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Sumoboy is the first ever comic styled JRPG adventure influenced by the nobel and ancient combat Art of Sumo.

iOS / Android  / PC / Mac / Linux

Update 12 - THE LEGEND OF SUMOBOY #7 “A Prison Built for One”                       

Want more? Next Instalment is #8

Pervious Episodes: Click here to read 

A downtrodden young hero must rise, conquering his own fears and doubts to take up a magical sword, rescue a Princess and vanquish the malevolent forces that oppose him.

That sounds like the basic plot to scores of popular films, books, comics and video games, doesn’t it? Well, THE LEGEND OF SUMOBOY is that and yet it will be so much more. We at Taprr intend to re-invent what one would expect in a traditional JRPG by taking a cue from modern day poetry, comics and video games in terms of story and gameplay. We don’t want to be tied to a stringent, retro and/or homage sensibility – we want to transcend sensibility to make something truly cool and original!

Update

 Jerry Bonner: Game Story/Scenario Writer.

Today we welcome true talent to portray the Legend of Sumoboy.

A renowned professional writer with over 15 years experience. Working on a variety of mediums including comics, video game scripting and journalism. Jerry’s passionate story telling ability will take you upon an empowering, fantasy driven journey to convey a unique tale that breaths new light into the JRPG genre.

Writing Credits: Marvel Comics, Wizards of the Coast, Gentleman’s Quarterly (GQ), IGN, Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM), Ars Technica, 1UP, What They Play, GamePro, Indie Game Chick, Imagine Publications (NOW Gamer, X360, Play tm and Retro Gamer) Gameranx, GameFront, Geeks of Doom and others.

Game Script Credits: TYNON (PC); Lucky (Xbox, Android and iOS); Investigate This: The Scourge of the Scarecrow (Xbox, iOS), Ride to Hell (Xbox, PS3 and PC), Pirate Legends (iOS)

Update

We are thrilled and excited to let you know we now have a well respected game industry veteran working with us on 'SUMOBOY' the unique comic inspired JRPG. We are not at liberty to reveal names just yet, however we can state we have an international award winning developer who has previously been involved in the development of game titles for industry leaders such as EA Games and Square Enix. 

First Release: Sumoboy 

• Platform: iOS | Android
  
• Game type: JRPG - 3D Isometric
  
• Mode: Combat
  
• Release: Jan 2014
  
• Goal: 40K
  

Second Release: Sumoboy 

• Platform: PC | Mac | Linux (possibly via steam and our website)
  
• Game type: JRPG - 3D Isometric
  
• Mode: Exploration and Combat (pending stretch goals)
  
• Release: Jul 2014
  
• Goals: 100K+

I am Chris Laurent. What can I say; I love gaming, technology and live for creativity.

My friends and I are creating a game inspired by Anti Bullying. The first ever Rikishi influenced JRPG to focus on the Art of Sumo and mixed combat. The story is set in imaginary old japan and is based on a chubby boy and a journey in self-discovery.

This unique JRPG cleverly and unobtrusively infuses Anti-Bullying into a compelling story line. Sumoboy's interesting and unexpected emotional behavior through out game play demonstrates this powerful message.

Below you will find information on this independent game project, and how you can help if you want to help us bring it to life.

Now let me ask you? Have you ever had an idea for a game, but never able to get it out into the world? Well, like many, I have. I’ve had mine since I was 7. 

The idea was sparked by a playground encounter back in Grade 2, and ever since, I've been plotting revenge in the form of creative arcade action animation!

The year is 1985, and I am being pushed around in front of my classroom. These pushes quickly turn to punches and kicks, and I find myself knocked down to the pavement.

As a 7-year-old, my first thought was 'Darn, I wish I knew Kung Fu'

I am sure most would agree. At some point in every kid’s life, we've all wanted the strength and ability of a skilled warrior such as a Kung Fu master for one reason or another. 

A couple of years later, I sketched my first drawing of an unnamed character and with that, it began a life-long dream to create an underdog fighting game experience. 

