In case you have a life outside keeping track of video gaming news (can’t wait for Uncharted 4, which will be proper LIT — pity about some batches being literally among thieves), you might not have heard of Masquerada: Songs and Shadows. The indie game is blowing up right now in a major way — and what a pleasant surprise to know that it’s being produced by our fellow Singaporeans in local start-up Witching Hour Studios.
Since they’ve launched a crowdfunding campaign for their game on Kickstarter, them sweet cash money arrived swift. With hours left till the end of the campaign, they’ve already surpassed way beyond their initial goal of £45,000 (accumulating over £57,000), multiple notable backers, voice actors and massive international coverage.
Judging from the gameplay trailers alone, it’s not difficult to see why many in the gaming industry are excited for it. The tactical action role-playing game is a hark back to the isometric games of yore such as Baldur’s Gate and Neverwinter Nights — but with heightened levels of polish and solid aesthetics inspired by Renaissance-era Venice. The gameplay itself looks impressive, sporting tactical similarities with The Banner Saga and the pause-plan-synergise play of Dragon Age.
The list of big names in the gaming industry that Witching Hour Studio successfully gathered is nothing to scoff at either. Ken Levine — the creative architect behind the likes of BioShock and System Shock — has publicly backed the game, while the likes of popular gaming YouTuber Joe Vargas (AngryJoeShow) and Dragon Age lead designer Mike Laidlaw did the same as well. Big-name voice actors Dave Fennoy (The Walking Dead), Ashly Burch (Borderlands 2), geek queen Felicia Day and more have come onboard — it might as well be a AAA game.
Back home, the attention over Masquerada: Songs and Shadows hasn’t gone unnoticed. Local internet service provider MyRepublic reportedly pledged £2,500 (S$4,919) towards the campaign, while singer-songwriter Inch Chua contributed a song to the game.
If everything goes well, Masquerada: Songs and Shadows should put Singapore on the world gaming map. The game’s coming out sometime in the third quarter of the year on PC and PS4. You’ve still got time to support this homegrown spectacle, so head on over to their Kickstarter.
