Gaming
The Intrepid Izzy Kickstarter Wants to Resurrect the SEGA Dreamcast
I’ve seen some weird Kickstarter projects over the years: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic-esque figures of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse’s horses (and Cthulhu), a Slender Man plush, and Cards Against Humanity. But, I never would have expected a Kickstarter campaign for a video game designed for a discontinued console. Apparently making video games for dead consoles is more popular than I thought.
Intrepid Izzy is a Kickstarter campaign by Senile Team, a development studio that loves to make Dreamcast games. The game stars the titular Izzy, a “plucky girl who likes traveling, dressing up and destroying the forces of evil,” and combines puzzle-platforming, beat-’em-up combat and adventure/exploration. The main gameplay mechanic is supplementing Izzy’s skills (which include a Shoryuken and Hadouken) with special costumes and their related abilities, including a vampire costume that lets Izzy transform into a flying bat and a ninja costume that grants her a wall jump. The Kickstarter campaign promises at least five unique costumes, and while Intrepid Izzy is not the first video game to include an ability-based costume mechanic, the game still looks decent and worth playing when it is released.
What helps set Intrepid Izzy apart from similar retro-inspired Kickstarter campaigns is several of its reward tiers give gamers a physical version of the game playable on the SEGA Dreamcast. Even though the Dreamcast was an extremely powerful console (many claimed it was ahead of its time), it was discontinued back in 2001 and marked SEGA’s farewell to the console market. However, the Dreamcast featured numerous well-received games that have had a lasting impact on gamers and the game industry, including Jet Set Radio, Shenmue, Sonic Adventure 1 and 2, and Phantasy Star Online. It’s no wonder many gamers hold the Dreamcast in such high regard and want to play new games on that console; it did not deserve its fate. And Senile Team is not the only development studio to create a Kickstarter campaign for a new Dreamcast game. Intrepid Izzy is only the latest in an ever-growing list of games designed to support the once-great console.
The Intrepid Izzy Kickstarter campaign only started yesterday, but it has already amassed over $8,000 for a $41, 057 goal. The pledge tiers range from $1.19 (receive kickstarter campaign updates) to $2,372 (physical Dreamcast copy, digital PC copy, digital PlayStation 4 copy, your name in the game’s credits, your name in the game’s splash sequence, physical CD soundtrack, digital soundtrack, four physical Izzy statues, an NPC in your likeness, an in-game statue or portrait in your likeness, physical art book, digital art book, digital manual, kickstarter campaign updates, and free shipping). Oddly enough, even though campaign offers the PS4 version as reward, the PS4 version is listed as a stretch goal.
Depending on the success of Intrepid Izzy (and other Kickstarted Dreamcast games), modern gamers might see the merit of owning a Dreamcast.
Gaming
Gran Turismo 7 Update 1.46 introduces an exciting addition to the roster of exclusive cars available in the PS5 and PS4 racing game
Gran Turismo 7 has just received an exciting update to version 1.46 on both PS5 and PS4. This latest update introduces a unique addition to the game: the Škoda Vision Gran Turismo, a car that you won’t come across in any other game. Škoda makes its debut in the franchise with a visionary study of a single-seater, all-electric racing concept car, designed exclusively for the Polyphony Digital racer.
Once you’ve downloaded update 1.46, you’ll have the opportunity to test drive not one but two additional cars: the AFEELA Prototype 2024 and the iconic Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 Sport Coupe ’70. Get ready for an exhilarating ride! Watch as they take to the track in the video above.
Additionally, the update introduces a new menu for players to tackle in the GT Café. At Collector Level 38, players have the opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of Ferrari 12-cylinder engines, gaining knowledge and expanding their collection. In World Circuits, players can look forward to exciting new events such as the Japanese Clubman Cup 550, the American FR Challenge 550, and the Vision Gran Turismo Trophy. For all the avid fans of Photo Mode, there’s an exciting opportunity to explore the captivating city of San Diego in a brand new Scape.
What are your thoughts on the latest update for Gran Turismo 7? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments section.
Gaming
ReFantazio Takes a Different Approach to Romance, Setting Itself Apart from the Persona Games
Atlus’ highly anticipated RPG, Metaphor: ReFantazio, appears to incorporate familiar systems reminiscent of the developer’s acclaimed Persona series. The game features turn-based battles that heavily rely on exploiting enemy weaknesses. Additionally, players have the ability to summon warrior spirits during combat. However, the most significant aspect of this game, which will be discussed in this article, is the bonding system. Through this system, players can spend time with important characters and gain deeper insights into their personalities and stories.
In contrast to the Persona games, the bonding system ends at that point. Unfortunately, players will be unable to pursue romantic relationships with their beloved waifus, which may come as a disappointment to those who have developed strong feelings for Hulkenberg, the party’s charismatic red-haired elven knight.
According to Siliconera, the absence of romance came up during a recent question and answer session. Atlus emphasized the continued opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with your allies while also introducing additional narratives through substories. In addition, familiarizing yourself with the supporting characters will grant you access to new archetypes, which serve as the game’s character classes.
In the Persona games, romance is not obligatory; rather, it serves as a means to customize your playthrough. However, it is quite unexpected that Metaphor has chosen not to pursue such a venture, considering the significant amount of discussion it typically generates!
Were you anticipating any romantic elements in Metaphor? If you’re not satisfied with your pre-order, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Gaming
Shift Up unveils the intriguing details behind the physical packaging of Stellar Blade for the PS5
It appears that many
are eagerly anticipating the launch of the highly anticipated PS5 exclusive, Stellar Blade. Shift Up, the developer, has shared a lengthy video showcasing the “secrets” found in the physical box of the game for PS5. From what we can gather, these secrets include a reversible cover/dust jacket and a download code for cosmetic items.
We must clarify that while we do appreciate the variant cover, it may be more appealing than the game’s standard art. However, it is not something we would typically classify as a “secret.”. However, what’s interesting is that Shift Up has confirmed through the comments section that this will be the case in all regions. Additionally, the visually striking action RPG will remain uncensored worldwide.
「Stellar Blade」 Physical Package Secrets⚠️#StellarBlade #PS5 #Disc pic.twitter.com/WQSzKUSDQ4
— StellarBlade (@StellarBlade) April 22, 2024
It’s refreshing to witness a developer going the extra mile for physical collectors, and it’s evident that the developer is determined to leave a favorable mark in the console realm. Stellar Blade is set to make its highly anticipated debut this Friday, April 26th, exclusively on the PS5.
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