[UPDATE] Wild Arms and Shadow Hearts Creators Reveal Double Kickstarter for Two New Projects

A JRPG miracle is underway as the creators of Wild Arms and Shadow Hearts series reveal two new projects, Armed Fantasia and Penny Blood.

The titles will launch a “Double Kickstarter” campaign, with each game seeking a minimum goal of $750,000. Now, video games cost way more than this to create, but the developers will likely use this interest to pitch their game to a publisher.

UPDATE 8/29/2022: The Double Kickstarter campaign is now live.

The campaign will feature a “Combo Meter” shared between the two that affects stretch goals. Pledges for one game will contribute to that game’s specific stretch goal meter, unlocking new content similar to normal campaigns. But unlike other campaigns, the pledge amount will also contribute to the shared Combo Meter for the same value, meaning the Combo Meter will fill up with support from both games.

As the Combo Meter fills up, backers unlock content that will affect both games. Pledges for one title will not only support the game chosen, but will also help to add exclusive “Combo Meter Content” to not only their chosen game, but also its counterpart. By backing one or both of the games, backers will help build both titles and support other backers too. Clearing goals will share content and talent into the other game and vice-versa.

Armed Fantasia is from lead game design and scenario writer Akifumi Kaneko, the creator of the Wild Arms series, alongside character designer Tomomi Sasaki, and music by Michiko Naruke, Noriyasu Uematsu, and Elements Garden, also veterans of the Wild Arms series.

The game tells a dramatic story that unfolds in a world hurtling towards destruction. Players take the role of a group of Pathfinders and, with trusted ARMs in hand, embark on a perilous journey across a sprawling Westernpunk wilderness.

Armed Fantasia allows players to experience the spirit of a large-scale party-based JRPG adventure – crossing the great expanse and using their wits to overcome any obstacle in their path.

“I was charmed by the fact that something like a Double Kickstarter could be a new option for game development, so I decided to lead a new team. But in order for us to pave our way forward, we need everyone’s support!” says lead game designer, Akifumi Kaneko.

Penny Blood is from lead game designer and scenario writer Matsuzo Machida, creator of the Shadow Hearts series, along with character design by Miyako Kato, and music by legendary composer Yoshitaka Hirota, also both veterans of the Shadow Hearts series. Additionally, Akari Kaida, formerly of Capcom and now freelance, will be contributing music to Penny Blood.

The game presents a world twisted in gothic horror and nightmarish imagery rarely seen in JRPGs. In Penny Blood, players follow the story of Matthew, an investigator who embarks on a dark international probe through the iconic Roaring Twenties, amassing allies and confronting trauma in a world twisted by cosmic horror, malice, and mayhem.

“This is my second chance. Chances to make another game like this are rare, so please give me your support,” says the lead game designer Matsuzo Machida.

Penny Blood’s story begins with Matthew Farrell, a lone wolf private detective in New York working for the Bureau of Investigation. Despite hating the accursed powers he inherited from his father, he utilizes his fusion transformation abilities to hunt down monsters at the behest of the Bureau.

One day, Matthew is tasked with investigating a strange incident that occurred at a mental asylum in New York. After rushing to the asylum, he finds it teeming with grotesque, rampaging creatures. Utilizing his hidden power, Matthew manages to achieve a narrow victory.

Penny Blood’s overworld maps give a bird’s-eye view of cityscapes and towns that will teleport players to the 1920s, where they will experience the world as it was, unaware of the gruesome events soon to unfold.

From busy streets to haunting sanitariums, players will delve into carefully detailed field maps as they purchase items paramount to their quest, investigate supernatural happenings, and battle stygian monstrosities.

The Kickstarter is set to go live on August 29, 2022.

Official artwork for the Double Kickstarter campaign was also shared, viewable below:

UPDATE 8/30/2022: The Double Kickstarter has been funded to meet its initial goal. New illustrations were shared for the occasion, viewable below: