Yooka-Laylee
IN PHOTO: 3D platformers return with Playtonic’s “Yooka-Layle.” Playtonic - http://www.playtonicgames.com/

Early this month, a group of ex-Rare developers launched a Kickstarter campaign for a new 3D platformer called “Yooka-Laylee.” Pitched as a spiritual successor to the beloved 3D platformer series “Banjo-Kazooie,” the game rocketed past its $270,000 goal within 40 minutes. The game’s developers, Playtonic Games promised any stretch goals would be well thought out and considered, adding depth, rather than scope to the core game. The studio has just announced a new stretch goal, which promises free DLC to all backers.

The new stretch goal was announced via the game’s latest Kickstarter update. The developers explain that their approach has always been to only set stretch goals that improve the game without negatively affecting core development. Playtonic explains that should the new stretch goal, set at £2M be reached, the studio will focus on creating additional downloadable content only after the core game is done.

“When – and only when – we’ve finished and shipped the full version of ‘Yooka-Laylee,’ we’ll start work on additional content that will be distributed to backers free of charge for their platform of choice. And again, all additional funding will of course go towards improving and polishing the game,” reads the update.

As noted by IGN, the game’s Kickstarter campaign has met with incredible success, having already amassed more than £1.5M, with over 30 days still to go before the campaign comes to a close. The success is driven in part by the team’s pedigree, as Playtonic is made up of core members from the Rare team that developed “Banjo-Kazooie,” but also in part by an apparent dearth of 3D platformers from major studios.

Gameplay involves typical 3D platforming in lush, detailed environments. Protagonists Yooka and Laylee each boast unique abilities designed to aid traversal and combat, such as the sonar blast, tongue whip, sky soaring and more. As with any 3D platformer worth its salt, the game will also feature a barrage of shiny collectibles scattered around the environment for gamers to find and acquire.

The game’s stretch goal strategy has thus far been driven primarily by feature depth. Playtonic has already pledged to include PC, Mac and Linux releases on day one, epic boss battles, character transformations, mine cart sections, local co-op and local multiplayer, a simultaneous release on PS4, Xbox One and Wii U and more. The estimated delivery for the finished project is scheduled for some time in Oct. 2016.

(Credit: YouTube/Eurogamer)

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