15 of the Best Kickstarter Games You Can Play Right Now
What are the best video game projects funded through Kickstarter?
The crowdfunding service Kickstarter has certainly become the go-to platform for aspiring and seasoned developers alike over the past few years. Case in point, the internet has been going slightly nuts this past week for Playtonic Games’ Yooka-Layee (check out the Kickstarter here). As at the time of writing, the duo have managed to rake in US$2.2 million from 44,000 backers with no signs of slowing down.
Also Read: The Success of Yooka-Laylee Should Serve as a Slap in the Face for Publishers.
Although there was some scepticism about the idea of crowdfunding when Kickstarter first started gaining popularity, we’ve moved past that initial period. We’re now starting to see Kickstarted games make their way into the wild. And some of those games are good. Very good, in fact. Given the phenomenal success of Yooka-Laylee, we’ve picked 15 of the best Kickstarted games that you can get your hands on right now. Enjoy!
Pillars of Eternity (Obsidian Entertainment)
Genre: RPG
Released: March 2015
Available on: PC
Republique (Camouflaj)
Genre: Action-Adventure, Stealth
Released: December 2013 (Episode One)
Available on: PC, iOS, Android
We published a world exclusive making of feature of Republique in Episode 1 of Grab It, which also happens to be our free trial issue, so if you have an iPad there really is no excuse not to check it out. It also includes a huge interview with the game's mastermind, Ryan Payton (Metal Gear Solid series, Halo 4).
Armello (League of Geeks)
Genre: Tabletop RPG
Released: January 2015 (Early Access), Winter 2015 (full release)
Available on: PC, iOS, Android
We previewed Armello in Episode 8 of Grab It (our 2014 PAX Aus edition,) calling it a game that has a pleasant flow with so many little details from which to gain pleasure. We also feature an interview with the director at League of Geeks, Trent Kusters.
Hand of Fate (Defiant Development)
Genre: Action CCG
Released: February 2015
Available on: PC, PS4 and XBO - (PS Vita coming soon)
We showcased Hand of Fate as one of the 68 developers in Episode 8 of Grab It, calling it an unmissable destination for any RPG and/or CCG fans who like a challenge. If you prefer, we also made a video preview of the game in our Top 5 Steam Early Access Indie Games.
The Banner Saga (Stoic)
Genre: Tactical RPG
Released: January 2014
Available on: PC, iOS, Android, XB1/PS4/Vita (coming soon)
The Banner Saga had an interesting development, getting into a stoush with developer King (of Candy Crush fame) over the use of the word "saga." You can read more about it here.
The Escapists (Mouldy Toof Studios)
Genre: Puzzle, RPG
Released: August 2014
Available on: PC (XB1/PS4 coming soon)
Satellite Reign (5 Lives Studios)
Genre: Tactical RPG, RTS
Released: December 2014 (Early Access)
Available on: PC
Satellite Reign is being created as a spiritual successor to the excellent Syndicate Wars. From our hands-on time with the game so far, we're very confident that 5 Lives Studios is on the right track. You can read our preview of the Early Access build here.
Wasteland 2 (inXile Entertainment)
Genre: RPG
Released: September 2014
Available on: PC (XB1/PS4 TBA)
Darkest Dungeon (Red Hook Studios)
Genre: RPG Roguelike, Dungeon Crawler
Released: February 2015 (Early Access)
Available on: PC (PS4/Vita TBA)
Shovel Knight (Yacht Club Games)
Genre: Action, platformer
Released: June 2014
Available on: PC, 3DS, Wii U, PS3, PS4, Vita, XB1
For a bit of fun, be sure to check out 8-bit Kratos (of God of War fame) battling Shovel Knight.
Broken Age (Double Fine)
Genre: Point-and-click Adventure
Released: January 2014
Available on: PC, iOS, Android, PS4, Vita
We reviewed Broken Age (Act One) in Episode 6 of Grab It, calling it a gorgeous adventure that proves Tim Schafer still has it after all this time.
Faster Than Light: Advanced Edition (Subset Games)
Genre: Strategy, Roguelike
Released: April 2014
Available on: PC, iOS
Faster Than Light is a difficult game. Like really difficult. So although a few of us here at Grab It absolutely love FTL, not everyone does. Read about one of our staff writer's thoughts on why he doesn't like FTL: Faster Than Light.
Awesomenauts: Starstorm (Ronimo Games)
Genre: MOBA
Released: May 2012
Available on: PC, PS4, XB1
Shadowrun Returns (Harebrained Schemes)
Genre: Tactical RPG
Released: July 2013
Available on: PC, iOS, Android
Kentucky Route Zero (Cardboard Computer)
Genre: Adventure
Released: January 2013
Available on: PC
You may also want to read out latest hands-on with a Kickstarter game, Wildfire.
Writer:
Stephen Mitchell
