Welcome back to our 15th Kickstarter Weekly! This week, we’re not featuring any games with available gameplay footage. Instead, we have a mysterious trailer to the sequel of Frog Fractions (tentatively titled Frog Fractions 2). We also talk about imitone, an interesting program that allows users to compose music with their own voice. Both of these projects are interesting for two different reasons, so read on to find out why.
Frog Fractions 2
Project by: Twinbeard
Goal: $60,000
Current Funds: $27,824
End: April 9, 2014
Frog Fractions 2 is the new project of Twinbeard, developer of the legendary Frog Fractions. I can’t talk too much about Frog Fractions; I could spoil the entire game with just a miniscule detail. Instead, I can only point you to the URL, where you can play the game for free. You may find yourself incredibly bored. Keep playing and try new things; you’ll thank me later (no you won’t, but I’ll pretend you did).
In fact, you will notice that this Kickstarter page doesn’t give concrete details about Frog Fractions 2. There’s no gameplay footage; there’s only a commercial with some actors discussing how desperately children need to be taught fractions. It seems sincere until you notice the Tim and Eric style of editing. Fans of the original Frog Fractions know that there’s more to this project than the trailer reveals. Again, you’ll understand if you’ve put a significant amount of time into Frog Fractions.
Twinbeard is trying to bring fans of Frog Fractions the same level surprise and awe with the sequel. It won’t be easy, but I think Twinbeard has the potential to accomplish it. For starters, Frog Fractions 2 is a tentative title. It’s a good strategy to get the game funded on Kickstarter, and it means we have no idea what to expect from Twinbeard’s latest project.
The kicker is that backers will not know when they are getting their copy of Frog Fractions 2. Twinbeard has its reasons, but it’s not going to leave backers completely in the dark.
In the pledge rewards, you’ll note that you get certain things “once The Jig is Up.” Since I am not going to announce the release of the game, getting a download code at release would be a spoiler. However, once the story is out there (e.g. once you start to see articles in the enthusiast press about it) then the download codes will go out. If you figure out Frog Fractions 2’s secret identity before The Jig is Up, send me an email and I’ll give you a code immediately.
It sounds cryptic. We may find and play a random game and not even know it’s Frog Fractions 2. For this Kickstarter project, you are funding a surprise. I can understand if this alarms readers; however, if you play or have played the original Frog Fractions, then you may believe that it’s worth looking at Twinbeard’s enigmatic Kickstarter project. In the mean time, start brushing up on your fractions.
imitone
Project by: Evan Balster
Goal: $20,000
Current Funds: $10,624
End: April 10, 2014
I realize that this isn’t a project that’s specifically related to gaming. However, imititone is an amazing tool for creating music, and it’s perfect for any aspiring game developer. The footage above is a rough demo, but you can check out the higher quality trailer by visitingout their Kickstarter page.
imitone was created by a game developer and musician, Evan Balster. Evan has experienced difficulty composing music. I can relate; I’m a (hobbyist) musician who learns and plays by ear. I don’t read music, and I have zero knowledge in music theory beyond “this sounds right.” I have had a frustrating time communicating what I want to band members, even when I have the tune clearly playing in my head.
But we live in an age where people have access to technology that allows them to create things that they previously did not think were possible for them. In this case, Evan created imitone to allow people to create the melodies trapped within their minds. All a user needs to do is open imitone—no setup required—and then their midi-enabled music program. From there, users sing into the microphone and let imitone handle the rest.
I think imitone is perfect for aspiring game developers who do not have access to the proper resources and equipment. I’m sure Evan knows this, as he has had experience editing audio for games such as Cave Story +. imitone could provide people a great way to start composing their own music.
Other Projects?
Have you seen any interesting projects on Kickstarter that you think deserve mention? Are you a developer who is currently running a Kickstarter campaign? Let us know in the comments section, or send an email to garrett@thekoalition.com.
