The gaming community constantly witnesses the rise and fall of innovative projects, particularly those seeking public funding to come to life. A case in point is the indie JRPG Breath of Thunder, developed by Jerrel Dulay of Sungrand, who previously released games within the Silver Falls series. Despite his established background, Dulay has recently expressed concerns that his current project might fall short of its financial aspirations on the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter.
Breath of Thunder is a multi-platform JRPG with an ambitious plan to release not only on modern systems but also on a plethora of retro consoles. These include the PSP, Game Boy Color, Dreamcast, PS1, Atari Jaguar, Saturn, and even the niche Virtual Boy. The fundraising campaign kicked off with a goal of $30,510 AUD, a sum that would ensure the game's development for platforms such as the Nintendo Switch, Steam/PC, Atari VCS, Playdate, and PlayStation Vita.
However, signs of struggle were evident as the campaign only managed to accumulate just under $8,000 AUD within its initial phase, with about three weeks remaining to meet the target. Even within the creative community, inspiration from classic or 'dead' systems can sometimes face pushback and skepticism, which seems to be what Dulay is experiencing.
Dulay took to social media to express the campaign's lukewarm reception and the negativity it had been receiving. The community's reticent response has drawn parallels between Breath of Thunder's kickstarter efforts and the infamous Mighty No. 9 campaign. Mighty No. 9, while a record-breaker on Kickstarter back in 2013, turned into a critical disappointment upon release, and commitments to launch on the PS Vita and 3DS were abandoned.
In what appears to be a response to the criticism and perhaps to demonstrate his capabilities with legacy hardware, Dulay announced his side project – a fan tribute of Mighty No. 9 for the PS Vita and 3DS. Evidently, he hopes that this diversion might rally support and prove his game development mettle.
The industrious developer has shared downloadable versions of his Mighty No. 9 fan project, encouraging gamers to assess his work first-hand. Furthermore, to garner interest for Breath of Thunder, a 'Vibe Check Teaser' for PC was made available, intended as a preview of the game's potential and aesthetic direction.
With the clock ticking on the Kickstarter campaign, it's a race against time for Breath of Thunder. The game's vision to bridge contemporary gameplay with nostalgic platforms has faced a less enthusiastic reception than hoped for, and survival depends on an unprecedented surge in support. For retro aficionados and modern gamers alike, the teetering fate of this ambitious JRPG stands as a testament to the volatile nature of indie game development and the unpredictable whims of the crowdfunding landscape.
For Dulay and his small team, the project is not just about creating a game. It's about honoring the legacy of gaming, crafting experiences for systems that many have relegated to memory – a tribute to a bygone era. Whether or not the Breath of Thunder manages to harness the winds of fortune and achieve its funding aspirations, Dulay's passionate endeavor adds a poignant narrative to the ongoing story of indie game development, where every project is a gamble and every backer's dollar is a lifeline.
As the deadline approaches, Dulay hopes that his proven track record with previous titles and his commitment to the Mighty No. 9 fan project will inspire confidence and support from the gaming community. Will Breath of Thunder be lost to the winds, or will it find its audience and become a reality? That remains in the hands of the backers and the fickle heart of the internet.
You must be logged in to post a comment!
