Mega Cat Studios and Clever Cat Games are producing a non-feline 8-bit adventure, Echoes of the Unread.
The Kickstarter has launched, and already hit its £11,173 target in just 24 hours since launch. But while those 185 backers should feel pretty pleased about the prospect of a digital copy or the physical cart with optional box, you still have 26 days to get involved.
What is Echoes of the Unread?
This is an 8-bit game, with a NES physical release planned. We expect the digital version will run in an integrated emulator, a NES Mini, or be ready to run in an emulator of your choice.
But what is the game about?
Echoes of the Unread puts players in the shoes of Rhapsody, a young girl who, after falling asleep while studying in the library, awakens to a strange world where the books have come to life and her voice has the power to shape the world around her with song.
To find her way back home, Rhapsody must step into the pages of these tales and explore a variety of imaginative realms where they’ll befriend a cowboy, serenade a mermaid, outsmart a mischievous ghost, and sing mystical melodies to escape the clutches of the wicked magician Odele, who hopes to keep her trapped in the library forever.
Key features of the game are listed as:
- Sing to solve puzzles, battle foes, and uncover secrets
- Journey through whimsical worlds inspired by book genres
- Unlock magical abilities that will aid you in your quest
- Befriend quirky characters and shape your own story
- Test your skills in a challenging retro mode
The trailer is pretty nice:
That’s a good trailer, I think — it looks really playable, and worth keeping an eye on.
Why back it on Kickstarter?
Quite often, crowdfunded projects become available after the initial campaign has ended. But getting in early means you get something pretty unique, and I think the team behind this Kickstarter have done a good job.
They’ve conceived a bunch of interesting bundles, from all-digital versions to physical editions. The latter includes things like a limited edition, poster, vinyl options, vinyl, box art. In short, there is a lot to choose from if you’re planning to support this campaign.
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You can back Echoes of the Unread on Kickstarter now, and it ends on June 18th 2025.
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Christian Cawley is a writer and editor who covers consumer electronics, IT, and entertainment media. He has written for publications such as Computer Weekly, Linux Format, MakeUseOf.com, and Tech Radar.
He also produces podcasts, has a cigar box guitar, and of course, loves retro gaming.