Nightmare Busters: Rebirth Kickstarter Campaign Launches Following Years of Development
Pix'n Love Games has unveiled Nightmare Busters: Rebirth with a reveal trailer and the launch of a Kickstarter pre-registration page. The project represents a comprehensive reimagining of the cult classic Super Nintendo run-and-gun title originally developed by Sculptured Software in 1994 but never officially released in Western markets.
Kickstarter Campaign Details
The Kickstarter campaign page is now live for interested backers to register for notifications about the project's formal funding launch. According to the pre-launch page, Pix'n Love Games aims to deliver "a modern reimagining that remains faithful to the spirit of the original while incorporating contemporary gameplay enhancements and visual upgrades." The campaign will offer various tiers of physical and digital rewards, though specific funding goals and reward structures have yet to be disclosed.
@pixnlove_games and @TheAuroraStudio are thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of their Kickstarter campaign for #NightmareBusters Rebirth! The goal is to bring together a passionate community to revive this #retrogaming treasure!
— Nightmare Busters Rebirth (@NightmareB87440) March 18, 2025
Follow our pre-launch page. Link in comments⬇️ pic.twitter.com/xgHhsaWDmJ
The reveal trailer demonstrates the significant visual overhaul while maintaining the core gameplay elements that made the original a sought-after collector's item. The game features Flynn and Freep, two leprechaun brothers, as they battle through nightmare-filled environments using magical cards and projectile attacks.
Development History
Nightmare Busters: Rebirth has followed a lengthy and complex development path. The original Super Nintendo game, despite being fully completed, was never officially published during the console's commercial lifespan. It gained notoriety in the collectors' market when reproduction cartridges began circulating in the early 2010s, commanding significant prices due to their rarity.
In 2013, limited physical SNES reproductions were released through Super Fighter Team, introducing the game to a wider audience of retro gaming enthusiasts. The positive reception to these releases eventually led to discussions about a potential remake or remaster for modern platforms.
Pix'n Love Games, known for their work on other retro-inspired titles and gaming publications, acquired the rights to develop a full reimagining of the property in 2023. The development team has reportedly worked closely with members of the original Sculptured Software team to ensure the remake maintains the challenging gameplay and distinctive atmosphere that defined the original.
Technical Approach
According to preliminary information, Nightmare Busters: Rebirth will feature hand-drawn artwork, modernised control schemes, and expanded level designs while preserving the core run-and-gun mechanics. The game is being developed for multiple platforms including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, with the possibility of additional platforms depending on Kickstarter stretch goals.
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