Fran Bow (PC): "Sneak Peek"

Recently, through Twitter I was contacted by a Swedish game developer (Natalia Figueroa) who has co-produced a game with her partner Isak Matinsson. This team of developers who run a game development studio called Killmonday has brought to my attention a very special PC based indie title. This indie, otherwise known as "Fran Bow" takes the innocence of childlike storybook imagery, and warps it six ways from Sunday. The psychological tale of gore ridden murder, and the fantastically twisted imagination of a girl named "Fran Bow" takes bold steps to impress a more mature audience. It could easily be compared to the tale contained within American McGee's "ALICE", but stands entirely on it's own with a wholly unique spin on insanity. It was the images of the game that Natalia had shared with me that really captured my attention. The surreal, and often times gory images had a Gothic tone that definitely peaked my morbid curiosity, and will no doubt capture the attention of many other like-minded gamers.

From the press kit that was provided by Natalia I was able to find out the plot behind the grisly psychological thriller that is "Fran Bow". Fran, the main protagonist of the game ends up finding the dismembered bodies of both her parents early on in the adventure. Being scared out of her wits the little girl runs into the nearby forest where a couple of strangers find her, and haul her off to the local lunatic asylum (Oswald Asylum). This house for the insane was surprisingly built just for children like Fran. Shortly after being institutionalized, and no doubt doped up out of her mind Fran devises a plan to escape the asylum, find her lost black cat Mr.Midnight, and return home to her aunt Grace whom she believes will side with her.

The game has a creepy atmosphere filled with afterlife apparitions, ghoulish creatures, and plenty of softcore blood & gore to enjoy. Along with the core story progression you'll find plenty of interactions with creatures/characters as well as an interesting selection of arcade style mini-games inspired by retro arcade games of old. These mini-games that pay homage to the classics are also done up in a unique pixel style adding variety to the 2D art style, and visuals that make up the core experience. According to Natalia there will be tons of puzzles as well, and plenty of character based interactions including some with Fran Bow's black cat Mr.Midnight.

If I were a PC journalist I'd honestly be all over this game. It's the type of unique gaming experience that only comes around every so often. I predict a significant following from the gaming community with this particular indie title, and believe that more gamers than not will likely be at least interested in seeing what this game has to offer. As an artist I have MAD love for the artwork included in this game. I absolutely love the Gothic appearance, and the blood/gore stained images that make up the screenshots which were made available to me for this post. I hope that once/if this game is released that all you hardcore PC fanboys out there give it a proper chance. The game has great potential, and I expect only great things from Natalia, and her partner at 'Killmonday'. Hopefully one day they'll make a console (XBLIG) port of the game, so I can get my hands on it!

About the Developers ...

  
Killmonday Games is a talented multi-genre development studio with multi-talented developers. The game studio which was made solely for creative purposes was founded in 2011, and started off as a film production studio (Man would I love to see those films!!!). It was later that Natalia, and her partner Isak jumped into the gaming making business. Natalia which is the most talented game developer I've ever heard of is an animator, actress, 2D artist, and more! This lady is definitely an all encompassing Jill of all trades! Isak on the other hand was involved in music creation, story creation, and programming. Together they are the epitome of a perfect two person gaming studio.

Fran Bow IndieGoGo ...

Fran Bow is currently being featured in the "IndieGoGo" crowd funding site. Killmonday has managed to raise $3,529 of their desired $20,000 goal, and there's 42 days left to contribute. If you wish to help, and assist the development of this amazing Gothic adventure you can do so via the link that I provide below. As with any "IndieGoGo" venture you will be rewarded for certain monetary donations.

$5 = #HIGHFIVE

$10 = #HIGHFIVE + Digital Copy on Platform of Choosing

$25 = #HIGHFIVE + Digital Copy on All Platforms Created + Special Thanks On Upcoming Website

$40 = #HIGHFIVE + Digital Copy on All Platforms +Special Thanks + Digital Wallpaper w/Characters

$60 = #HIGHFIVE + Digital Copy on All Platforms + Name in End Credits

$80 = All Above + Collector's Edition

$100 = All Above + Full Film Documentary of Fran Bow

$125 = All Above + A Digitally Hand Drawn Image of You & Your Monster

$175 = All Above + A Handmade Cloth Mr.Midnight Doll

$250 = All Above + Handmade Clay Figure of Fran Bow

$300 = All above + Custom Animated Pixelart GIF of Yourself

$400 = All Above & Back to School (x3 Skype Design/Animation Lessons with Natalia - English/Spanish/Swedish)

$500 = All Above (w/o Back to School) + Involvement in Development Process

$1,000 = All Above (w/o Back To School) + Exclusive Mr.Midnight Mini-Game

$2,000 = All above (w/o Back to School) + Create Your Own Mini-Game with Developer

IndieGoGo: http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/fran-bow-a-very-creepy-point-click-adventure-game