Saber Rider Kickstarter

[HailingTheThings]

Surprised nobody else posted this. Apparently this game will be ported to the PC Engine.... if the stretch goals are reached, that is.

kickstarter.com/.../saber-rider-and-the-star-sheriffs-the-video-game

[Nazi NecroPhile]

I've never heard of it, and since the threshold is just for 3DS and PCs, I just can't get excited.  $250,000 sounds like an awfully big number to hit for a PCE port when the base goal is only $75,000.

[Gredler]

16-Bit Style Graphics

Style doesnt mean it's easily portable on a 16 bit platform. They would have to re export every asset, and build the "engine "completely differently to port to PCE. Unless the game is designed with 16-bit limitations in mind, the difference between now and then are so different. Porting a 16-bit game up is a lot easier than back. I say this is probably of a bs marketing buzzword unless they are actually building it for PCE to begin with and then porting that to 3DS and PC.

[CrackTiger]

I was literally listening to the Saber Rider soundtracks on the way home from work today and thinking about how I'd do a PCE Saber Rider game.

If they reach the SNES/PCE level, I'm guessing that they'll just use the 3DS assets to create 2D backdrops.

It's worth backing to me just to get some more Saber Rider products.

[SignOfZeta]

Don't these people know about actual anime?

It's incredible how long western fans can cling to a mediocre show just because it had a really good intro.

[CrackTiger]

Don't these people know about actual anime?

It's incredible how long western fans can cling to a mediocre show just because it had a really good intro.

Not everyone is an elitist otaku.

I can watch the original Macross series subtitled and it's a cool show, but not only do I not need to learn Japanese to elevate the "quality" of the anime even further, Robotech will always be the far superior experience for me. It was an important show that I experienced at the perfect time in my life. Nostalgia may play a big part for me, but the localization is what really makes it special compared to other "anime" of any period. Just the same, I'll never enjoy the original Fist of the North Star animated film in Japanese anywhere near as much as the dub. The dialogue and acting are what take it to the next level and make it timeless. The original My Neighbor Totoro dub is also the only version I can watch now.

When anime tapes began to become available, my buddy and I were paying a lot of money for them and later a local video rental store brought in pretty much everything available at the time. We copied every tape they had and many of those early anime are still watchable mostly because of nostalgia. But several such as those I've mentioned, are great because of how the localizations were handled and how it builds off of the original content.

This kickstarter isn't licensing 星銃士ビスマルク, it's for fans of the unique version we were lucky to have bitd.

Imagine how boring your life would be if you stuck your nose up at any game that wasn't first certified AAA by the experts?

And this is actually for a video game. It's not a remastered bluray series. A game should basically be the "really good intro" as an interactive experience.

[ParanoiaDragon]

I'm in if it looks like they actually are getting close to doing a PC Engine version.

[Bardoly]

This looks interesting, and I would definitely be in for a PC Engine version.  I rather doubt that they'll get anywhere near that level, but I'll keep my fingers crossed.

[HailingTheThings]

Bump!

It'll most likely never meet its stretch goals, but a girl can dream damn it!

Yay!

[PCEngineHell]

I never heard of this before, but given what little I could see of the gameplay, I dont expect this to be ported over so well to Snes or PCE. I would imagine a decent amount of sacrifices would have to be made. The other thing too is, are we talking PCE on a pressed disc, or a Imation CD-R slapped in a jewel case. I guess I just cant get interested in this. Never watched the anime, and the tiny gameplay clips don't do it for me.

[Gredler]

I never heard of this before, but given what little I could see of the gameplay, I dont expect this to be ported over so well to Snes or PCE. I would imagine a decent amount of sacrifices would have to be made. The other thing too is, are we talking PCE on a pressed disc, or a Imation CD-R slapped in a jewel case. I guess I just cant get interested in this. Never watched the anime, and the tiny gameplay clips don't do it for me.

