2D arcade platformer Spryke has arrived on Steam Greenlight and Kickstarter, aiming for a November 2017 release. Targeting a hardcore exploration and speedrun audience, Spryke tells the story of a cyberfish that uses her unique hybrid abilities to run through a dangerous world.
Features include (via Spryke’s Steam Greenlight page):
FAST-PACED PLATFORMING ACTION: Snappy level design, tight controls and instant respawn work together to provide a hardcore challenge without the frustration.
DIVE INTO A LUSH & RICH UNIVERSE: A level of visual detail and intricacy rarely seen in indie games brings Spryke ’s universe to life. You will journey through a cartoony scifi saga full of strange creatures, stunning locales and uncompromising animation.
INSTA-BUBBLE: Float through the air using your own momentum with a unique bubble mechanic that feels super satisfying to use.
MASTERY AWAITS: Every moment counts as the Sporalium evaporates in each level. You’ll always be rewarded for perfecting your runs.
NON-LINEAR PROGRESSION: Finding a level too hard? No problem! A highly granular progression system means that you'll always have multiple paths to choose from.
A WEALTH OF SECRETS & UNLOCKABLES: The world is full of secrets and hard-to-reach resources. Find them to unlock sections of your mysterious new home base and learn more about the world above.
According to a press release, Spryke also features “ tons of parallax scrolling, an alien alphabet inspired by an ancient Slavic Glagolitic script and a thumping electronic soundtrack.” Spryke’s story is as follows:
“Spryke begins in the deep seas of the planet Kespuron – the homeland of the Sporala, a gentle fish-like species. Far above the Sporala, the Axonyke's majestic civilization sprawls the overworld. The two species live so far apart that they're barely aware of each other. Yet one girl was born a hybrid: half Sporala, half Axonyke. Growing up, Spryke's hybrid body struggled with the intense pressure of the deep oceans. Strange and distant voices haunted her dreams, and she became frustrated by her uniqueness.
As Spryke and her friends investigate a mysterious structure, the Sporala quickly realize they are unable to survive its waterless chambers. But not only can Spryke survive in this newfound environment: She can THRIVE! Here, she's fast and agile... With a sense of newfound freedom, she quickly claims the structure as her own. It's here that Spryke’s adventure begins as she sets out to uncover what's been going on in the Axonyke world above.”
Spryke is being developed by Australia-based indie developer Volnaiskra. As of press time, Spryke ’s Kickstarter is at about $3700 pledged out of a $30,000 goal. You can support Spryke ’s ambitious vision and development on the project’s Kickstarter page here.
