We've reported on Hyper Light Drifter a few times, as it looks like a highly promising action adventure that's on the way to the Wii U eShop along with a host of other platforms. With attractive visuals and a promise of retro-level challenge, it's certainly been on our watch-list.
Unfortunately the title is no longer set to make its PC début in June, with other versions to follow. Instead lead developer Alex Preston has decided, with his team, to push the target release window back to continue further work on the game, though backers should be able to access a closed beta on PC "near June"; the full game is now targeting the end-of-year Holiday season on PC, with console versions to follow "shortly thereafter". Continuing a trend from other extremely successful campaigns — it raised $645,158 despite a humble $27,000 target — the significant funds and expectation have led to the developer expanding the scope to aim for a more ambitious final result.
The following is from the latest Kickstarter status update.
We've spent these past months working incredibly hard - on weekends and beyond - scheduling, planning and budgeting how we can best utilize the resources you, the backers, have so graciously given us to create the game everyone deserves. The original approximation of a June release was for a game developed with just myself and Beau Blyth, something much smaller; I would have been creating art for the next six months, with much rougher edges and animation. Since we have been given this remarkable opportunity, the project has evolved, requires polish and finesse that I was not originally afforded. We are able to make the experience whole, into the full vision I had wanted it to be.
The other major factor is health: I can't physically push myself to the brink; I live with limitations that most do not. The amazing thing now, after the success of this campaign, is that I have a team to support this project, to support me. This means that I'll have to pace myself to avoid crashing, a fact I was reminded of just this week. We're all working as hard as we can within reason.
I know some will be disappointed about a delay. For us it means creating as great and polished an experience as is possible. I remember yelling at Nintendo Power whenever Zelda: OoT was delayed, and now I fully understand why they did it and how it paid off in the end. In Miyamoto's words: "A delayed game is eventually good, but a rushed game is forever bad."
It's perhaps wise to cite those famous words from Shigeru Miyamoto, and no doubt backers and intrigued download gamers alike will be interested in seeing how this project turns out. We may have longer to wait, but we can still enjoy the wonderful trailer for the title, below.
[source kickstarter.com, via eurogamer.net]
Comments 18
I'm in no hurry, and my backlog will keep me busy all year even if I don't buy another game. I'd rather have a better game.
I'm proud to be a backer.
Having more time will only make the game more polished in the end anyway.
No Problem! Take your time.
Couldn't care less about the delay. A more polished game makes me a happier customer
Nuts, kinda thought this one was coming along soonish, but eh, after seeing how rushed Two Brothers apparently is, I'm glad they're taking their time.
EDIT: And yeah, don't kill yourself trying to make a game. That goes for everyone.
Welp, that sucks. But he's right to delay it - I (and most other as well) couldn't enjoy a game if a member of the dev team pushed his health beyond the critical line just to keep the target release.
By all means, take your pace, take your time.
Slow and steady wins the race. and I would rather play a better made game then a game that makes me want to trip over my own shoe laces on purpose. Also that Risky Boots reward, can't wait for that along with this game.
Wow! I don't remember seeing anything on this site about this game, but it looks
Oh well. I have a ton of games to play right now.
Not to thrilled about the 8 directional movement. Will wait for a review for sure.
This game looks incredible! Take all the time you need guys.
that was a very proper reason.
The only kickstarter I've backed. Yup, take your time. We can wait. Wish other companies, bigger companies, would delay some of their games to make them better, or even just good.
Massive backlog of games for me to get through so no rush.
@Maelstrom Hit up the game page, we've written a few articles on it
That's cool, they did commit to an awful lot of extra content and platforms.
I shoulda backed this game :/
I'm really, really, REALLY looking forward to getting down and dirty with this gorgeous adventure on my Wii U....but Hyper Light Drifter is also a game that I'd hate to see rushed, so I'm cool with the delay. Okay, perhaps a smidge reluctantly though
This title looks like one of those games that makes you happy to be a gamer looks like an incredible body of art I can't wait to play ., AWESOME .
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