That was my initial thought as well, but the way they describe it in the kickstarter text actually makes it sound like they'll make a different version for the PCE/SNES. That being said, it seems like making it for the SNES/PCE would be more difficult than for the initial platform they're targeting, so how would that be an additional bonus to this project - a bonus that is more difficult to create than the main offering just sounds silly to me. I am such a rookie to this I am probably way off base, but the numbers to me don't seem thought through.

[CrackTiger]

I think that they have people in mind to program the SNES and PCE versions. I expect that they'd be simple straightforward stages that are pretty much the same design-wise.

[Sarumaru]

I backed it for the 3DS and I'd be glad go throw more money at em if they make a PCE port.

[PCEngineHell]

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.

[o.pwuaioc]

The developer is lowering the Dreamcast stretch goal, and will likely lower the PCE one down, too.

http://dreamcast-talk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=82963#p82963

[Bardoly]

The developer is lowering the Dreamcast stretch goal, and will likely lower the PCE one down, too.

http://dreamcast-talk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=82963#p82963

[HailingTheThings]

The developer is lowering the Dreamcast stretch goal, and will likely lower the PCE one down, too.

http://dreamcast-talk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=82963#p82963

This is most pleasing.

[GreatBlue Swirlof99]

The developer is lowering the Dreamcast stretch goal, and will likely lower the PCE one down, too.

http://dreamcast-talk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=82963#p82963

Thank the swirlie gods! i would be glad to have a new game for the old Dreamcast

[o.pwuaioc]

They've added legit tiers for Dreamcast. Now I wait until the PCE announcement.

[Galder]

Cool, I remember watching that ages ago. It was that tan space-sheriff guy with long black hair and his robot horse, name was 'silver'. The photo with the robots looks different than what I remember though.. Hmm...

[CrackTiger]

Cool, I remember watching that ages ago. It was that tan space-sheriff guy with long black hair and his robot horse, name was 'silver'. The photo with the robots looks different than what I remember though.. Hmm...

Are you thinking of Bravestar?

[o.pwuaioc]

[HailingTheThings]

Or maybe...

[TR0N]

Why not !?

[HailingTheThings]

[CrackTiger]

No Ghostbusters yet?

[HailingTheThings]

[Galder]

Cool, I remember watching that ages ago. It was that tan space-sheriff guy with long black hair and his robot horse, name was 'silver'. The photo with the robots looks different than what I remember though.. Hmm...

Are you thinking of Bravestar?

Yes! And omg blackstar! I had a toy of blackstar on his dragon... He had an attached lighter thingie on his back and while you were 'rolling' it with your thumb his amulet was glowing. So many memories have managed to completely vanish. The funny thing is that I can still rememeber the opening song of the saber riders but not the show itself... Thanks for the photos!

[HailingTheThings]

Cool, I remember watching that ages ago. It was that tan space-sheriff guy with long black hair and his robot horse, name was 'silver'. The photo with the robots looks different than what I remember though.. Hmm...

Are you thinking of Bravestar?

Yes! And omg blackstar! I had a toy of blackstar on his dragon... He had an attached lighter thingie on his back and while you were 'rolling' it with your thumb his amulet was glowing. So many memories have managed to completely vanish. The funny thing is that I can still rememeber the opening song of the saber riders but not the show itself... Thanks for the photos!

Dude, Blackstar, dude...

Lava Locs is God.

[SkyeWelse]

It looks amazing! I'll have to think about backing it before the Kickstarter ends. Hope it reaches that stretch goal of $210,000 for the PCE version. : )

-Thomas

[TeamSaberRider]

Hello PCENGINEFX Community!

Chris here from Team Saber Rider.
Thank you very much for your interest in our project.
Right now we are looking for ways to lower the stretch goal for the PC Engine version.
Please stay tuned about news about this.
Also, can you please let me know how many potential PC Engine version bakers are here?

Right now we are working on the artwork for the game cover. I can't wait to see the first version.
The artwork is being done by a very talented artist in japan. I think it can't become more authentic

If you have any questions or suggestions, please let me know.

[Nazi NecroPhile]

Welcome aboard!

