Earlier this year we kicked off a series of weekly Kickstarter summaries, with the intention of providing handy regular updates of what's happening in terms of crowdfunding projects on the platform that are targeting Wii U and 3DS. The last entry was on 2nd June, after which we took a hiatus for two reasons — E3 was rapidly approaching, and there was (it seemed to us) a stagnation in interesting projects.

We've had some recent requests to revive the summary, so that's what we'll do. This entry will list some recent success stories you may have missed before moving onto some other projects kicking around seeking funds. This will be in addition to occasional standard news posts, and will hopefully be useful for those of you still exploring the crowdfunding market.

So, let's get to it.


Recently Funded

Ninja Pizza Girl — Wii U included in core goal [approx $38,000AUD of $35,000AUD target reached, less than a day to go]

Ninja Pizza Girl

This intriguing campaign is about to close, having hit its target just recently; gameplay is shaping up to be a 2D runner with sources of inspiration such as Sonic The Hedgehog and Mirror's Edge. Rather than a health gauge, however, the theme judges your esteem as you dash through delivering pizza as stylishly as possible; mistakes and enemies bring on taunts from bullies, with this game seeking to raise awareness of these issues.

Chances of Wii U release: Confirmed, due Q1 / Q2 2015.


Timespinner — 3DS included as $115,000 stretch goal [$176,667 of $50,000 target reached]

Time Spinner

This was actually funded in late July, but certainly deserves another mention. A 2D, pixel-based Metroidvania with titles such as the Castlevania games on GBA and DS cited as sources of inspiration, there's sure to be a lot of anticipation around this one.

Chances of 3DS release: Confirmed, due Q4 2015.


Midora — Wii U and 3DS included as $80,000 stretch goal [$73,470 of $60,000 target reached]

Midora

This is a pixel-based 2D adventure title that got plenty of attention in July. While you may be scratching your head at why this is in the "recently funded" category when it missed the stretch goal, it was confirmed that the game will still come to the Nintendo platforms, but less money means it'll come a little later than the PC iteration.

Chances of Wii U / 3DS release: Confirmed, due 2015.


The Deer God — Wii U included as $40,000 stretch goal [$51,953 of $26,000 target reached]

Deer God

This looks like a cerebral, beautiful adventure game in which your aim is to explore and survive as a deer, with attractive environments and unlockable abilities helping you on your way. It's not hard to see why this proved to be a success in its campaign, and it'll be interesting to see how the final product turns out.

Chances of Wii U release: Confirmed, due Q4 2014 / Q1 2015.


Ongoing Campaigns

Super World Karts — Wii U included as $32,000 stretch goal [approx $6,650 of $16,000 target reached, 29 days to go]

Super World Karts

This is a Mode-7 Super Mario Kart-inspired racer, with its own range of modes, racers, courses and items. It looks a little rough and ready — and has lifted a few sound effects from well-known retro games — but looks rather charming and chaotic.

Chances of success: Early days, it seems feasible right now.


A Rite from the Stars — Wii U included in core goal [approx $7,750 of $40,000 target reached, 23 days to go]

Rite From the Stars

Inspired by point-and-click adventures of old, this incorporates a 3D graphics engine, featuring multiple paths and different endings depending on performance. The developers cites unique features while staying true to the genre as key goals.

Chances of success: Reasonable, though stronger momentum is still needed.


Hive Jump — Wii U included in core goal [approx $14,000 of $50,000 target reached, 23 days to go]

Hive Jump

This one looks particularly attractive and was pointed out in the comments. With punchy retro-styled visuals and sound, this is a run and gun action game with some elements of strategy thrown in. Online and local co-op for up to four players looks fun, as do upgradable weapons and permadeath; the target Wii U release (Fall 2015) is later than on PC, while the developer aims to give the Nintendo system's version some unique features.

Chances of success: Decent, albeit with a momentum boost needed.


The Power of Glove: A Power Glove Documentary — approx $6,700 of $15,000 target reached, 22 days to go

Power Glove

As the title makes clear, this is a film project to produce a documentary all about the iconic but barely functional NES peripheral. It's production slowed down, with this campaign aiming to secure funds to get it over the finish line.

Chances of success: Reasonable odds at this stage


Those are some crowdfunding efforts currently doing the rounds on Kickstarter. As this is the first summary in a while we'd bet handsome money some are missing, so by all means point us to those we've left out in the comments; we'll endeavour to add them in if they seem worth including.