Saber Rider Kickstarter

[OldMan]

Saber is 69px high ....

If you can knock him down to 64 pixels high, you might only need to update 1 sprite

[TeamSaberRider]

@TheOldMan
That should be no problem. When we designed these characters we did it for a resolution of 320x240 to use it on PC, 3DS and DC.
The resolution for the PCE is lower so we also need to reduce size of the chars a bit.

Here is a slightly fixed version. Aprils upper area was looking a bit strange.

/meet_heroes.png

[TeamSaberRider]

Some more pixels:
/ramrod_Cockpit_kick.png

[Nazi NecroPhile]

Looks nice.  April reminds me of Wonder Momo. 

[elmer]

That should be no problem. When we designed these characters we did it for a resolution of 320x240 to use it on PC, 3DS and DC.
The resolution for the PCE is lower so we also need to reduce size of the chars a bit.

The PCE will do 320x240, but most games use 256x224 instead.

240 high is seriously into overscan territory on old TVs, so 224 high is normal.

You could switch between the 256-wide and 320-wide for menu or intro screens if you like.

SNES is 256x224, so if you're targeting both systems, then that's probably the resolution to design for.

[TeamSaberRider]

Well PSE and SNES are still stretch goals while 3DS, PC and DC arethe main goals.
The 3DS has a native resolution of 320 (400 upper screen) x 240. Therefore we need to do the GFX first for this systems and later reduce the gfx for PCE and SNES.

[CrackTiger]

Only this morning did I remember that I still have the Saber Rider painting that I did for Grade 8 Art class (1988/89).

[TeamSaberRider]

SCAN! 

[CrackTiger]

I couldn't find it where I keep most of my old art. I have memories of focusing on specific details and remember drawing Saber Rider art with the show paused.

After finding another painting that I believe was the same assignment, I asked my buddy and it sounds like it was a piece he turned in for the assignment, but I did at least the painting.

He thinks that he doesn't have it, but I know that I forgot about it altogether until I saw it some time within the last couple years.

[Arkhan Asylum]

April is my jam. 

Doing 64 pixel high sprites on PCE would be the best idea, as it would be similar to all of the similar games on PCE, and would allow for a better gameplay experience.

It could be like a Cross Wiber that doesn't suck.

Pushing less around per entity would also allow for more entities, less crowded screen... more action!

and moar background stuff.

[DeshDildo]

Yeah for me it's like, what Id want to see before backing this is actual PCE or Snes gameplay, preferably PCE. Right now all I can see is tiny cropped video of what I guess is the 3DS version, and that looks fine as far as I can tell, but its just not enough for me to make a sound decision, especially when I am sure the PCE product would be different.

THIS!  I don't expect them to have any sort of PCE footage since it was basically just announced that they would do it if they make the standard goal.  Even a better shot of the 3ds version would suffice... with that I could at least get a general idea of what to expect.  Until then it will be hard for me to back and wait years to get it.

[TeamSaberRider]

Guys, the Kickstarter says clearly, that this project is currentely in pre production.
The engine is ready for 3DS but there is not much content yet.
The Kickstarter is there to fund for all the content.
We don't sell a final game.

[TeamSaberRider]

Attention: It is now also possible to pledge with paypal for our Saber Rider and the Star Sheriffs Kickstarter campaign. But because of technical reasons we can only offer Paypal to EU citizen and we can only collect the Euro currency. This solution is for people with no credit card only. Please check out our paypal outlet here: http://www.callxyz.com/SaberRiderPaypal.html
If you have a credit card, please support us on Kickstarter directly: http://kck.st/1WWmbEH

[TeamSaberRider]

What do you think guys ?


_{https://i.postimg.cc/JhsG0xgR/colt.gif}

[HailingTheThings]

I like it, but I feel like Colt is moving his boobs too much, but then again, what do I know? lol He looks fine. :3 I'm sure others will chime in.

[TeamSaberRider]

Old/New version:

_|

[Dicer]

I like it, but I feel like Colt is moving his boobs too much, but then again, what do I know? lol He looks fine. :3 I'm sure others will chime in.

His chest is on a pivot is all, I think it looks pretty damn good.

[esteban]

It looks great.

[TeamSaberRider]

Okay guys, the waiting is over! Here is the official cover for the PC Engine Limited Edition:

[SignOfZeta]

OK, I guess I'll buy it now.

[OldMan]

Here is the official cover for the PC Engine Limited Edition:

Is that for the CD case or the cardboard box?

