In just four days, the Kickstarter campaign for Free Stars: Children Of Infinity, the sequel to the beloved Star Control series, has surpassed its funding goal by more than three times. With a current total of $332k (£268k) raised, the project is aiming for even higher stretch goals, including one as ambitious as $4.4 million.
A Faithful Follow-Up
Free Stars: Children Of Infinity promises to be a worthy successor to the original Star Control games. Players will once again take control of a spaceship to explore the galaxy, interact with various alien species, and engage in arcade-style battles. The addition of online co-op adds a modern twist to the classic gameplay, offering players a chance to experience the game with friends.
The development of Free Stars: Children Of Infinity has been a tumultuous journey. The game’s creators, Fred Ford and Paul Reiche III, initially announced their plans for a sequel to Star Control 2 in 2017. However, their ambitions were met with legal obstacles, particularly from Stardock. After a legal dispute, the game was rebranded as Free Stars: The Ur-Quan Masters and released on Steam. The current sequel continues the legacy of the original series under the new title, Free Stars: Children Of Infinity.
Behind the development of Free Stars: Children Of Infinity is the studio Pistol Shrimp, comprised of former developers from Ford and Reiche’s original studio, Toys For Bob. With their experience and passion for the Star Control series, Pistol Shrimp aims to deliver a game that honors the spirit of the original while introducing exciting new features.
One of the most ambitious goals of the Kickstarter campaign is the $4.4 million stretch goal, which would result in an open-source release of the game. This would allow for greater community involvement and creativity, ensuring the longevity of Free Stars: Children Of Infinity for years to come. With 27 days remaining in the Kickstarter project, the team is hopeful that they can reach this milestone and secure the future of the game.
The success of Free Stars: Children Of Infinity on Kickstarter is a testament to the enduring popularity of the Star Control series. With a dedicated team at Pistol Shrimp and a passionate fanbase supporting the project, the future looks bright for this exciting sequel.
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