The brothers must now survive six hours of devilishly clever puzzles in order to save their world from tyranny.

Turkish developers Nowhere Studios has launched a Kickstarter campaign and is seeking $80,000 in completion funds after 18 months of self-funded, full-time development.

Inspired by current events as well as the developers’ childhood memories of moving from the countryside to Istanbul, Monochroma tells its story without any cut-scenes, narration, or in-game text. Players learn about the environment and follow the story through carefully crafted black-and-white visuals with splashes of red. As a result, the story is instantly understandable by players of all nationalities – without any localization required. More so, the puzzles in Monochroma take a more realistic approach by blending in with the environment. Accurate physics simulation ensures that interaction (pushing/pulling objects, sliding, jumping) always feels right.

Another Monochroma trademark is the relationship between the two brothers. Early in the game, the younger brother injures his leg after a bad fall and now must be carried by his older sibling. At times, the player needs to temporarily stop carrying him in order to solve puzzles. However he can only be placed near safe, bright areas—because like most kids, he’s afraid of the dark! This gameplay mechanic defines Monochroma as a cerebral, methodical puzzle game that rewards players who are caring and brave at the same time. Being a responsible older sibling is mandatory—just as in real life.

“This is it,” says Burak Tezateşer, Executive Producer of Monochroma. “We are running out of time. We need everyone who believes that games can be more than formulaic blockbusters or overgrown amusement rides. Talk to your friends, co-workers, and family members. Help us change the industry with a game that puts gameplay, atmosphere, and storytelling above focus tests and price targets—and share your vision with us.”

To participate, fans must come up with a video of any length about Monochroma. It can be a Let’s Play, a new teaser, a music video, or even an experimental short set in the Monochroma universe. Once the video is complete, entrants should post it to YouTube with a link to the Kickstarter campaign and send an email to info@nowherestudios.com with the YouTube URL and contact information. Participants are free to use the game’s Main Theme by psychedelic folk band Gevende.

The deadline for entries is Thursday, August 22 at 10 a.m. Pacific.

Those still “on the fence” can download a 30-minute, fully-featured demo, which runs on most Windows, Mac, and Linux PCs.

CONTEST AWARDS

1st Place

• Crate Box (with workers hat and red scarf like those worn in the game)
• Collector’sEdition (hard copy of game on DVD, soundtrack on CD, art book, comic book, and hint book)
• Monochroma t-shirt

2nd Place

• Collector’s Edition
• Monochroma t-shirt

3rd Place

• Monochroma t-shirt
• hard copy of game on DVD

All three winners will receive an invitation to the VIP party in Istanbul, Turkey (travel costs not included), and all entrants with more than 1,000 views will get a digital copy of the game!