[HailingTheThings]

Damn, that cover is hot. If I end up having some extra play money before the campaign is over, just might have to upgrade.

[TeamSaberRider]

@TheOldMan this is for the Super Jewel Box with 2Disc tray:

4K: 6c_dsc_k2_6714.jpg

[ParanoiaDragon]

Hmm, it's tempting to switch over from Bee Special 2 to the LE, however, I like having a regular jewel case to fit in with all my other games... I'll probably stick with what I got.

[CrackTiger]

Is there a pledge option which gives you both versions of the PC Engine game? I'd upgrade to that if possible.

[OldMan]

this is for the Super Jewel Box with 2Disc tray...

Ah, ok. Just thought the proportions were wrong for a stock cd case.

[TeamSaberRider]

@CrackTiger you can do that.
Pledge for the Limited Edition and use our upgrades. You can add the normal PCE version for 45 USD.

@TheOldMan yeah this is just for the LE. The normal version will have a standard Jewel Case

[NightWolve]

Hm, not sure if I noticed this before. Guess it won't make it though, 4 days to go but $15k short...

So the gameplay would be something like Gun Smoke and/or Wild Guns on the challenge stages ? I couldn't find a video to provide some idea, I just see anime stuff.

[CrackTiger]

@Black Tiger you can do that.
Pledge for the Limited Edition and use our upgrades. You can add the normal PCE version for 45 USD.

@TheOldMan yeah this is just for the LE. The normal version will have a standard Jewel Case

I tried finding a way to upgrade while on my mobile browser, but had no luck. If I click on the Bee package or whatever it's called, it only downgrades my "total" pledge.


Nightwolve: I'm pretty sure that is was $3000 less yesterday afternoon. If it at least maintains that pace it could make it. I just hope that they push to get more exposure in "retro" communities and media asap.

[Arkhan Asylum]

Needs like 4800$ in 3 days to git down on it.   There was a pretty hefty jump.

[NightWolve]

Yeah, they locked down another $10k. They need to up a last minute mass-spamming effort and they could pull it off.

[o.pwuaioc]

So, PCE or DC? Is there a compelling reason to get DC? Otherwise, why not PCE, right?

[Arkhan Asylum]

WELL THAT ESCALATED QUICKLY.

[NightWolve]

Woah, yep, they made it. Congrats!

Well, I hope backers will be happy with what comes of this... I don't see no gameplay videos (in other words, no prototype), so it's not something I found trustworthy even if I was mildly interested.

[Arkhan Asylum]

Woah, yep, they made it. Congrats!

Well, I hope backers will be happy with what comes of this... I don't see no gameplay videos (in other words, no prototype), so it's not something I found trustworthy even if I was mildly interested.

Imagine the boss battles in Atlantean, with Saber Rider art + music.

That's how I'll basically be doing that.


wait what.

[NightWolve]

Ah, so somebody here is handling the PCE port, huh... I see...

[Arkhan Asylum]

Ah, so somebody here is handling the PCE port, huh... I see...

;)

I didn't want to say anything because it was kind of funny to watch the skepticism and speculation.

\o/

I was honestly hoping for more guessing at who'd be working on it, though.  lol

[Nazi NecroPhile]

'Tis good to hear you're on board.  I didn't speculate because it didn't sound like they had any real plans other than "give us money and we'll pay someone to figure it all out later" (VGS style).

[PCEngineHell]

'Tis good to hear you're on board.  I didn't speculate because it didn't sound like they had any real plans other than "give us money and we'll pay someone to figure it all out later" (VGS style).

Yeah I was telling Ark that last night when he told me he was onboard. Had they held this thing proper, with something more to show then just tiny 3DS clips and mock shots, showing specific teams of developers are on board ready to do each individual version, then they would have gotten more backers.

As is it is still just backing an idea of a game, not an actual product yet, and that does not go over well these days. Too many kickstarters have failed hard due to this kind of vague promise style marketing. I'm not big on the whole pre-order mess either, but if Ark puts out a game for this, and it is some kind of action game, I will buy one. Unless I die sometime between now and spring 2017 anyway.

As is, I liked the idea, but it was just that currently, an idea. None of the guys listed on the kickstarter had any experience with PCE, and mostly were Euro guys. I dont want to trust my money with euro people who mostly built their career on stuff like the Amiga or C64 or later at Nintendo, because their style on how they do their games tends to be something I dont enjoy much. Ark's version will probably be the only really worthwhile thing to come out of this I feel like. I just have a gut feeling the the other games are going to be copy/paste Power Rangers Metal Slug: The Game.