Also, can you please let me know how many potential PC Engine version bakers are here?

I enjoy baking, especially cakes and pies made with rhubarb or my special goatse cookies. 

I don't wanna rain on anyone's parade and I'd back a Turbob version for sure, but there's probably not as many backers as you'd hope for.  Based on sales of previous Turbob homebrew games, you'd likely not sell even 1000 copies over time, with no more than a couple hundred of those buyers backing it up front.

[CrackTiger]

Hello PCENGINEFX Community!

Chris here from Team Saber Rider.
Thank you very much for your interest in our project.
Right now we are looking for ways to lower the stretch goal for the PC Engine version.
Please stay tuned about news about this.
Also, can you please let me know how many potential PC Engine version bakers are here?

Right now we are working on the artwork for the game cover. I can't wait to see the first version.
The artwork is being done by a very talented artist in japan. I think it can't become more authentic

If you have any questions or suggestions, please let me know.

I believe that I chose the non-3DS (SNES box?) $130'ish option. If a new option includes something done PCE style, I'd much prefer switching to that.

[Opethian]

I'd be down for a PCE pledge

[TeamSaberRider]

@Necromancer I like cake and pie!

Well sure we don't expect high sales for the pc engine version. I understand this more as a nice "side effect". I am into PC Engine maybe 2 years now. Not very long, but I really like the machine. I have a IFU myself and I resurrected maybe 10 CD Drives and a few duos so far. I like the look and feel. The covers are always very cool, sometimes much better that the game itself. Something we don't want to do btw . I mean we want a cool cover and a cool game.

This PCE port is something which is only doable in a Kickstarter and that is why it is in it. What we are doing is something never has done befrore in this way. In 2015 we take a real 80s anime IP and bring it to one of the best gaming systems from the 80s as professional as possible. All these new retro games these days try to look like the real thing, we are also doing the real thing.
When I saw Atlanthean (just on video and very brief on the gamescom so far) I knew it is possible!

Like I said, right now we are looking into ways to have it directly included or at a early, reachable stretch goal. If we will offer it as a stretch goal, we are not allowed to offer direct pledges for this. In this case you can assume Dreamcast = PC Engine. Pledge for one of the 4 dreamcast levels and write us a note that you wish the PC Engine version instead.
If we are able to include it directly, than we would add 4 new reward levels. They would be the same as the Dreamcast ones. If you want, you can use the first way already. Reaching the main goal as soon as possible is important.

I will post more updates soon if that's okay.

EDIT: Attention to all who pledged for the $49 DREAM SPECIAL LEVEL 1!
I forgot to include the EBU Star Sheriff Badge in the reward text.
I can not edit this anymore.
The EBU bagde IS incuded in the $49 DREAM SPECIAL LEVEL 1!

[LostFlunky]

I would back this.  That is all.

[o.pwuaioc]

Hello PCENGINEFX Community!
...
If you have any questions or suggestions, please let me know.

I've been following your announcements at Dreamcast-Talk, so I'm not entirely surprised you made it this way. I do have one question, though. What would the differences be between the Dreamcast and PC Engine versions? Besides 80s TV show on an 80s console, why should I or anyone opt for the PCE version over the Dreamcast version (presuming that person has both consoles).

I don't wanna rain on anyone's parade and I'd back a Turbob version for sure, but there's probably not as many backers as you'd hope for.  Based on sales of previous Turbob homebrew games, you'd likely not sell even 1000 copies over time, with no more than a couple hundred of those buyers backing it up front.

I think the Turbo homebrew scene is just getting started. I think when something like Pier Solar gets made for the Turbo rather than a Defender clone, we'll see more casual people buy into it, I think. Don't get me wrong, I love Atlantean even more than Defender (seriously, best Defender clone out there right now), but I would think that many of the younger folks aren't into old arcade style games. This new game might fall into that category, too, though.

[ParanoiaDragon]

Well, we do have Mysterious Song, though I'd say it's not as grand as Pier Solar, and we ran into limitations that would've required a lot of backtracking to make it how we would've liked(like animated townspeople).  I think Lucretia is still coming, but I haven't been keeping track as I'm not involved in that project. 

