Atari has launched a new Kickstarter campaign today. It isn't a revival of an older console, but a a dip into tabletop gaming. Their first project is the Centipede Blast Card Game, an adaptation of a retro arcade classic.
The Centipede Blast Card Game Kickstarter Campaign
According to the campaign page, the Centipede Blast Card Game is based on the 1981 arcade game, Centipede. Much like the source material, the game requires a combination of quick reactions and strategy.
The Centipede Blast Card Game is a competitive experience Players take turns placing cards in a center pile. If two consecutive cards match in numbers Blast happens. When a blast occurs, all players must slam their hand on the top card. The last one to react takes the draw pile.
The first one to get rid of all their cards wins.
Several cards add creative wrinkles to this process. Blast! cards automatically trigger a Blast. Scorpion cards add 1 to every card's number until the end of the round. Mushroom cards reverse the direction of play.
All 60 cards in the Centipede Blast Card Game will feature a retro art style. This style is reminscent of the expressive arcade decals used to attract players back in the 1980s.
There are several pledge tiers for the Centipede Blast Card Game. They are as follows:
- Standard Edition for $15: A copy of the game
- Double Up for $25: Two copies of the game
- Limited Edition for $35: A copy of the game, A limited edition game box, and an embroidered Centipede Blast patch
- VIP Bundle for $100: Everything in the Limited Edition tier, a Centipede Blast Sticker Pack, and a Centipede Blast-themed Gaming Mat.
The Centipede Blast Card Game is relatively small compared to other tabletop adaptations of board games. According to an official press release,this is because the focus is on community engagement.
“The Kickstarter goal for Centipede Blast is quite modest. We are using the platform primarily for its community engagement tools, which pair well with the collaborative manner in which we designed the game,” said Tyler Drewitz, Director of Atari X. “Fans have the option to get a basic or special edition version of the game, and follow along as we move quickly from production to shipping.”
At time of writing, the Centipede Blast Card Game has raised $575. Its initial funding goal is a relatively small $7,500. The campaign will conclude October 31.
