A new 2D puzzle-platformer called Alone hits Kickstarter next month, and if you're a fan of minimalistic games that prioritise interesting gameplay mechanics over unnecessary bells and whistles, you'll probably want to keep an eye out for it.
The first full game from solo developer Connor Warrington, Alone has been in the works since 2016. It tasks players with switching between a number of different characters, each with unique traits, in order to find a path to each level's exit – Warrington says that it's "loosely inspired by BoxBoy!", and we're certainly getting that vibe from the gameplay footage above.
Alone's Kickstarter is scheduled to go live on 7th September (you can keep tabs on the project over on Twitter until then), and releasing on Switch is a major goal. "Of all the console platforms, the Nintendo Switch will be prioritized the most," Warrington says. "Receiving access to a Nintendo Switch development kit is the biggest hurdle involved with porting to this platform. However, a successful Kickstarter campaign should make obtaining a development kit a much simpler task."
Should the campaign be successful, the aim is to have Alone launch on both Switch and Steam simultaneously, with other console versions to follow.
What do you think? Will you be making sure to visit the game's Kickstarter page next month to pledge your support? Let us know in the comments.
Comments 15
I feel the devs are perhaps slightly stretching the idea of ‘loosely based’.
@nessisonett The only major similarities are the minimalist art style, you play as squares and rectangles and it's a puzzle game
Thomas Was Alone
@nessisonett I 'loosely based' my entire graphic design project on boxboy (got a D XD)
The game looks bland
@Tandy255
That’s what I thought as well, even down to the music.
Otherwise the game looked slow and uninspired. I imagine the levels in the trailer were supposed to look easy, but I’m having a hard time seeing how complex it would get.
I am also leery of any Kickstarter campaign that doesn’t have a development kit. I backed the Swap Fire sequel several years ago when they didn’t have a kit, and to my knowledge, they still don’t have one.
YES, the world needs more box-based puzzle games
No respect for derivative detritus
I don’t mind games that are inspired from other games, but hopefully the background changes. It is too hypnotic.
The switching between characters reminds me of playing Snipperclips in single player mode. Or even Lost Vikings. It can be an interesting mechanic.
@Leprecorn Boxboy!’s graphics are deceptive. Everyone said it had Game Boy graphics, but the animations are actually very smooth and look great on a 3DS, a Switch, and a big TV. A minimalist style, but definitely way better than Game Boy graphics.
not something i'd expect to have a crowdfunding campaign, announced ahead of time too.
@Tandy255 I know just how great its graphics are but unfortunately my tutor didn't appreciate it
The gameplay looks more Thomas Was Alone and the graphics and music seem quite derivative of BoxBoy.
You can't just take Qbby into Photoshop hit 'invert' and call it a new character.
@Tandy255 I agree, Boxboy has a beautiful simplicity. Also, the puzzle design and progression are excellent.
This game looks too similar, so it will invite comparisons that probably won't be favorable.
I agree with some comments here. If I didn't know what a Qbby is, I'd assume this is another BOXBOY! game.
Granted it doesn't look like it has BOXBOY!'s gameplay, but the art style is way too similar to be an inspiration.
Show Comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...