This Week in Kickstarter...
Shinobigami – Modern Ninja Battle Tabletop RPG from Japan
An original Japanese story-focused tabletop RPG of drama, action, tactics and frenemies, set in a modern ninja cold war.
Shinobigami is a tabletop RPG that originally developed and published in Japan. The game is a fast, one-session style RPG that focuses on inter-character drama, stories of conflict and cooperation, and some light tactical strategy in a modern world of ninjas and clan warfare.
The game is an "easy-to-learn," story driven experience for 3-7 players, with one player being the Game Master. The GM creates the scenario and moderates the adventure, while each players creates their character from one of the six ninja clans. The game plays in three cycles. In each cycle, every player has one scene where their character takes the spotlight, and they may narrates the scene and may try to accomplish some goals. After three cycles, it's a free-for-all battle with twists and revelations.
Shinobigami seems to fit the niche for Dungeons & Dragons players who want a little more role-playing in their tabletop game. If the Kickstarter is any indication, the game is more a way to get to the story, rather than vice-versa as some tabletop RPG's can feel (not that there's anything wrong with that). I was happy to hear that the game can be played in one-session because requiring two sessions means remembering everything that happens, which might make for a messy game if it isn't all written down. The anime-art style suits the narrative well and offers a hand in guiding the players into what kind of world and mind-set to expect. Shinobigami, though hard to say, isn't a hard sell, and looks like a lot of fun.
HYPERCHARGE HUB: THE FASTEST PHONE AND TABLET CHARGER!
Super charging at a fraction of the time, the ultimate wall charger.
The HyperCharge Hub is designed to fix many inconveniences in your everyday wall charger. It'll cut your charge time by half and outperforms Apple's 5W iPhone charger as well as the 12W iPad charger.
The charger has two USB HyperPorts, one for iOS and one for Android. It also features a multi-position power prong so the Hub can fit at the best angle. The prongs also fold into the hub for easy storage.
The Hypercharger's multi-position prong and USB ports make it a cut above the rest. I was worried it would damage my battery with its fast charging, but the FAQ states that the device communicates with the charging circuit to keep from dangerous charging. Altogether this looks like a useful travel companion.
Doko Roko
Doko Roko is a 2D rouge-like "vertical action" game. It features an emphasis on fast combat and atmosphere. The game explores the idea of a society that grows vertically inside a tower, thriving on levels instead of sprawling out. Players will collect magicks (objects imbued with archaic power) to defend themselves against the hostile denizens of The Tower.
Players explore the dense world of the Tower, a world that's part procedural generated and part hand made. Speak and trade with with strange people who inhabit the world. The "Unslain" must also learn to dodge, parry, strike, and reflect incoming projectiles with their sword to stand a chance against the foes of the Tower. There will also be cumulative effects in the world based on your efforts.
Doko Roko looks like something special. Something I don't get to see here all that often. Oh sure "2D sidescroller," "rougelike," "inspired by Dark Souls," "rich atmosphere," these are all dime-a-dozen words on Kickstarter. But Doko Roko's visuals and ambition show some proof in the pudding. It doesn't look like it's trying to be the next____, or tell me I'm supposed to be impressed and think of implications that haven't been implied—it just seems to want to be a good game. I mean look at these visuals! Every shot is its own wallpaper, but in motion it makes me want to play it. Of course this doesn't mean it will be a good game, but I see potential here. I hope to see more of Doko Roko as the months go on and I look forward to playing it when it releases.
Leaf
Increase your computer's processing speed with an innovative software system and HyperDrive cloud network.
The Leaf is a series of products made to enhance your digital communication network. Just stick the Leaf USB stick into your computers USB port and get extra RAM to increase your PC or Mac's performance. This not only improves speed but frees up the on-board RAM to be used for secondary processing.
Leaf comes in three different specification drives: 8gb, 16gb, and 32gb. The first two are made for everyday Internet users who stream music and videos, or construct documents. The 32bg model is made for things like gaming, which require a lot of RAM. Leaf also includes free applications for Android and iOS, which provide a range of performance-improving features.
The Leaf is that idea I always had in the back of my head but didn't know could actually work. The user convenience cannot be understated here. Giving the average Joe the option to upgrade their performance with something as simple as a USB stick. They aren't exactly the first to implement this idea, but they are doing it in a simple, user friendly way. With apps on the iOS and Android as well, Leaf is a great looking Kickstarter.
Tiny Swords
A card game for 2-4 players about tiny duels with tiny swords that can be played anytime, anywhere.
Tiny Swords is a fast, chaotic card game designed for two or more players at almost any age. It can be learned in only a few minutes and can be played anywhere at anytime. Players won't even need a table to play it.
In the game, players battle with swords assembled from 20 different themes, (Mermaid, Circus, etc.) and each theme has its own blade, hilt, and charm. Players fight one-on-one, and remove sword cards from other players hands. Last man or woman with a sword card wins the game.
Tiny Swords grabbed me from the start with its adorable visuals and easy to learn game style. The Exodia format of building together cards for attacks, and the stakes that would come from being one card away from a complete sword, look like some genuinely entertaining stuff.
PhoneDrone Ethos – A whole new dimension for your smartphone
A Drone powered by your smartphone.
The PhoneDrone Ethos is a drone that uses the power of your modern smartphone to cut the cost dramatically. Using your phone's built-in camera, the PhoneDrone is cloud-connected and made to be easy to use.
Alongside the device is a companion app that is made to be simple and intuitive. PhoneDrone is compatible with iOS, Android, and the Apple Watch as well. Use another mobile device to control the drone and video streaming. The Drone can be charged through any USB source, or can run on batteries. The mirror made for your smartphone's camera allows taking pictures from a downward, sideways, and forward angle.
Drones are becoming more and more consumer friendly, and the PhoneDrone is an excellent idea to gain more users, while cutting costs as well. Taking advantage of something that would just sit in the user's pocket is a clever way of getting around the expensive price tag Drones can have. I also like that it doesn't require a second device to function, instead having a "mission mode" take are of where the device goes. If you're looking for a Christmas gift for that nephew who knows more about phones than you do, this might be an option.
Disclaimer: The author (Bryan Heraghty) does not back any Kickstarter projects he writes about, nor are any of these inclusions sponsoring TechRaptor. These projects are included solely because the author thinks they are interesting.
What are your thoughts on some of the Kickstarters we saw this week? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below! If you have a game or technology Kickstarter you think deserves attention, you can either comment below, email TechRaptor, or tweet @techraptr or @greyhoodedbryan your suggestion!