Adventures of Pip

Those of you who were disappointed in the demise of TicToc Games’ failed Kickstarter campaign, rejoice. Adventures of Pip has returned for a second chance at crowdfunding success. And yes, some things have changed this time around, for better or worse–depending on your point of view.

First things first, the goal is set at $40,000 USD, less than half of the original goal. However, that is just about where the first campaign ended a few months ago. Because of this, some things had to be dropped or set aside for the initial goal. One of these is Xbox support, which was one of the first consoles added on after the first campaign launched. However, support for the Xbox One and 360 is set as a $50,000 stretch goal, which is still much less than the $90,000 goal. So, even though Xbox support isn’t guaranteed off the bat, it is still manageable and under the previous initial goal.

Refined Adventures of Pip

The other thing that seems to have changed because of the lowered goal is the transformations. In case you don’t remember from the first time, there were about five different transformations Pip could go through, with each version getting new powers that could be used to save the Pixel Kingdom. This time around, there are three, but they seem more refined than before.

As a matter of fact, all three forms have a purpose this time around. The single pixel form allows for traversing in small areas and higher jumping. The Agile Explorer form allows for wall jumping, running, and a move called a quick jab (which appears to be new this time around). And the biggest form, the Bulky Bruiser, puts a sword in your hand as you bust blocks, stones, and most anything that gets in your path. So there’s something positive to take from that.

Adventures of Pip - Kingdom Outskirts
Kingdom Outskirts

In addition to gameplay getting a makeover, it appears that the story has been more fleshed out as well. Have a look:

In all the fairy tales, there is one that has been quite overlooked, for this kingdom is no ordinary kingdom. It is a kingdom so small, it can fit in the palm of your hand. It is the Pixel Kingdom.

Like other kingdoms, they have their ruling class, a bevy of high brows with high resolutions, and a humble working class, whose mobility leaves little room for more than a handshake.

Our story begins with an old legend passed down through generations of Boxels and Pixelites about a princess who could create pixels out of thin air, and with that power, save the kingdom in their darkest day.

With the birth of Princess Adeline, what was once legend, became reality. This brought a lot of joy to the kingdom as well as fear, knowing that soon enough the skeleton queen, Lenore, would hear of this child’s unique ability.

The skeleton queen reigned over the underworld. With her uncanny ability to absorb pixels, she used her power to raise an army of the dead.

On the morning of Princess Adeline’s 16th birthday, the skeleton queen made her move. With her powers, she absorbed all the pixels of the kingdom, leaving everyone as helpless blocks.

The Skeleton Queen kidnapped the princess as every block cowered in fear… except for one. His name was Pip.

Unlike everyone else, he was born a block and nothing more, but never saw his size as a disability. In an unconventional fairy tale will rise unconventional heroes. This is his story.

Adventures of Pip - Scarab Forest
The Scarab Forest

There are some smaller things that changed (like the soundtrack now being a $35 reward instead of $20), but these are the major changes from last time. Jake “virt” Kaufman will still be composing the soundtrack. $15 will still be required to get a copy of the game. They still hope to have PSN support through a stretch goal ($60,000). And it will still be coming to Windows and Mac via Steam (it was Greenlit last time around) and Wii U. All of these things are still the same.

Adventures of Pip has so far raised over $7,300 (as of publishing) in the first few hours. Reward tiers start at $5 with the game coming at the $15 tier. Those looking to get a discount better act quick as an Early Bird is available for the first 1,000 people that take advantage of it. Along with a soundtrack, you can also get a digital artbook ($25), Early Beta Access ($65), and a physical soundtrack that includes an exclusive track ($80). Funding will continue until October 4th at 6:01 PM EDT.

Adventures of Pip - The Alicia Cameo
I wonder if Alicia will still be there as well…

If you want to help out the campaign, check out the Adventures of Pip Kickstarter page.

Jeff Neuenschwander
Jeff has been a supporter of the website and campaign since the beginning. Joining in for E3 2012, he worked his way up the ranks quickly, making it to the Editing Manager post at the beginning of 2013. Jeff has a wide variety of tastes when it comes to gaming and pretty much likes anything that is quirky, although his favorite genres are Action, Platforming, and RPG. Outside of gaming, Jeff is a musician, being trained as a trombonist for Jazz and Classical music, and holds a degree in Sound Recording.