In a surprising twist for indie game enthusiasts, ‘Exil’, an ambitious side-scrolling Metroidvania, has made waves on Kickstarter, easily surpassing its original fundraising goal of merely one dollar. While it’s unconventional to set such a modest target, the strategic choice seems to aim for engagement rather than an overwhelming financial requirement. Developers Mystic Clockwork Studio have managed to raise over $9,000, showcasing not only crowd support but also considerable interest in the game’s potential. This impressive showing highlights the community’s appetite for innovative and visually stunning games, particularly in the Metroidvania niche.
At the heart of ‘Exil’ lies the notion of exploration through mystical landscapes, a theme that resonates with fans of the genre. The gameplay promises to feature fast-paced, fluid movement combined with the ability to switch between various loadouts in real-time. In an interesting design choice, the game recalls mechanics akin to the celebrated title ‘Cuphead’, where players can take risks to gain advantages, such as double jumping off of pink projectiles. This acknowledgement of peril not only elevates the gameplay experience but also encourages players to delve deeper into what ‘Exil’ has to offer.
A Narrative Inspired by Epic Adventures
What adds another layer of intrigue to ‘Exil’ is its multilayered narrative structure, drawing inspiration from the popular anime ‘Attack on Titan’. The narrative invites players to piece together its intricacies like a complex puzzle, reminiscent of the open-world storytelling in titles like ‘Breath of the Wild’ and ‘Outer Wilds’. However, there exists an alternative storytelling approach that could result in a more ambiguous experience, similar to that found in ‘Inside’, where the narrative unfolds through environmental cues without overt explanations. It remains to be seen how exactly this will play out in ‘Exil’, but the opportunities for rich storytelling are abundant.
Interestingly, ‘Exil’ isn’t the developer’s first venture into crowdfunding. After an unsuccessful attempt the previous year, the developers took a step back to refine their vision. They have acknowledged the evolution of their personal styles and skills over time and are committed to capitalizing on these advancements to enhance the game. Their candid approach about setbacks and their resolution to make substantial improvements emphasize a dedication to quality that many gamers appreciate in indie projects.
While no definitive release date is set, anticipation is starting to build. The developers have revealed that ‘Exil’ is approximately 75% complete and are eyeing Steam for its release, with later plans for platforms like Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox. Such strategic platform releases can significantly broaden the game’s reach, ensuring that players across various systems can immerse themselves in its world once complete.
As gamers await the arrival of ‘Exil’, it stands as a testament to the indie gaming community’s strength and the creative innovations springing from passionate developers. The path to its eventual launch may be uncertain, but the excitement surrounding ‘Exil’ firmly establishes it as a noteworthy contender in an ever-evolving landscape of video games.