There are few things as exciting to this retro gamer as SHMUPs. Often regarded as relics by those obsessed with next gen graphics and sound, there is just something inexplicably special about these hardcore, epic shooters! With that in mind, I want to talk with you about an upcoming Kickstarter that is set to localize the classic Japanese arcade SHMUP trilogy created by SITER SKAIN, called the Tale of ALLTYNEX, to the United States. Put together by Nyu Media, a London based publisher, the Kickstarter is set to translate the trilogy composed of ALLTYNEX Second, RefleX and KAMUI and bring it to our PC’s.
What I like about the Kickstarter, besides promoting a cool looking SHMUP trilogy, is that it only has to get to a mere $4,999 to become a reality. As far as Kickstarters go, that’s really inexpensive. Even better are some of the uber sexy price tiers that are being provided.
By contributing a measly $1, backers will get their names put up on the Roll of Honor on the ALLTYNEX homepage; for $5 you get a digital copy of your choice of soundtrack plus a set of wallpapers for your PC, iPhone and iPad; $15 gets you digital soundtracks from all three games plus a Backer contributer credit; $25 gets you the $5 prize plus digital copies of 2 out of the 3 games plus a Supporter contributor credit; $35 gets that plus the whole trilogy and a Donor contributor credit; $45 gets you the $15 tier prize plus a digital copy of the whole trilogy and a Advocate contributor credit; $100 gets the following prize plus a sweet KAMUI t-shirt and a Benefactor contributor credit; $200 gets the $100 tier prize plus a Tale of the ALLTYNEX t-shirt and a Guardian contributor credit; $500 gets the following tier prize plus a Inu Ball plushie; $750 gets all of the following plus a exclusive dakimakura featuring full color illustrations of the heroine of KAMUI and a Champion credit; $1,000 gets everything plus your name featured in the ALLTYNEX War Record and a Hero contributor credit; and finally, $10,000 gets everything plus a meeting with Nyu Media and SITER SKAIN AND a Angel contributor credit.
Besides these, there are some absolutely awesome stretch goals. If the Kickstarter makes at least $12,000, backers who have pledged $25 or more will receive the official digital Guide Book of the game. If they reach $22,000, then the first 450 who pledge $45 or more will get a physical Guide Book of the game. Finally, the pièce de résistance: if the Kickstarter manages to get to $28,000, then the first 450 people to pledge $45 or more will also receive the Tale of ALLTYNEX Limited Physical Edition, which is comprised of a 3 disc DVD case containing 1 DVD with all 3 games, plus 2 audio CD’s with songs from all the games AND a limited edition postcard set!
I fervently hope fans of SHUMPs take a look at Nyu Media’s Kickstarter page to decide whether or not this is for them. They still have nearly 30 days to reach their goals, and hopefully you’ll help them make it a reality!
