Independent developer Jay Tholen and rogue game publisher Devolver Digital have announced their hug-filled partnership on the open world adventure game Dropsy to PC, Mac, and Linux in October 2014.
Dropsy is a non-traditional take on the classic point and click adventure formula starring the game’s perpetually carefree namesake clown as he explores a richly detailed world full of colorful characters and sinister secrets, doling out hugs along the way. Rather than lead players on a singular narrative path, players are free to choose which avenues of adventure they want to explore in an open world setting and can piece the puzzles and story together however they choose.
During the quest to clear his name after a deadly circus fire, Dropsy will encounter a peculiar cast of folk to communicate with through visual icons rather than the traditional text dialog trees. Through these rudimentary conversations, Dropsy takes players on a self-aware journey of self-discovery with a story that harnesses powerful themes of love and redemption – Dropsy the character is an outsider, longing for a community to call his own. Along his adventure, players will find answers to geographically based puzzles, unravel dark and shameful secrets from his past, and collect fancy items to stuff in his elastic waistband for use along the way. Oh, and Dropsy can also talk to animals.
Originating as a “choose your own adventure” game in 2008, Dropsy has made its way to a full-fledged adventure game through the support of backers on Kickstarter. While Dropsy quickly surpassed its $14,000 funding goal, the Devolver Digital team has pledged additional development, marketing, and production funds to help Jay Tholen and his team fully realize Dropsy without compromising anywhere along the way.
“You had me at visual dialog,” remarked Devolver Digital CFO, Fork Parker. “We’re going to save a boatload of cash on localization.”
Fans of oddly carefree clowns and Devolver Digital productions can visit www.dropsytheclown.com to pre-order Dropsy and grab other fancy rewards while the Kickstarter is still live.
Pre-Order: http://www.dropsytheclown.com
Debut Screenshots:
