Kulebra and the Souls of Limbo

This is one of the games I’m most excited for on this list, if I’m honest. Kulebra is merely “culebra,” or snake, with a K instead of C. You play as Kulebra, a snake who has passed on and tries to help others who are stuck in a time loop. Solve puzzles, discover secrets, and try to end the curse! The KS page indicates that the developers were inspired by The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask as well as Paper Mario and the Chamber of Secrets and the Thousand Year Door. Personally, just from their KS page, I’m getting very slight Dora the Explorer vibes. You have an individual helping others, and there’s a bird who plays tricks on you (similar to Swiper in Dora, perhaps?). The colors in Kulebra look incredibly vibrant, and the character designs are adorable (I like Krow the delivery bird the best). Galla Games plans on offering English and Spanish options for the game. ¡Excelente!

Kulebra currently is 17% funded out of the $60,000 goal. There are only 6 days left to back the game. ¡Espero que tenga éxito! They estimate that the game will take 3 years should they be able to work on it full time.

Ailuri

Vivink Studios is developing a massively kawaii hand-drawn 2D platformer entitled Ailuri. You play as Ailuri the red panda, and platform your way to saving endangered species. Travel through levels (alone or in co-op), solve puzzles, find collectibles, and defeat bosses. Speaking of collectibles, they are also producing some of the nicest KS rewards I’ve ever seen.

The Kickstarter for Ailuri offers a fluffy plush version of our red panda protagonist. Incidentally, the plush will be produced using sustainable, recycled materials for the filling in order to minimize its impact on the environment. In addition, an Ailuri pin will be produced. Unfortunately, I just noticed that those do not appear to be available individually anymore, so check out the other tiers!

The game focuses on conservation and the environment. Each character is inspired by endangered plants and animals. An encyclopedia will provide information on species represented in the game, including their conservation status. Cute conservation? Sounds fantastic!

Ailuri has thankfully achieved full funding at 362% of their goal, with 30 hours to go. The Switch stretch goal has definitely been reached. The projected release date is for late 2022.

Climber: Sky is the Limit

Art Games Studio, which you may be familiar with from their work releasing Alchemist Simulator, is currently working on a game called Climber: Sky is the Limit. This is a climbing simulator game where you can attempt to reach the summit of some of the tallest – and consequently most dangerous – mountains on Earth. You’ll be able to plan out and purchase equipment to use on your climb, which will be crucial as you attempt to conquer your chosen mountain and its many dangers. Personally, I am far too risk averse to try mountain climbing in real life. I like watching the documentaries though, so this looks like a cool way to engage with real life mountains and not put myself at risk! We’ll have to see how it turns out!

As of today, they are 17% funded out of their ~$12,000 USD goal with 8 days remaining. Their estimated date for console versions is Q2 or Q3 of 2022.

SPACE CHEF

Blue Goo Games lists an intriguing variety of inspirations for their game SPACE CHEF, including Stardew Valley, Don’t Starve, Futurama, and Rick & Morty. They describe it as a co-op action/cooking adventure with a procedurally generated universe that is different each time you play. You’ll visit planets to acquire ingredients, combine them to make dishes that are out of this world, and then deliver them to customers in the hopes of becoming the galaxy’s next Master Chief Chef. The more money you earn, the more you can customize your kitchen and other rooms.

Today they have reached 213% funding, with additional stretch goals for pets and significant others. 7 days remain in their campaign. Their timeline estimates Q3 2023 for the full release.

Deck RX

Do you like deck building games? Do you also enjoy traditional roguelikes? How about racing games? Meteorbyte Studios is working on adding all of those elements together to create Deck RX. You’ll choose between different drivers pilots and cars, and try to win each race, which can be achieved by crossing that finish line first, or by destroying each enemy standing in your way. (Extreme NASCAR, anyone?) I don’t remember ever seeing a racing game like this before. I’m fascinated by the idea, and the character concepts and designs listed in the Kickstarter look pretty cool!

As of November 11, 2021, Deck RX is at 44% of their required ~$11,500 funding. 21 days remain in their campaign. Their timeline estimates a Q4 2022 release.