[elmer]

I was honestly hoping for more guessing at who'd be working on it, though.  lol

I kinda guessed that it was going to be you ... have fun doing the game!

I'm sure that it'll be an interesting experience for you, working with Simon Butler.

Don't forget to put in a warehouse section. All licensed 1980's games had to include a warehouse section, it must have been a legal requirement, or something! 

[Dicer]

'Tis good to hear you're on board.  I didn't speculate because it didn't sound like they had any real plans other than "give us money and we'll pay someone to figure it all out later" (VGS style).

Yeah I was telling Ark that last night when he told me he was onboard. Had they held this thing proper, with something more to show then just tiny 3DS clips and mock shots, showing specific teams of developers are on board ready to do each individual version, then they would have gotten more backers.

As is it is still just backing an idea of a game, not an actual product yet, and that does not go over well these days. Too many kickstarters have failed hard due to this kind of vague promise style marketing. I'm not big on the whole pre-order mess either, but if Ark puts out a game for this, and it is some kind of action game, I will buy one. Unless I die sometime between now and spring 2017 anyway.

As is, I liked the idea, but it was just that currently, an idea. None of the guys listed on the kickstarter had any experience with PCE, and mostly were Euro guys. I dont want to trust my money with euro people who mostly built their career on stuff like the Amiga or C64 or later at Nintendo, because their style on how they do their games tends to be something I dont enjoy much. Ark's version will probably be the only really worthwhile thing to come out of this I feel like. I just have a gut feeling the the other games are going to be copy/paste Power Rangers Metal Slug: The Game.

This post is the spawn of Debbie Downer and Negative Nancy... It's their lesbian love child.
PP man, you gotta have faith sometimes...toss caution to the wind and whatnot.


Anyway glad it made it's goal and hopefully then some, and having Ark on it makes it even better.


And yeah warehouse level for sure.

[BlueBMW]

Maybe I'm getting old and crusty but it kind of rubs me wrong that there are basically three versions of the TG/PCE game.  I understand that you have to cater to the collectards nowadays in order to do anything but it just seems rediculous.  Isn't being on TG/PCE limited enough in and of itself?  Why must we have flashy limited numbered (gouge on ebay later) editions?

Anyways, glad to see it got funded though.  Should be a fun romp, especially with Ark involved.

[NightWolve]

This post is the spawn of Debbie Downer and Negative Nancy... It's their lesbian love child.
PP man, you gotta have faith sometimes...toss caution to the wind and whatnot.

Anyway glad it made it's goal and hopefully then some, and having Ark on it makes it even better.

And yeah warehouse level for sure.

Eh, I would beg to differ, what he, NecroPhile and I said are perfectly sound reasons to have been unwilling to support/trust this thing... There's not enough there, and I think it violates, in spirit, Kickstarter's principle of needing to have some kind of "working prototype" to demo (ONE stage or half-a-stage!) as would be the case if it was about building a physical product/device.

Did I miss some video that wasn't an anime about what the game would look like ? It uses all these anime clips to lure the viewer, that right off the bat sparked distrust as a natural reaction in me. I hope it all works out, don't get me wrong, but I would feel very nervous to have funded it...

[PCEngineHell]

'Tis good to hear you're on board.  I didn't speculate because it didn't sound like they had any real plans other than "give us money and we'll pay someone to figure it all out later" (VGS style).

Yeah I was telling Ark that last night when he told me he was onboard. Had they held this thing proper, with something more to show then just tiny 3DS clips and mock shots, showing specific teams of developers are on board ready to do each individual version, then they would have gotten more backers.

As is it is still just backing an idea of a game, not an actual product yet, and that does not go over well these days. Too many kickstarters have failed hard due to this kind of vague promise style marketing. I'm not big on the whole pre-order mess either, but if Ark puts out a game for this, and it is some kind of action game, I will buy one. Unless I die sometime between now and spring 2017 anyway.

As is, I liked the idea, but it was just that currently, an idea. None of the guys listed on the kickstarter had any experience with PCE, and mostly were Euro guys. I dont want to trust my money with euro people who mostly built their career on stuff like the Amiga or C64 or later at Nintendo, because their style on how they do their games tends to be something I dont enjoy much. Ark's version will probably be the only really worthwhile thing to come out of this I feel like. I just have a gut feeling the the other games are going to be copy/paste Power Rangers Metal Slug: The Game.

