I’m usually fine with the relaunch of a failed crowdfunded campaign, but rarely do I see one so changed that it’s barely recognizable anymore. This is the case in Rabbit Illness: Shadow, previously known as Rabbit Syndrome. There are still some similarities, but they are few. It’s almost like the relaunch is an entirely new game.
In Rabbit Illness: Shadow, the titular “sickness” (from which people die when they’re lonely) is still the same. That’s pretty much the only similarity between the two titles. The art is quite different and the story setup is all new. Instead of being a shut-in with the rare disease, the playable character is following in his dead brother’s footsteps and somehow contracts said disease while immersed in his research.
I can get behind the change in art, as the artist lined up basically flaked on the developer. However, the change in plot has me scratching my head as to just how it’ll all play out. Thankfully, a demo is available for Rabbit Illness: Shadow so I’ll be able to get a better feel for the early story. Because of this drastic change, I’m wary about backing.
Better or worse, Rabbit Illness: Shadow does look like an interesting game. For those unfamiliar with the first attempt, these changes probably mean little. For those who backed before, it could harm this second campaign more than help it. With a modest goal, it could still make it, but it remains to be seen how many backers return with these changes.
