Thank you to everyone who pledged in advance!
Table of Contents
Game Overview
Blister Blight is an 8-bit 2D action-platformer that fuses elements of modern role-playing games (RPGs) with weapon-based gameplay. The story and gameplay unfold like a choose-your-own adventure book: with each level you play and boss you encounter, you will make decisions that permanently affect outcomes of characters and plot-lines. These levels can be played in any order, so the autonomy and power is yours in driving forward the story to completion. No one path will be exactly the same – surprises await the curious and challenges await the courageous!
What play-testers are saying about Blister Blight!
Play the alpha demo when the Kickstarter launches in January, 2024!
Letter from the Director
I have always loved games. The mix of play with a system to explore, the challenges and achievements, the community and creativity, the endless possibilities – games are just so fun. And one of the things I learned as I grew older was that games were just as fun to create as they were to play.
Blister Blight started as a personal project in late 2017. I had been growing in my coding skills as a software developer and had just completed a 7-year project of writing and self-publishing a novel. But coding and writing were two different things – the prospect of creating a video game seemed monumental! Sure, I’d made games before – board games, youth ministry games, even a fully functioning text video game as a senior project in high school. But a real video game? One that could stand alongside Mario, Mega Man, and all of the other games I cherished since childhood?
As a novel is written word by word, paragraph by paragraph, chapter by chapter, a game is built the same way. “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” Neither are games, and certainly neither are video games. Rather than focusing on the shiny end product, much of game development and design has been on the blocks, the pieces, seeing how they fit together like melodies in a symphony. And for a while, I was content in learning how to compose.
It was in 2021 when I decided that Blister Blight was ready to transform from a personal project to the cornerstone of a full-fledged business, which I founded as Quaziko Games. I was fortunate to have a small, talented team of artists, musicians, and creators who all believed that the vision of the game was worth pursuing. And so, with a strong foundation in place, I went all in. We were going to make Blister Blight a reality.
It wasn’t until August of 2023 that the first demo was ready.. More than five and a half years after I started the project, I could actually put a demo into people’s hands and see their reactions! Over the course of a month, more than 30 people played the game and provided feedback. And to my great relief it was overwhelmingly positive. From friends who had rarely played a video game, to gamers skilled at the genre, the consensus was that the game was fun and had a ton of potential.
And now we’re ready for the next step!
In order for us to complete the game, our team needs to become full-time employees of Quaziko Games and put our full effort into completing Blister Blight. Up to this point, I’ve supported the project out of my own pocket (with a loan to boot!) And now I turn to the generosity of others to support us as we work together on this creative endeavor.
Kickstarter is the premier platform for crowdfunding video game projects like Blister Blight, and our goal is to kick-start our Kickstarter campaign with your help!
Would you consider pledging a donation during the first two days of the campaign?
We plan to start the campaign in January, 2024, which will run for a month through the beginning of February. Your pledge allows you to take part in exclusive rewards, and more importantly helps us create a game that we hope brings joy to countless people. What couldn’t be more fun!
We thank you in advance for your generosity and support!!
With appreciation,
Josh
Gameplay and Mechanics
Repair or destroy? Wreck or Reform? The Blights await their fate!
As Blister Blight, you have the power of master mechanic fused with a robot assassin. With every trial, the decision is yours: do you use the Wrench of Wreckoning to reprogram enemies so they fight on your side? Or do you blast them away with the abilities you’ve gained by assimilating their essence?
Deal WRAMAGE with the Wrench of Wreckoning and convert enemies to fight for you!
Destroy enemies to gain their abilities!
There’s no going back! Every decision is one step closer to the end of the story. Every email you answer, every robot you repair or destroy, every time you must be revived in battle – these shape your character, your notoriety, your abilities.
Story
The story of Blister Blight is a whimsical science-fiction adventure, centered on an island nation called Ridgescar. This nation is ruled by a group of 10 powerful sentient robots called Blights. These Blights were designed and created to be a blight on the corruption that had plagued Ridgescar for many years. From Judge Blight, who reigns over the judicial systems, to Frack Blight, who extracts all the energy all the time, the Blights control every sector of the island.
Logan Truehart
The leader of the 10 Blights, their designer and creator, is a cyborg scientist named Logan Truehart. As he said when he first proposed the designs of the Blights, “I understand the troubles of both humans and robots because I am one.”
Truehart is an intimidating force, asserting his will in his imposing stature and commanding, persuasive voice. In a way, the Blights are his children, a familial oligarchy with him at the helm; in another way, they are simply the tools to achieve his final vision.
Truehart at work creating Judge Blight
The final Blight Truehart created was Blister Blight. His role was singular: destroy those who opposed any mandate of the other Blights. As the past 10 years had progressed, it was clear that there was unrest, dissenting voices that needed to be silenced in the name of justice and order. Blister Blight was the only robot granted the authority to destroy any other robot for any and every reason.
Police-issued arm cannon. Completely optional.