This post is the spawn of Debbie Downer and Negative Nancy... It's their lesbian love child.
PP man, you gotta have faith sometimes...toss caution to the wind and whatnot.


Anyway glad it made it's goal and hopefully then some, and having Ark on it makes it even better.


And yeah warehouse level for sure.

No, see I don't. If I tossed 50 bucks at every guy that said "Hey I got a great idea about a game, so pay me first and then I will make it....", then I wouldn't have any money left for actual games already released, and I'd not have that much to play in the end. I have already watched people I know do this, and it's not for me. Much of what is proposed on Kickstarter falls though, or gets delivered but the end product is nowhere where it was supposed to be. Same goes for game pre-orders...

For this game here, I don't have any fond memories for the anime, so the subject matter is iffy for me from the start. But the PCE could use another good action game, and I am sure Ark will pull it off.

When you look at the PCE side of homebrew projects, Ark's team is really the only competent one around with multiple solid releases. Before knowing Ark was handling it last night if they made the goal, I had no faith they could do it at all. Now I at least know that one of these Saber Rider games will be good and worth playing, regardless of if I like the anime or not. When Ark gets it done and its released, I will buy his vision of the game.

[Nazi NecroPhile]

I'm not worried now that I know Ark's on board, but previously my hopes weren't too high that it'd turn out great.  Getting nice pixel art isn't that difficult (not in terms of finding someone with the talent anyway), but there's just not that many people out there that are willing and able to code for and design within archaic hardware limitations and end up with a polished game.

The only reasons I was willing to toss some money at it was because it's for PCE (not a platform regularly looked at for crowdfunding), I wouldn't have been out all that much money if it turned to crap, and I honestly didn't expect it to get funded anyway.

P.S. - How do I buy gems and where are the polls on which to spend them? 

[VenomMacbeth]

I wish I'd had the money to fund this, but I hope the game will be available to non-backers!  PCE needs more run & guns!

Arkhan, make sure you add an obligatory spaceship shooter section or two.  ;)

[xcrement5x]

I wish I'd had the money to fund this, but I hope the game will be available to non-backers!  PCE needs more run & guns!

Arkhan, make sure you add an obligatory spaceship shooter section or two.  ;)

I'm pretty sure this will be available for general sale in the future, to not do so would make no sense.

Oh, and color me peeved about the DC "demo", it felt like a waste of 45 minutes for me to download, figure how to burn, burn, and then test just to realize it was basically a slideshow. 

[o.pwuaioc]

I'm in anyway for the PCE CD, especially knowing now that Arkhan's on board.

[Arkhan Asylum]

I wish I'd had the money to fund this, but I hope the game will be available to non-backers!  PCE needs more run & guns!

Arkhan, make sure you add an obligatory spaceship shooter section or two.  ;)

I'm pretty sure this will be available for general sale in the future, to not do so would make no sense.

Oh, and color me peeved about the DC "demo", it felt like a waste of 45 minutes for me to download, figure how to burn, burn, and then test just to realize it was basically a slideshow. 

This is why I opted to not make a slideshow.  I know how everyone in TurboTown feels about that sort of thing, given all the vaporware we've gotten moist for.

Things of note:

You can expect the shippy boss battles similar to Atlantean.

I am anticipating NOT making it like Contra.  Saber Rider was very wild west shoot-out style.  I feel it will be more akin to Rolling Thunder and such with timing + hipshot bonanza action, instead of "hold button down, get spread shot, win"

Depending on the source art, parallax/layering shenanigans may not come into play.  Why sacrifice nicely done backgrounds and cut them up/simplify them just to add in fake eye candy? 

Before anyone starts with the "but, but huuuuu parallax".

Valis didn't have parallax until what, Valis 4? Iga Ninden Gaiou didn't.... etc.

So, it isn't really a game breaker.   Half the greatest games on the machine don't have it, so I personally will not lose sleep over not being able to shoehorn it in.

Especially if some of the levels are indoor.   

This will mostly depend on the art direction.

Which, as I currently understand it, will be us getting handed art that needs diddled a bit to fit into PCE restraints.



hidden April shower scene?

[o.pwuaioc]

Without a doubt, Contra > Rolling Thunder. That said, RT could have been done right, say, if it had more variety. I didn't care for the door mechanic either. But I'm still looking forward to this.