Boston-based indie game studio Stone Lantern Games have put a free demo out for their puzzle-platformer Evergate. You can download the demo right now from their website. This demo is part of their Kickstarter campaign, which currently sits at $28,000 of a initial $25,000 goal, so they are now trying to reach their first stretch goal.
Evergate has you controlling Ki on her journey through the afterlife in search of her kindred spirit. The focus of the platforming will be an “align-to-shoot mechanic” that will allow Ki to launch herself off crystals and enemies in a chosen direction. It looks similar to the Bash ability from Ori and the Blind Forest. The game features a hand-drawn art style, emphasizing contrast between Ki and the darkness of the underworld she is exploring. If you enjoy the demo you still have nine days to back the Kickstarter as of the time of this writing. The full game is scheduled to launch in late 2019.
If you’re up for a real challenge, the developers have build in speed-running challenges in the demo. Promoted as the #EvergateChallenge, Stone Lantern Games have promised some sweet perks if you are able to score a world record time. You can earn yourself a free copy of the game including any demo updates, a unique Discord title, and maybe even make it to their “top-10 times” list to be displayed at PAX East 2019. You’re going to have your work cut out for you though as the time to beat is 3 minutes and 30 seconds, so put your platforming pants on.
Here are rules for entry:
To compete in the #EvergateChallenge, players must do the following:
– Players must complete the most up-to-date version of the demo (currently available on the Kickstarter page: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/stonelanterngames/evergate)
– Players must post a screenshot of best time that’s available on the last screen of the demo, or post a video of the fastest run with the hashtag #EvergateChallenge on Facebook, Twitter or post directly to the official Evergate Discord server (https://discord.gg/wCFEz7Y).
– Any screenshot needs to have the verification # visible.
Stone Lantern Games is a four person team comprised of MIT graduates. Lead by Kent Willis as the lead designer, Ariel Wexler on programming as well as designing, Cynthia Lu doing the art and animation, M.R. Miller on music and sound design, and finally Mathew Willis in charge of marketing and web development.
You can check out the Kickstater trailer below and stay tuned to for more info.
