Scanning for: Robot Raiders: Swarm of the Spider Titan

Kickstarter Summary: Robot Raiders

Overview:
Robot Raiders is a table-top card battler designed for 1-4 players, where players can engage in a unique dungeon-crawling experience featuring customizable characters known as Raiders and a formidable player-controlled Monster. The game, created by Matthew Bell (a designer with extensive experience in the Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game), offers various gameplay modes, including 1v3 PvP formats and cooperative play.

Game Mechanics:

• Player Roles: Up to three players can choose to become Raiders (Robots), while one player can take on the role of the Monster. Alternatively, players can cooperate against a Monster controlled by guided rules. Each Raider comes equipped with a unique deck and customization options.
• Turn Structure: Players take turns individually, which allows for strategic decision-making reminiscent of trading card games (TCGs). The Monster player evolves with each encounter, gaining new abilities and enhancing their deck strength.
• Victory Conditions: The Monster aims to defeat all Raiders, while the Raiders must eliminate the Monster and its minions.

Key Features:

• TCG-Inspired Combat: Fast-paced gameplay without the need for booster packs, making it easy for players to learn the energy system.
• Deep Customization: Raiders can choose from different classes (like mage, paladin, or ranger) and enhance their abilities through deck-building.
• Solo and Co-op Support: Automated rules for playing against scripted Monsters, making it viable for one-player or cooperative sessions.
• High Replayability: Offers over 5000 unique game configurations through various boss augments, upgrades, and difficulty settings.
• Handcrafted Art: Every card showcases original illustrations from the Little Devil Company.

Game Components:
The base game includes:

• 161 cards featuring 3 unique Raiders and 3 Monsters, with various augments.
• A variety of tokens, dials for tracking stats, and components for solo gameplay.

Pledge Levels:

1. Retail Version: £25 / $30 / €28 – Basic game with necessary components.
2. Deluxe Version: £58 / $75 / €70 – Includes upgrades and exclusive promo cards.
3. All-In Tier: £128 / $165 / €153 – Comprehensive package with all deluxe items, promo cards, and additional game mats.

Stretch Goals:
The Kickstarter emphasizes inclusivity in content; all backers will receive the same basic gaming experience regardless of funding milestones. Enhanced components will be added as stretch goals are met.

Project Status:
The project’s development includes completed rules and card text, with ongoing work in finalizing art and preparing for manufacturing and shipping.

Shipping Details:
Shipping costs will be calculated closer to delivery by using a pledge manager, considering the current volatility of shipping rates. The game will be unavailable for shipping to certain regions due to high risks.

Demo and Engagement:
Backers can try the game before purchasing through a Print and Play demo or on platforms like Tabletop Simulator, fostering community engagement and feedback.

Studio Background:
Mattorigus Studios, led by Matthew Bell, aims to create innovative tabletop experiences and sees Robot Raiders as the launchpad for future game developments.

The Kickstarter campaign invites players to engage with the evolving gameplay and community, with options to follow its progress on various social media channels.

Mattorigus Studios is an indie game publisher that has gained recognition for its innovative approach to storytelling and creative gameplay in the gaming industry. Over the years, the studio has successfully launched several titles that have captured the attention of both players and critics, showcasing a commitment to unique artistic styles and immersive experiences. Their games often feature rich narratives and engaging mechanics, which have contributed to a loyal fanbase that appreciates their dedication to quality and creativity.

While Mattorigus Studios has enjoyed notable successes, they have faced challenges as well, like any publisher in the competitive gaming landscape. Some titles received mixed reviews due to gameplay balance issues or technical glitches, which sparked discussions among the community. Nevertheless, customers continue to express enthusiasm for the studio’s innovative concepts and storytelling efforts, looking forward to future releases and improvements. Overall, Mattorigus Studios remains a promising publisher with a strong vision and a growing presence in the indie game market.

Game Mechanics:

Robot Raiders combines cooperative and competitive gameplay, with players controlling robots or a monster. Core mechanics include deck-building, resource management, modular robot customization, and dynamic battlefield conditions. Bosses like Vindra, the Spider Titan, have unique abilities (e.g., poison, damage markers), and players unlock upgrades, loot, and abilities through progression. The 1v3 monster vs. raiders mode adds asymmetrical competitive play.

Complexity:

Moderate to high, with layered rules for deck-building, combat, and boss mechanics. Over 5,000 unique adventures ensure replayability, but the system accommodates new players via adjustable difficulty settings. Cooperative play smooths complexity, while competitive mode introduces strategic depth. Rules are structured but require dedicating time to mastering interactions between upgrades, conditions, and boss AI.

Theme:

Lighthearted sci-fi/fantasy hybrid, blending robot battles with dungeon crawls. The setting features miasma-filled environments, grotesque spider-themed bosses (e.g., Vindra, Gassix), and quirky mobsters like Doran the Spider Cultist. Art by Little Devil Company emphasizes colorful, cartoonish designs akin to Super Dungeon Explore, with a campy tone that balances humor and intensity.

Objective:

Win as raiders by defeating bosses like Vindra through combat, loot collection, and strategic upgrades, or as monster by spreading corruption to eliminate raiders. Objectives are clear but dual-faceted, rewarding either teamwork or domination. Victory conditions vary by playmode but emphasize survival, strategy, and adaptation to dynamic challenges.

Rules:

Well-organized but intricate, with clear instruction manuals, examples, and diagrams. Complexity is managed through tiered difficulty settings and modular rulesets for solo/co-op/competitive play. Customization (e.g., augments, loot) requires tracking many variables, but the system is designed for scalability. New players may need practice to balance aggression and defense, while veterans enjoy the depth.

Artwork and Components:

Visually striking, with non-AI-generated artwork by Little Devil Company. Robots and bosses feature bold, cartoonish designs, while modular tiles create varied dungeons. Components include sturdy cards, miniatures, and tokens, with deluxe tiers adding alternate art, collectible coins, and premium sleeves. The aesthetic reinforces the game’s playful yet dangerous tone.

One Robots Option:

Why Buy? Robot Raiders offers dual playmodes (co-op/competitive), deep customization, and over 5,000 adventures for endless replayability. Standout features include:

• Asymmetrical Monster Mode: Unique 1v3 battles with corruptive mechanics.
• Modular Upgrades: Collect loot and augments to tailor robots for combat.
• Boss Variety: Memorable villains with disruptive abilities (Vindra’s poison clouds, Gassix’s hive mind).
• Creator Credibility: Designed by Matthew Bell (Yu-Gi-Oh veteran) with polished, accessible rules.
• Kickstarter Perks: Affordable tiers for core gameplay, with deluxe options for collectors.
  Ideal for fans of dungeon crawlers (Legend of the Five Rings: Mark of the Lion), monster hunting (Dreadball), or asymmetric competition (Gloomhaven). The blend of lighthearted theme and strategic depth makes it accessible yet rewarding for TCG enthusiasts.