As for me, I probably wouldn't bother with a DC version, as I didn't grow up with the show.  But a PC Engine version would rock my socks as
A: New game for the Turbob
B: A flippin' run n' gun for the Turbob!

[o.pwuaioc]

Well, we do have Mysterious Song, though I'd say it's not as grand as Pier Solar, and we ran into limitations that would've required a lot of backtracking to make it how we would've liked(like animated townspeople).  I think Lucretia is still coming, but I haven't been keeping track as I'm not involved in that project. 

Uh, totally forgot about Mysterious Song, and it's sitting on my shelf. 

[seieienbu]

@Necromancer I like cake and pie!

You're in good company here then!  I may donate later on, I'll definitely keep tabs on the project.  More PC Engine games is always a good thing.  Good luck to you, sir!

[TeamSaberRider]

I just got news that we will be able to show you the first pixel art of our 4 heroes on sunday or monday. I got already a first internal WIP shot and now I am so excited! Can't wait!

[TeamSaberRider]

Okay guys, tomorrow we will reveal our heroes as Pixel Art. Stay tuned

[TeamSaberRider]

Meet your heroes!

[Dicer]

Meet your heroes!

Sweet stuff!

When my finances are in order, you'll actually be the first kick-starter I'll back, like ever...

[CrackTiger]

Meet your heroes!

They're not within PC Engine or SNES specs, but they're close and at least look like they are. Which is much better than most modern faux retro style graphics or mock-ups.


An automated conversion to PC Engine colors will lose shades and detail.

Here's how I'd port this mock-up to real PC Engine compatible colors (<15-color 9-bit colored sprites):







There are many alternate ways that Colt could be colored to look more like the original mock-up, or the show, or what just looks best. Here is one PCE alternate blue color scheme:

[TeamSaberRider]

Ha! Awesome! 
Well these Sprites are made for the PC, 3DS and DC version. There is no color limit there.
When (if) we go to SNES and PCE of course our GFX needs adjustments.
Also I really like your conversation to PC Engine. It works very well!
Is there a problem with the size of the sprites on PC Engine?
Saber is 69px high (we work with 320x240 on PC, 3DS and DC)

[CrackTiger]

Ha! Awesome! 
Well these Sprites are made for the PC, 3DS and DC version. There is no color limit there.
When (if) we go to SNES and PCE of course our GFX needs adjustments.
Also I really like your conversation to PC Engine. It works very well!
Is there a problem with the size of the sprites on PC Engine?
Saber is 69px high (we work with 320x240 on PC, 3DS and DC)

The sprite sizes aren't a problem, but when maximizing sprite bandwidth for 16-bit consoles, you should design the main poses around an efficient set of sprites blocks. If the SNES and PCE versions are going to be based on the same (SNES) design, then you'll likely wind up cobbling the meta-sprites from one small size and one big size. If the PCE version was made reasonably efficient (all kinds of sizes), then it would have no trouble tossing around 4 times as many sprites as the 3DS trailer has during the stage sections and that scorpion boss could be all sprites to preserve the background artwork.

I'm not into the 3DS, but the Saber Rider games is much more appealing now that I know that the characters are sprites with nice pixel art and not 3D.

[TeamSaberRider]

Thank you
Well it was always meant to be in nice pixel art, but we had problems with a deadline.
You know, Saber RIder is a real IP owned be Pierrot and WEP. The Kickstarter is written in our contract and we had to start. Unfortunately real pixel art was not ready, so we used our test gfx we used when writing the 3DS engine. That is why I kept the scences in the trailer short and small.
Good pixel art like we know and love is a top priority for this project!
If you can, please support us

[elmer]

Good pixel art like we know and love is a top priority for this project!

Well, Simon can certain give you that good pixel art. 

[TeamSaberRider]

Yeah that is why we hired him. He will start next week. The current GFX is not from him and made by us.