It is still under debate whether robots feel fear; Blister Blight is the argument for it. His name comes from the bright red gem that glows on his forehead; when he destroys a robot, it radiates heat like a blistering fire, the robot’s very essence being consumed and assimilated into Blister’s own body. Anything useful was retained and added to his programming; anything else was discarded like dross.
The game begins a year after Blister Blight’s creation. A singular event would change the history of Ridgescar forever…
Opening Game Cutscene
The Blights
Every Blight has their own reasoning, their own opinions, their own agenda. You must decide how to confront them – as something broken to be fixed, or as a pest to be exterminated? An ally to be reasoned with, or a foe to to be destroyed?
And the Blights will react, too! There is much turmoil within the family of the Blights and their creator, Logan Truehart. Rivalry, friendship, a thirst for power – they will adapt as you grow stronger on your way to confronting your maker.
Judge Blight
The judicial systems are monitored by the keen eye of Judge Blight. He holds the final call in any case and can see though humans’ duplicity, as often their pleas do not compute. He is rumored to craft stories himself that are impossible to debug.
“Every human is guilty of something.”
“Good rhetoric is fascinating.”
“The jury cannot save you now.”
Frack Blight
The fracking industry is the largest energy resource of Ridgescar. Frack Blight loves to remind people of this at every opportunity. Out of all of the Blights, he is the most jovial and enjoys interacting with humans. He is a welcome presence at bars and clubs, despite his intimidating appearance.
“Once the tectonic plates start moving, you know you’re getting some nice energy.”
“What the frack?!”
“I agree, we do generate a lot of waste. I’m sure Sludge Blight will take care of it.”
River Blight
River Blight’s ordinance is to oversee all transportation spanning the island of Ridgescar. Despite her original design being a master of boats and canals, River Blight has rejected this in favor of everything trains. Because they are the best and no one can convince her otherwise.
“Did someone say TRAINS?? I LOVE trains!”
“Sometimes it’s more convenient if a river flows the other way.”
“Yes, your home is gone, and no, you cannot live on the freeway.”
Switch Blight
Switch Blight controls the national power grid, often working in tandem with Frack Blight. His view of the world is black and white–there is never any middle ground. This often presents a challenge for him (and others) with his favorite hobby: being a detective! He can find the solution to any problem!… eventually.
“If only humans’ brains were coded in 0’s and 1s, it would be so much easier to understand them.”
“I’m on the case!”
“I’ll know if you leave the lights on.”
Sludge Blight
Sanitation and waste management is governed by Sludge Blight. Years of managing the nation’s frivolous waste have eroded her once diligent attitude toward cleanliness. Just because she can clean your messes doesn’t mean she will clean your messes. If anything, at least her domain will remain tidy and in order.
“One man’s trash is another man’s pillow.”
“Recycling is a very generous word.”
“I would have told you if I saw a turtle around here.”
Hyper Blight
The military of Ridgescar is controlled by Hyper Blight. She has a fascination for anything that moves fast – fighter jets, laser beams, technological advancement. Her decisions are quick, her actions fierce. She spends most of her free time online, never hesitating to comment her opinions.
“Speed is relative, and you are slow.”
“FIRST”
“Limits are for the weak and weak-willed.”
Doctor Blight
A robot with a PhD, Doctor Blight is trained in all medical disciplines. He is most interested in pharmacology and its relation to human physiology.
Doctor Blight was designed to to have complex human emotions, such as grief and compassion, in order to empathize and work with patients. His range of emotions often makes him unstable, his very physical form changing depending on his current state.
“Do I look like a mechanic to you? No, I don’t fix robots!”
“Please call me Dr. Doctor Blight.”
“If you create a drug with enough side effects, one of them is bound to be the cure.”
Bling Blight
Bling Blight is lord of finances, and he likes to show it off. He is the face of marketing and sales for all of Ridgescar’s goods, always putting on a positive spin on things and assuring the wellbeing of the nation. He’s also in a band that always sells out its shows (for obvious reasons).
“Our new single just dropped and it’s FIRE!”
“We’re always trending up.”
“Time is money and money is power – and most humans don’t deserve any of the three.””
Enemies and NPCs
Enemies
From intimidating Spire Monks to mischievous Taggers, enemies offer their own challenges and personalities. Every enemy has a unique weapon to add to Blister’s arsenal. When converted via the Wrench of Wreckoning, they become powerful allies!
Onesimus
Blister Blight’s personal assistant and best friend, Onesimus is the most helpful robot that a mechanic could have. He is the only one who knows how to fix Blister Blight, and he is thought to be the only one who witnessed the incident that changed Blister Blight’s nature. His bright and cheery disposition is infectious.
Our Team
Quaziko Games was founded in 2021 by Josh Hall, Blister Blight’s game director. We are a small, multi-talented team with a passion for making fun, whimsical games that anyone can enjoy.
Blister Blight is our first major release as a studio. We are excited to see it develop and become the foundation for many games to come!
