From WarGirl Games comes an atmospheric game of mystery and drama… in which a soldier takes refuge from a storm in an abandoned barn and meets a native girl who will change everything. This is Over The Hills And Far Away, a nakige kinetic novel set during the War of 1812. This interesting project recently launched a Kickstarter campaign in order to get the game properly developed, as well as a Steam Greenlight campaign.
The War of 1812. The Northwest Frontier. William Aubrey, a rogue redcoat of the once-glorious 41st Regiment of Foot, is on the run. Wounded and tired, he seeks shelter during a thunderstorm inside an abandoned barn. But when he gets there, he finds he’s not alone. A young Shawnee girl, named Mai, is hiding from the rain too. Bleeding out and not wanting to brave the fierce winds outside, Aubrey decides to put up with her until the rains let up. Over the course of the story, the two of them get over their general anxiety and indifference for one another, slowly bonding to become friends. But will their friendship outlast the rains; when both return to the bloodshed and the outside world?
The game is essentially a nakige kinetic novel, with a focus on recreating the atmosphere of the Northern Frontier through beautiful artwork and music. The formula for a ‘nakige’ (crying game) is simple enough, with a comedic slice-of-life beginning before a decline into a very sad and tumultuous ending, sometimes with a happy reversal of fortunes. It pulls at your heartstrings and makes you care for the characters, and above all, WarGirl aim to make a game where the player really wants to save the characters from their situation.
The money raised from this campaign will go towards the creation of original sprites, background and CG artwork for the game, original orchestral music and other fees as well as rewards.
Watch the cinematic trailer here or back the Kickstarter and play the demo here. Vote for the game at Steam Greenlight here.