Crowdfunding adventures located on Papier and Montague’s Mount
Though games like Broken Sword: The Serpent's Curse may get all the headlines, not to be overlooked in the host of crowdfunding adventures these days are Papier and Montague's Mount.
Papier
If Spycraft Studios' Papier is an idea that sounds great on paper, that's because the game itself is "set in a world of paper, sketches and ink". Papier tells the story of the titular young boy who discovers that "each person and all things have a book that defines them and tells their story, without which they would not exist." Unfortunately for Papier, "most of the pages from his book have been stolen. He sets out to find these pages before his powerful foe can destroy them, and page by page - he discovers his true destiny."
A 3D adventure with a unique visual aesthetic glimpsed in the crowdfunding campaign video, Papier is a "combination of adventure game and RPG elements" that includes "unique interaction for casting of magical powers and specialised puzzles." According to Australian developer Matt McArdell, the roleplaying elements involve Papier's various magical abilities, which will increase in capability as you achieve goals and gain experience, with different powers allowing players to choose alternate approaches to overcoming obstacles.
Intended as a cross-platform release for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android mobile phones and tablets in April 2013, Papier's time is running out to meet its crowdfunding goal of $150,000 by October 12th, but there's still time to pledge. Rewards begin at $15 for a free copy of the game on all supported platforms to the likes of T-shirts, boxed Collector's Editions, and both digital and printed versions of a Papier world chronicle. Check out the Kickstarter campaign page for full details.
According to McArdell, it is still Spycraft's goal to complete the game even if the fundraising appeal doesn't reach its goal, but development will take much longer to continue part time, and other possibilities will be considered as well, such as an episodic release.
Montague's Mount
Montague's Mount is not a happy place; nor is the game that bears its name. From Polypusher Studios comes a "first person psychological rollercoaster ride through isolation, desolation and one man's tortured mind all set against the bleakness of an isolated Irish island." As the protagonist, you awaken from unconsciousness to see what you presume to be your boat smashed on the rocks. In order to escape this dreary isle, you'll need to solve its mysterious secrets such as: "Where is everyone; is the island really uninhabited; what is lurking within the isolated caves; and what is that building on top of Montague’s Mount?"
A free-roaming, realtime 3D adventure, Montague's Mount promises a combination of exploration and puzzle solving to complement its "lump-in-the-throat story and environment". The game will be released in three parts for Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile devices; the first is on track for release late this year with the remaining two episodes to be launched in spring and summer of 2013.
In order to meet that deadline, Polypusher has created a fundraising appeal, seeking $15,000 by November 19th. Pledge rewards include $10 for a digital download of Episode 1, along with many higher tiers for beta tester access, art packs, and various ways to appear in the game itself. The Indiegogo page has complete information and a lengthy pitch video (not the same as the one seen above).
Unlike Kickstarter campaigns, the developer will receive all money donated through Indiegogo, regardless of whether it reaches its goal. According to the game's indie creator Matthew Clifton, falling short of the fundraising target will push the initial launch date back well into 2013. You can also vote for the game on Steam Greenlight if you'd like to see the series available there upon completion.
Game information
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