On May 3 of this year, Swedish developer Hi-Bit Studios launched a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter to fund its new project 198X.
According to the Kickstarter page, 198X is a title that combines over the top Arcade Action with a plot that focuses on growing up. With the narrative told through a series of various arcade games, genres, universes, and characters. Players will be taken on an emotional story, where they will indulge in a set of multiple tasks ranging from fighting, role-playing, and shooting.
In 198X, players control Kid, a teenager who is conflicted with maintaining youth innocence and struggles with becoming an adult. Set in a Suburbia located outside of City limits. The story begins when Kid finds a local arcade, containing various arcade machines featuring new worlds and meaning. Every time our young protagonist unravels a new game defeats every enemy he encounters, Kid begins to grow stronger.
As for the games found in the arcade, the games are split up into five arcade games. Each game takes heavy influence from classic themes and genres. With each game including several full-blown stages with familiar settings that will make many feel nostalgic and even some new twists, you were not anticipating.
Currently, 198X has reached $30,393 of its $56,816 Kickstarter goal, with the project set to conclude on Saturday, June 2. Those interested in backing the project have several intriguing backer tiers to choose from, such as the ‘Pledge SEK 300 or more.’ For about $34, players will not only receive a digital copy of 198X for the platform of their choice, but they will also obtain the game’s soundtrack (digitally), a digital art book. You name will be featured in the credits, a 198X poster, and a 198X badge.
For more information on the game, check out the trailer below this article. 198X currently does not have a release date, however, the game is slated to launch on PC, PlayStation 4, Switch and Xbox One.