Last year, a new retro-style RPG appeared on Kickstarter that was designed by Bumblebee Games. Called Days of Dawn, it promised those who supported it an experience that would harken back to the days of Final Fantasy, Chrono Trigger, and Secret of Mana. But sadly, the game did not reach its initial goals of funding.

Fast-forward to now, and the fine folks at Bumblebee are taking another stab at Kickstarter, hoping this time to raise $50,000 in support of their endeavors.

The game is currently described by its developers as “the result of some of the most talented RPG-loving games-professionals having joined forces to create nothing less but the game of their dreams: an original roleplaying game to bring back the flair of early roleplaying games in beautifully hand-painted hi-res graphics and an orchestra-quality soundtrack.”  It is truly a labor of love at its core, and one of the things that really makes the game stand out is the aforementioned hand-drawn graphical style. To me, the chosen style evokes the same feel that I got from Legend of Mana on the original PlayStation, and this unique style really works to make you feel like you are being swept off to a different world.

Here is an excerpt from the game’s story:

“As shepherd Caril is trying to protect a fleeing girl from mysterious persecutors, he comes to witness unbelievable powers emerging from the woman, repelling her pursuers.

On the run Caril learns that this girl, named Dawn, has been experiencing these powers for many years now, unable to control them in times of emotional stress. As they approach a nearby town, the two will soon learn that Dawn is not the only one…

Shunned by peasants and chased by mysterious men, they travel the lands of Kalea, looking for answers and meeting new friends. What is the nature of these forces? Where do they come from? Who are the strangers on their heels? And what is their intent?

It’s on you to guide the two and their five friends on a fantastic adventure through ancient ruins, gloomy woods and hidden cities to unravel the mystery of a past long forgotten and discover the source of arcane powers.”

The game features a nice open-world design, three totally separate story campaigns to embark upon, a unique magical combat system, a dynamic turn-based battle system, and much more. The current plans are to get the game out for the PC, Mac, and Linux, although it is possible other versions will come later.

For just $15, you can reserve your very own DRM-free copy of the game, although several people have paid the $250 donation in order to get something from the game named after them. Quite swanky, if you ask me!

So, head on over to their Kickstarter page, read up on the game, and support them if you like what you see!

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