We first got wind of Yooka-Laylee yesterday, when our colleagues from Nintendo Life popped into the Push Square office with a whole slew of exclusive assets from the then-unannounced game. Our reaction, at the time, was: it looks interesting – but we don't think that anyone expected this kind of response. In the span of six hours, the Playtonic developed platformer has raised over $1 million on Kickstarter – and it's showing no signs of slowing down.
For those out of the loop, the throwback title's being developed by a slew of ex-Rare veterans, many of whom worked on Donkey Kong Country, Conker's Bad Fur Day, and, of course, Banjo-Kazooie. The latter's blueprint is particularly apparent in this vibrant 3D adventure, as the title's lead characters – a chameleon and a bat, obviously – operate in much the same manner as the Nintendo 64 icons, working together in order to navigate perfectly spaced platforms and the like.
And yes, there'll be more collectibles than you can shake a stick at – in fact, these will comprise a core component of the game, as you use Pagies to hire a construction crew, who will gradually extend the scope of the title's five distinct worlds. It's certainly got an old-school charm to it, and the good news is that it'll be launching on the PlayStation 4 alongside PC and various other formats, if the developer can raise around $1.5 million. That seems certain now.
If you'd like to make sure, you can donate to the project via its Kickstarter page. Backer rewards include everything from a copy of the game right the way through to a collector's edition that comes in a Nintendo 64-esque box. The studio's currently aiming for an October 2016 release, but that may get pushed forward by the time that its funding drive is over – it could end up with two or three million when all's said and done here.
If you'd like to know more, please do refer to Nintendo Life's coverage – apparently they've played it, not that we're jealous or anything.
[source kickstarter.com]
Comments 32
As much as I love Banjo-Kazooie I am skeptical of Kickstarter. Thoughts?
@BLPs. I dunno. I think there was no market for these kinds of games because there were no truly good ones being made. Surely the 1 million earned through Kickstarter wasn't just clamoring Wii U owners.
Is this game coming to PS4 as well?
@Tasuki If it makes 1million Pounds than it'll be released simultaneously on all 3 major consoles. (Current gen; non-handheld)
I love the sound track, reminiscent of the original game, but I feel the characters are far too cartoonie, Banjo and Kazooie were more mature looking, and had a rather foul tongue for a children's game.
I backed it! Can't believe it's raised this much money in such a short amount of time. I'm a sucker for 3D platformers, so this was a no-brainer for me. It's pretty set in stone at this point that the game will launch on the PS4 along with the other platforms on day one, so that's awesome to see. It'll probably only take 3-4 days to raise $500,000 to reach that goal!
This type off funding from kickers starter, allow the developer to create the game that they want to create. Without taking short cuts.
It goes to show developers, gamers WANT to go back to the classic roots.
@Azikira
The way I see it, it shows that SOME gamers want that. Whether they are enough to make a game profitable or truly successful is debatable. There are definitely people who would spend hundreds of dollars to see such a game made, but it seems to me that that's a niche. Of course, I hope I'm wrong because I love platformers. Knack has been my favourite ps4 game so far.
@NomNom I agree with you. I think to work on the PS4 they need to make it less cutesy. Characters with the styling of Rango for instance. Also, not sure how long it would be before that odd chuckling sound, every time you run, would drive me insane.
And I am still gutted Naughty Dog has decided not to do a Jak and Daxter for the PS4.
@Pink_Floyd Yeah, I'm a big Kickstarter sceptic too, but this is definitely worth the attention. The guys making this were the cornerstones of Rare, and have 20+ years each in the industry. They definitely know what they're doing!
The funding success has really warmed the cockles of my heart. It's great to see that there's still such large demand for character-based games like this - especially in a market saturated with gritty and violent games.
I particularly love the design of Laylee the bat. That red nose is adorable!
Look at that thirst! It does look solid for a Pre-Alpha product.
Well after all those 80's style indie 2D platformers, its about time we moved into the 90's style 3D platformers. For me 3D platformers added more than just an extra dimension - a sense of freedom - no longer constrained to just left or right. Games like Banjo Kazooie, Conkers Bad Fur Day and Donkey Kong Country were regulars in my gaming and as an Xbox owner have been asking the guys at Rare to make similar games for years. Its taken them to leave and set up a new development studio to finally make one.
