The Nintendo Switch has become the favorite console port choice for pretty much all independent games, not just for adventure games and platformers, but for horror games as well. The latest example is the upcoming retro horror throwback Alisa, from one-person developer Casper Croes. Casper Croes announced on its now successfully completed Kickstarter that Alisa will be indeed be coming to the Nintendo Switch, as well as both PlayStation and Xbox.
The Alisa Kickstarter began in late May, promising a "classic late-90s horror-themed action-adventure game" will clear influences from both Resident Evil and Silent Hill, among others. The project had a relatively modest goal of €20,000, which is passed on its way to a final total of €28,816. The addition of Nintendo Switch and other console support was a stretch goal for Alisa, as only a PC release was promised to start. €25,000 was the goal for consoles, which backers made sure was reached.
Casper Croes decided to make console support a stretch goal to guarantee that they could afford to purchase each platform's devkit. The extra €5,000 ensures that they'll be able to do that. It's clear that Casper Croes always wanted to bring Alisa to consoles, but that they wanted to prioritize the game being finished first. That's why the project's campaign goal wasn't €25,000 to start.
The majority of the funding for Alisa will toward supporting the game's sole developer over the coming year. Specifically, the developer will spend it on food, rent, and life. They also say that they'll use the funding to hire additional voice actors for the game, as well as other types of help as necessary. As far as Kickstarters go, Casper Croes' campaign for Alisa is a great example of the platform being used for its original intent.
According to the current plan, Alisa will require another year of development. Casper Croes marked down May 2021 as the intended release window for the game for the Kickstarter, but indie game fans know how fluid development can be. It's also unclear if the console ports will be released at a later date or if Casper Croes will try for a unified launch.
For those nostalgic for a 90s-era horror game, Alisa is worth keeping an eye on. The game's Kickstarter is over, but it can be wishlisted on Steam. It also has a public demo available on itch.io, where fans can also contribute to the game's ongoing development.
Alisa releases May 2021 on PC, PlayStation, Switch, and Xbox.