Friday Follow-UP: UNBEATABLE, Sam Webster, and Oyster Wars
New Games, Demos, Wishlists, Music and more to follow!
Wishlisted
UNBEATABLE is an exhilarating “rhythm adventure where music is illegal and you do crimes.” In this narrative-driven world, you’ll fight your way through with arcade-style gameplay. With its vibrant anime-inspired visuals and dynamic rhythm elements, the game seamlessly blends gameplay and storytelling, creating an immersive experience. The transitions from gameplay to narrative scenes are so smooth that many viewers thought the game trailer was entirely composed of cut scenes.
Here’s a quick recap of the game’s backstory. UNBEATABLE launched as a Kickstarter campaign in April 2021, raising over $260,000 USD from more than 5,000 backers, far surpassing its initial funding goal. A recent trailer announced a release window of 2025. For those who can’t wait, UNBEATABLE [White Label] is available as a demo, featuring music by Peak Divide.
One of the best aspects of starting your journey with a crowdfunded game is the vibrant community that forms around it. Fans have created a wealth of fan art, support, and enthusiasm for the game. Many have requested guitar tabs to learn the catchy songs featured in UNBEATABLE. Clara Maddux, the resident composer and musician at D-Cell, has written many of the guitar parts for the soundtrack and has compiled tabs for those eager to play along. Check out the demo, tabs, and make sure to wishlist UNBEATABLE!
Clara Maddux | Twitter | Soundcloud | UNBEATABLE Tabs
Unbeatable | Steam | Twitter | Bandcamp | Youtube | Tabs
Crowdfunding Checkpoint
In Oyster Wars, the rich trample the poor without consequence, and it’s up to you to change that. You play as Wade, the only one brave enough to take on a ruthless CEO, Sven. Armed with your trusty hook shot, you’ll explore a secluded island in this 2D pixel platformer. Jump across gaps, grab hidden items, and uncover secrets as you fight to bring justice to the oppression brought on my the Man’s End Oyster Company.
Typically, in 2D platformers/Metroidvanias, it's crucial to unlock a map to navigate around the world and assist you in collecting hidden items. In Oyster Wars, you get a small PC-looking display called “Phoneboy,” where you can check your inventory, fish you catch, settings, and your map. It’s a nice visual touch for a very dark-themed game.
The Kickstarter campaign was funded last week with 107%, hitting over $12,000. I am finding that I have an obsession with platformers, Metroidvanias, and search-action games, and crowdfunding is paving the way for many new innovative games to be developed. What are some of your favorite Metroidvanias?
Oyster Wars: A Dystopian Grappling Platformer | Kickstarter | Website | Steam
Diveblob is a fast-paced platform-survival Gameboy and Gameboy Color game that is live right now on Kickstarter and is sitting at 61% funded. If you back the campaign you can get the rom to play on your device of choice and even on handhelds like the Analogue Pocket. You can also back a higher tier to get a physical Gameboy Color cartridge. You still have time to back is cute retro inspired game with 19 days left on the campaign.
Diveblob | Kickstarter
Quest Vibes
If you have been following the monthly Quest Vibes playlist, you know that I am a bit obsessed with the musician and composer Sam Webster. He’s made himself a staple in the community with soundtracks for Grindstone and Skies of Chaos. His style features lo-fi beats, spacey synths, and vibes you can’t help but bop your head to.
My personal favorite was Grindstone, but to be honest, we have been blessed this year with two new soundtracks. The Playdate exclusive Faraway Fairway has become a daily spin for me. He also had a hand in the music and sound design for the recently released GUNCHO for Steam, Android, and iOS. GUNCHO showcases a unique take on his beat-making abilities with its Western-influenced sound, and he does not disappoint.
Sam Webster | Spotify | Bandcamp | Twitter
GUNCHO | Steam
Faraway Fairway | Playdate | Itch
As a little added bonus here are the soundtracks for the games also featured in this week’s Friday Follow-UP.
Peak Divide - UNBEATABLE: DEMO TAPES
Joe Nicholson - Oyster Wars OST Preview
Thanks for stopping by for another edition of Friday Follow-UP. Make sure to subscribe for the newsletter coming on Monday July 1st, and the next Quest Vibes monthly playlist. As always, GG!