Directing and Development
Josh Hall
As is noted in the “Letter from the Director”, Josh has been creating all types of games for more than a decade, with Blister Blight being the first major video game release. His leadership covers the gamut from software development to youth ministry, with experience both directing projects and groups of people.
As well as writing most of the code, Josh writes most of the content in and outside the game. Along with multiple short stories, Josh spent seven years prior to starting Blister Blight writing and self-publishing a novel, Rise of Reuben, a humorous fantasy adventure.
Music and Sound Design
Jeremy Simon
Going by the moniker of Viking Camel for all things game-related, Jeremy has experience writing and releasing a variety of different tunes, including rock music, electronic/ambient, rewritten Christmas classics, and even kids music of the unabashed fun-loving sort. Not to mention he’s a singer/songwriter and professional software developer to boot!
The Blister Blight songs and sounds are crafted via melding vintage and modern synths, realistic drum sounds, and custom samples, all woven together using Renoise. The end result is an eclectic take fusing together multiple genres of music. This freedom of expression extends to all aspects of Blister Blight‘s art and design.
Selected OST Samples
Art and Graphics
Ja'ire Vaughn
With flash and style, Ja’ire brings to life static sprites into fluid and beautiful animations. He takes the lead on character design and animations, including the Blights and Logan Truehart, while contributing to weapons, enemies, and anything that moves. His concept art further inspires all of the art in Blister Blight.
Ja’ire was the lead artist on Kakatte Koi Yo and is also working on a solo project, Masquerader Z.
Ross Holmes
When designing environments and atmosphere, you need the ability to translate your vision of the real world into the game world; Ross does this with ease. He also leads all UI design and contributes to characters, writing, and more.
In addition to his work on Blister Blight, Ross is an artist, game designer, writer, and generalist Renaissance Gnome for the creative co-op Wyngspan Labs. His work with Wyngspan includes the tabletop card battler Wizard War and the “hyper-literal Metroidvania” Castletroid.
Game Design
All of us, INCLUDING YOU!
Since Josh formulated the initial game design in 2018, the game has evolved and been a continual collaborative experience by all members on the team. And you can join in and be a director at various tiers of the Kickstarter!
Kickstarter Reward Details
No Reward Requested
No reward desired? No problem! Thank you for supporting our small business and team in this creative endeavor.
$20+: Digital copy of Blister Blight on your platform of choice (Steam/Switch)
Receive a digital copy of Blister Blight upon release. Your choice of Steam or Nintendo Switch.
$30+: Digital copy of the Blister Blight soundtrack (and all previous rewards)
Receive a digital copy of the Blister Blight official OST soundtrack upon release.
$50+: Digital art book (PDF) (and all previous rewards)
Receive a digital copy of the Blister Blight digital artbook upon release.
$75+: Physical copy of the Blister Blight soundtrack (and all previous rewards)
Receive a physical copy of the Blister Blight official OST soundtrack on CD upon release.
$100+: Exclusive enamel pin (and all previous rewards)
Receive a Kickstarter exclusive enamel pin. Pin design still in development.
$150+: Your name in the game! (and all previous rewards)
Your name will be featured somewhere in the game! (Requested name subject to approval)
$300+: Prominent name in the game! (and all previous rewards)
Your name will be featured somewhere prominently in the game! (Requested name subject to approval)
$350+: Exclusive physical personal letter from your favorite Blight (and all previous rewards)
Your favorite Blight will send an exclusive, unique physical letter in the mail! Letters will be personalized to prompts supplied upon backing this reward.
$500+: Art Director! (and all NON-DIRECTOR previous rewards)
Flex your own artistic talent! Work with our team to design a piece of art in the game, including background elements, objects, graffiti, and more. Quantities are limited for this reward.
$500+: Writing Director! (and all NON-DIRECTOR previous rewards)
Show your creative writing skills! Work with our team to design and write an in-game email tree, consisting of prompts, dialogue, and options. Quantities are limited for this reward.
$1000+: NPC Director! (and all NON-DIRECTOR previous rewards)
Time to create an NPC! Work with our team to design a minor NPC (non-playable character). Design includes contributing to artistic vision, setting, and purpose. Quantities are limited for this reward.
$1500+: Assistant Director! (and all NON-DIRECTOR previous rewards)
As an assistant director, help design a medium element of the game, including an NPC, enemy, weapon, or collectible! Design includes contributing to artistic vision, setting, and purpose. These elements are the building blocks of Blister Blight – as with the game itself, every decision has lasting ramifications! Quantities are limited for this reward.
$2000+: Major Director! (and all NON-DIRECTOR previous rewards)
Put your mark on a major element of the game, including a mini-boss, story branch, or level gimmick! Design includes contributing to artistic vision, setting, and purpose. We will do our best to collaborate to see your idea expressed within the game. Put on your directing hat and influence a major part of Blister Blight! Quantities are limited for this reward.