So how many here have heard of Insanity’s Blade? Probably not that many of you, despite it being successfully funded on Kickstarter back in 2013. Now, let’s try another name – how many here have heard of Ghouls ‘n Ghosts? Probably everybody is familiar with that classic title. Which is where our two games meet, shake hands, and get down to business. The folks behind Insanity’s Blade, the talented Canadian team Casual Bit Games, has started work on a new project called Battle Princess Madelyn. It’s on Steam Greenlight right now, with Kickstarter later down the pipe, but you’re probably curious why you should be interested in the game.
Well, assuming you don’t know how fun and delightfully retro Insanity’s Blade is, let’s try some facts. First of all, while Battle Princess Madelyn is undoubtedly inspired by the classic Capcom series, BPM is very much its own beast. For one thing, it was a game made in honor of the daughter of Casual Bit Games’ own Chris Obritsch. This quick quote should help illuminate the unique vision of the game –
“When Creative Director Christopher Obritsch daughter Madelyn wanted to be in Ghouls ‘n Ghosts, and fight “Green Head”, he said it was someone else’s game – but he could make her one that was like it. “But girls can’t be knights, Daddy. Only boys…” she said, to which he answered “Pshh…What color do you want your armor to be?”. The answer? Pink! And that’s how this game started. Chris’ daughter Madelyn loves the first stage of Ghouls ‘n Ghosts and makes him play it over and over because she wants to see him fight “Green Head”, the Shielder boss at the end of the first stage. It’s not hard for her to twist his rubber arm, as it’s been his favorite game since it came out all those years ago.“
A female knight is a definite twist on the old Ghoul’s ‘n Ghosts formula, but Battle Princess Madelyn doesn’t stop there. It goes a step beyond by offering multiple ways to beat the game, tons of weapons to wield, 10 large stages, each broken up into separate segments, and much more. The game is being made to cater to both new and hardcore gamers, which though it may be a challenge, should make Battle Princess Madelyn more than just another Ghouls ‘n Ghosts clone. I know I’m not alone in being unable to fully beat that classic series, and I hope a more balanced, nuanced approach in BPM will make for a more robust and entertaining game.
Another feather in the game’s hat is that the story is being written by a professional children’s author, which is sure to separate it from the source material. It also has lush pixelated goodness on the graphics side, and will please the ears with tunes by famed John McCarthy, known for his work on Nintendo Quest. Battle Princess Madelyn will also use a retro styled FM/PCM soundtrack by Gryzor87, sure to make the adventures of Madelyn and her undead pooch Fritz even more meaningful.
I personally am quite excited for Battle Princess Madelyn, and hope it can eclipse the name recognition of Ghouls ‘n Ghosts in due time. It looks like a beautiful tribute to a classic game, and if it’s anything as good as Insanity’s Blade, it will be well worth our time. If you like the look of it, be sure to upvote it on Greenlight, and stay tuned to oprainfall for more news about Battle Princess Madelyn as it is released!
