It’s no wonder a lot of indie developers go to Kickstarter to get their games funded; it’s a veritable success and a guaranteed victory in fanfare and sales. I mean, we have retro-esque 2D games like Shovel Knight and…er…okay…Mighty No. 9 was bad… and Bloodstained, which is actually delayed to 2019.

Okay, hear me out: this upcoming action game Bushiden that’s on Kickstarter right now does look promising. It’s a 2D action platformer that revolves around cybernetic ninjas and the enemies that try to eliminate them. Our hero Reylee, who moves and slashes like a revamped Strider Hiryu, can climb walls, slide, throw lightning bolts, and can cast ninjutsu to clear the screen full of enemies.

Key features include:

• Seven levels to explore plus a prologue area!
• Survive epic boss fights to unlock new traversal and combat abilities!
• Unique “crowd control” combat system gives the player powerful options for dispatching hordes of foes!
• Revisit levels with upgraded abilities to unlock new areas and become more powerful!
• Beautifully drawn and animated pixel art! They don’t make games like this anymore!
• Purchase upgrades and Chi Spell Attacks from the Tech Shop!
• Soundtrack by Michael “Garoad” Kelly, who you may remember is the composer for the awesome VA-11 Hall-A OST.

The game is slated for PC and PS4. So far at this point in typing, the Kickstarter goal is at US$95,527 and it’s currently at US$6,263. Hopefully, the following GIFs of the game’s special moves and action beats can convince you to take a stab at this neo-retro title.

Me? I could use more games like Dead Souls and Chasm in my digital diet. What’s one more, especially if it reminds me of old 2D action-heavy Megadrive classics like Shadow Blaster, Strider, Revenge of Shinobi, Mystic Defender, El Viento, and Alisia Dragoon?

God, I’m old.