Sci-Fi Fantasy game Runa has shattered expectations, meeting both its initial goal and its first stretch goal just 24 hours after being launched on Kickstarter.
Runa was created by Fennec Studios using classic JRPG games as inspiration. It is set in the world of Akasha, which has elements of both Sci-Fi and fantasy and has a somewhat nostalgic turn-based combat system.
Its environments are varied and include ancient ruins, vast fields and brightly colored cities. Runa has a day and night cycle and weather system, allowing players to experience the environment in all sorts of different conditions. I'm a big fan of the urban environments because they're a nice mix of retro and futuristic.
I found the basic mechanics to be particularly exciting. As you recruit more characters and complete quests, you can add new buildings and rooms to the base. Some of these areas, like the Farm, come with their own mini-games. This makes building a base a nice mix of fun and functional.
However, it also seems to be a good place to talk to the NPCs you've recruited! This segment of the trailer appears to have been taken from the area below the base, judging by the hanging sign and lanterns.
In addition to the basic mechanics, we also get a glimpse of what romantic relationships might look like in Runa. There are over 15 lovable NPCs, including the sunset-watching Alya. New dialogues and scenes are unlocked between the player and any NPC as the relationship progresses. Most importantly, any of the lovely characters can be dated regardless of your character's gender!
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How you can support Runa
If you want to support Runa and its developers, one of the easiest ways is to follow them on social media. They post updates about their Kickstarter and the game itself the official Runa X (formerly known as Twitter) account. Runa can also be supported financially by donations to their Kickstarter. They have already reached their funding goals, but still have backer rewards available for anyone who wants to donate. Additionally, they have two new stretch goals for which additional funding will be used.
Rana Kickstarter backer benefits
Currently, Runa has eight different rewards still available for backers. All rewards will include early access to the game later, so you'll be among the first to try it out! Six of these eight rewards are limited in quantity, so I recommend checking them out quickly before they're gone forever.
| Reward Name | price (US DOLLAR) |
Rewards | Available quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| (Early) Elemental Adept (II) | $22 | – Early Access Key – Discord Supporting Title – Digital Wallpaper Set |
Limit: 300 |
| Elemental Adept | $27 | – Early Access Key – Discord Supporting Title – Digital Wallpaper Set |
No limit |
| Demo Access | $48 | – Early Access Key – Private Demo – Desktop Access – Discord Exclusive Demo Access – Digital Wallpaper Set – Digital Art Book – Digital OST – Discord Supporting Title In-game Rewards |
No limit |
| Mountain and Pet Package | $101 | – Early Access Key – Private Demo – Desktop Access – Discord Exclusive Demo Access – Digital Wallpaper Set – Digital Art Book – Digital OST – Discord Super Backer Title In-game Rewards |
Limit: 1,200 |
| Tribute Statue | $117 | – Early Access Key – Private Demo – Desktop Access – Discord Exclusive Demo Access – Digital Wallpaper Set – Digital Art Book – Digital OST – Discord Super Backer Title In-game Rewards |
Limit: 1,050 |
| Hero Mausoleum | $144 | – Early Access Key – Private Demo – Desktop Access – Discord Exclusive Demo Access – Digital Wallpaper Set – Digital Art Book – Digital OST – Discord Top Backer Title In-game Rewards |
Limit: 450 |
| Elementary Animal Designer | $1,382 | – Early Access Key – Private Demo – Desktop Access – Discord Exclusive Demo Access – Digital Wallpaper Set – Digital Art Book – Digital OST – Discord Rune Designer Title – Discord Top Backer Title In-game Rewards |
Limit: 7 |
| Recruitable NPC Designer | $2,445 | – Early Access Key – Private Demo – Desktop Access – Discord Exclusive Demo Access – Digital Wallpaper Set – Digital Art Book – Digital OST – Discord Rune Designer Title – Discord Top Backer Title In-game Rewards |
Limit: 5 |
The Kickstarter gives a look at what some of these in-game rewards will look like. If your reward includes a tomb, statue or mausoleum, they will look like the images below.
Additionally, the special support pet is a blue Fennec that can transform into a larger mount for you to ride.
Runa Kickstarter stretch goals
Currently, there is two stretch goals Runa's Kickstarter will be funding. Runa's developers stated that regardless of whether stretch goals are completed or not, they will complete the game “according to its complete vision”. This means that important systems won't be removed if goals aren't met, and equally tough goals won't be added for features that won't improve players' gaming experience.
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Fishing stretch goal
The first of them is their fishing mini-game, with the stretch goal being around $63,927 in US dollars. Even if the stretch goal is not met, the mini-game is intended to be in the final version of the game. However, meeting the goal will allow the development team to improve the fishing minigame and have it ready in time for the Early Access version of Runa. This stretch goal has already been met as of 12:17 pm CST on April 17, 2024.
Characteristic stretch goal
The next stretch goal, which will be reached with a total donation of $101,217.75, will unlock two new romance characters. The first of these characters is a spear-wielding Void Adept named Angelo. The second is a hooded Aether Adept named Meithen, who looks to be an assassin-type character.
The Runa devs have suggested additional stretch goals if these two are completed. These future stretch goals might include more mini-games, lovable characters, and even a physical copy of the game just for backers!
Looking for more JRPGs while you wait for Runa? Check out our All Unicorn Overlord achievements and trophies here in Pro Game Guides.
