Geneforge will start from the ground up, and include new graphics, new quests, a new gameplay interface, reworked locations, as well as additional and rewritten dialog. The game will provide lots of player choices, including the ability to play the game without use of lethal force, becoming an unstoppable killing machine, or even siding with the final boss in the end. Players will also be able to make their own custom-made mutant army.

The campaign for Geneforge 1 – Mutagen has already surpassed its original goal of $30,000, and will still run until March 13, 2020, with several stretch goals still available. A DRM-free digital copy of the game can be attained starting at the $20 reward level. The final game is planned for release in February 2021, and will come to PC, Mac, and iPad.

Please note that RPGamer’s crowdfunding coverage is solely at staff discretion. Campaigns may send a press release to [email protected], but are asked to please not personally petition RPGamer staff via e-mail or social networking. Coverage is not guaranteed. Thank you!