I'd buy it! I've always been a fan of the guys at Rare.. and when they were Ultimate before that.
Not my kind of game at all, won't be tooching it with my hard earned money. Good luck to em and all that though .
Does anyone know if this game will be a retail release or just a download for PS4??? I know on Wii U, it's coming in disc format, and I prefer disc format over download (only because in 20 years when I want to play it, I don't think you'll be able to play your downloads on the PS4 anymore...after servers are shut down completely).
Too bad they're not making a true sequel to Conker's Bad Fur Day. That game was best on N64, where X-box ended up chopping the humor and swearing more.
@JLPick it's download only for all systems and pc. I didn't know it was getting a WiiU physical release? Do I have to double dip? Again? Lol.
So it's planned release date is Oct 2016 and its on £40 grand away from £1 target as of now. I wonder if they raise a he'll of a lot more by the end of the kickstarter wil they be able to get it out earlier.
I signed up. I quite like the fact that they've openly stated that the kickstarter will just be funding to "level up" the final product, and not be it's primary funding.
@readyletsgo The way things are going, I wouldn't be surprised if this made three or four million USD.
@Pink_Floyd Ive backed 4 games, not backing anything else ever again. One of them has stopped production and sc has given me a joke of a combat simulation. Great.
The first game i have backed, I'm proud 😃
@JLPick At the moment the plan is for a download only on consoles (according to kickstarter), The only 'planned' physical version is for PC. In the FAQ's section though they do say that they may consider a publisher backing but only if it allows them to stick to their principals and may allow for a physical release on console. Of course if they get a lot more pledged then this may allow for a physical release too. As they have reached their initial target, you could secure a 'download' for £15 on the console of your choosing as it seems it will definitely happen. The £1m target plan is to release the game simultaneously across all platforms. New targets are appearing - the next (£1.1m) adds an N64 shader + GK Rap and video end credits - written by Grant Kirkhope. I hope when they add the next phase (still be processed), it will add a Physical release for all formats.
At the time of writing, £1,012,354 has been pledged and still climbing with 45 days to go.....
Been watching it from the first tease, backed it and cannot wait to play it. Late '90s/early '00s Rare were untouchable so to have a group of them reform and make this sort of game - my favourite type of game - is incredibly pleasing.
@BLPs Because Naughty Dog are the be all and end all, aren't they? These sort of games have to be done right (the Mario games, the first Sly, Banjo-Kazooie, the original Crash), something ND only ever did once with their attempts at 3D platformers. They even branched further and further away from it as they got to the PS2 with Jak. Look at the demand already for this game, people want it - the problem is developers don't want to create anything that isn't a sequel, a bland shooter or sandbox game for fear of it not selling millions. It's pathetic. Naughty Dog going back to Uncharted means they are part of the problem. Have some balls and do something new. As much as I hated TLOU I applauded them for doing something different. They've always been a company to move on each generation, a shame they've changed. But money talks. I bet hardly anyone at ND wants to make U4 but the people who run them are greedy bastards and demand it.
Reminds me a bit of the original Jak and Daxter game, and to a lesser degree Ratchet and Clank. I think there is a place in the market for these 3D platformers. There doesnt seem to much for the younger players around at the moment. Knack was ok, but lacked something. It would make a change to play something that is light and airy, as apposed to the dark and gloomy games around at the moment (Bloodbourne for example).
@BLPs What type of game are you making? You don't have to go with steam or kickstarter if your products good enough you can send it off to studios as a demonstration of your skill and get a job to gain experience at your craft. But what do I know? In the past games were sent out as shareware or freeware with donations - but they were always finished. In fact Doom was shareware if I'm remembering correctly.
My goal in life is to stay alive long enough to play this.
@BLPs Good luck what engine you using? Good luck. If you need any sound effects let me know. I had an attempt at making a point and click game in ags. Gave up after 3 rooms.
Very cute but so what.
I've backed it, I can't wait to see what they come up with , really hoping for a console physical release as a stretch goal. I'd love do have on my shelf.
I wish more non - linear adventure/platformers were being made (not like skylanders or I'm sorry to say it, Knack).
@kupo Me too
Looking forward to this. And I think 3D platformers can still do at least somewhat well. But the thing is-looks at sonic boom and knack- they have to be good.
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