We made a slightly odd omission in our last Kickstarter summary article, in that we failed to include a title we'd written about prior to its campaign's launch — Hazewalker. Let's remedy that right now, shall we?
It caught our eye with its pre-launch press release and footage, as it has some ambitious scope and a decent-looking start in terms of development. While it's roughly the 56,743rd game project to cite Metroidvania as its design approach, it was in developer TheoryForm Games' attitude to the Wii U GamePad that we saw hope; lead designer David Pierce say the following:
I want to bring Metroidvania games into the next generation. I want to redefine what people expect from these kinds of games. I’ve been excited by 'second screen' possibilities and the kinds of gameplay experiences they can open up since Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles on the Gamecube and Gameboy Advance.
Imagine being able to look at your map, thumb through your character’s journal, or see your inventory in the palm of your hands; for me, that’s really exciting. We’ve just started to scratch the surface of the really cool possibilities this brings to the table.
We are fully committed to an awesome, next-gen second screen experience, and Nintendo has been a fantastic partner to work with so far.
With male and female lead character options and a clear source of inspiration from Castlevania, this has potential, at least. The funding goal is rather bold, however, targeting $100,000 — Wii U is included in the core goal. After five days a little over $4,500 has been raised, so there's a long way to go before the target will seem feasible.
What do you think of this project?
[source kickstarter.com]
Comments 18
It looks ok, but damn the graphics are ugly. Gameplay is most important though, and I don't know why I have a feeling it looks shallow and safe
What a terrible first impression. Seriously, your KS video is your most important feature... what I saw was a strangely designed (artwise) game with basic platforming, generic combat/enemies and nothing brought to the table at all. Nothing I would even consider backing; though it might be a good game, the video honestly led me to think otherwise.
EDIT: Also, the main piece of artwork looks kinda derpy. Not that I'm trying to hate on this game, I actually hope the developer reads this comment and understands I'm trying to help rather than hate. Because its probably a good game but we need to see that in the video.
Yes because "oops" always makes it ok jk
Eh.
i floop the immortal hazewalker card, hahaha
Kickstarter goals are becoming pretty lofty these days. I know it's expensive to make games, but without any type of pedigree it's hard to really be sold on comparisons alone.
Doesn't impress enough to solicit chipping in on the kickstarter, but does look like a game that I'd play if it gets funded and the price was right.
Visually it could be more aggressive and attractive imho. It has a decent start in that regard. I like that they want to 'bring Metroidvania games into the next generation and redefine what people expect from these kinds of games', but it doesn't make me say "wow".
These Wii U kick starter games are way too ambitious. With no real background on development, they're asking us to vote and entrust them with our cash. Sorry, create something that's more focused and would cost half that, once a following has grown, then release a big game. These devs are swinging for the fence.
What a horrible looking game. The animations are so stiff, that you would think it was from the early 90's.
Next, please.
Everyone,
I am the designer of Hazewalker. We have made the decision to cancel the Kickstarter.
While we do have a team with industry veterans on-board, and while we have made tremendous progress since we began working on Hazewalker last year, we realize that our playable prototype (pre-alpha) is not at the stage it needs to be at in order to impress players and backers.
We have read your feedback, and understand that we simply aren't making a game that folks are excited about, and that's certainly not good enough for me.
For more details, please see here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/theoryform/hazewalker/posts
I want to thank you all personally for your critical feedback. We're going to take a step back, and move forward with a plan that involves a lot more communication with our player base, playtesting, and iteration, and waiting "until it's ready". Thanks for reading, and thank you to Nintendo Life for posting this article.
Lead Designer, TheoryForm Games
"I want to bring Metroidvania games into the next generation."
the thing is, that is what around 120 game makers are already doing indie game wise.
Update: The Hazewalker Kickstarter campaign has just been cancelled.
@CheskoTF I admire your capability to hold a project that you have wosked on for so long! (I hope that doesn't sounds sarcastic) Regardless I would like to see a short, cheap, unique, and most importantly fun game before I back this project. Excited for your next project!
@CheskoTF Shame, it reminded me of Altered Beast and other 90's titles, which might not be ok in someone's book, but it definititely is on mine. Good luck with any of your future projects.
Mildly physics-based teleportation? Looks interesting.
On the project page says that the donations were canceled a few hours ago by the creator.
@MMurad see post #12
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