Fast forward to today, it all started with the recreation of the original drawing of the character I did all those years ago. When I finished sketching, I realised he looked more like a Sumo boy.

Finally after eight years in digital, we can turn this ambitious kid’s story into an epic adventure!

SumoBoy has no one and nothing; he’s a chubby orphan who is almost constantly picked on, put down and over-looked. He has no real home or identity. He has no idea who his parents are or where he comes from.

What’s an unfortunate child like this to do? Why, just make it all up, of course!

While SumoBoy’s real/external life is dull, drab and somewhat meaningless, his interior life, the life he lives in his mind, is rich and adventurous. It is this internal life that keeps him sane and in a (relatively) good humor. Most children born into these ill-fated circumstances would be bitter, unruly miscreants, but not SumoBoy. He remains polite and studious because, ultimately, he believes that what he has made up in his head is real and if he isn’t a good boy, his mother won’t come to claim him one day; to remove him from the awful Tohoku Home for Boys where he is bullied and beaten on a daily basis.

Of course, the “origin” that SumoBoy has concocted for himself is rather epic. His parents aren’t just “Joe the Truck Driver” and “Linda the Waitress” who live in a small apartment in the city and have normal, everyday problems. In SumoBoy’s mind, his father is a famous Sumo wrestler known as “Otokoyama  (男山)” or “The Man Mountain” and his mother, Kesa, is truly “Yoso no Ojo (要素の王女)The Princess of the Elements” disguised in human form here on Earth. Her father was chosen to be her protector/bodyguard because of his physical, wrestling prowess and enormous girth. And, as these things go (or as SumoBoy willed them to go because it’s his fantasy after all), Yama and Kesa fell in love and had a child, Oji (SumoBoy’s true name).

Now, why would The Princess of the Elements be hiding out in the real world and need a protector? Good questions. The answers are simple: the comely Princess had another suitor of course, a guileful being known as Kurai Kami. The Princess spurned Kuari Kami’s advances because she sensed that he was a truly malignant and repulsive creature. Kurai Kami is not one to be rebuffed, so he pursued her throughout time and to the very ends of existence…until she had no choice but to disguise herself as a simple human being, hide amongst them and hope that Kurai Kami would forget her.

Kuari Kami is also one not to forget…especially someone who has escaped his nefarious grasp. It took some doing, but Kurai Kami eventually found the Princess, hiding in plain sight on Earth. A plan was hatched: Kurai Kami would possess Yama’s main Sumo rival, D. Toyota, granting him extraordinary powers for their bout. He would “accidentally” slay Yama in the ring and then make off with the near defenseless Princess. Unfortunately for the infant SumoBoy/Oji this vile plot worked to perfection and left him an orphan.

Now that he is older and able to fight, SumoBoy has been receiving mental/dream messages from his mother, the captive Princess. He must find the courage within him; he must channel the fighting spirit of his father and release her from under Kurai Kami’s evil thumb.  SumoBoy must release the Four Elements of the Earth (wind, water, fire and earth) from the control of Kurai Kami to fully restore his mother’s power and then they can face Kurai Kami together.

Fortunately, it is still within Kesa’s power to send her son two “gifts” to aid him in the coming battle with Kurai Kami: the wizened old Master, Kodai, and the Ainohane to Nikushimi (愛の羽根と憎しみ), The Blade of Love and Hate. In reality Kodai is just the janitor at the orphanage, but SumoBoy has co-opted him into his fantasy because Kodai is nice to him.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT! TO BE CONTINUED... Keep your eye's on our comic updates to see what happens next! Mondays, Wednesday & Saturdays here EXCLUSIVE on Indiegogo.

Produced by Taprr, a small passionate independent app and now, game studio. We promise to capitulate the true essence of youthful courage -- the kind that lives deep within the sole of every person that has ever been made to feel less than good enough.

We have been working hard on Sumoboy for 12 months. From sketches to renders and framing to animation takes hundreds of hours. The 2D animation is finally complete and we are frenetically working on the 3D assets. We plan to begin iOS development first off, before moving towards Android, PC, Mac and Linux.

We've happily invested a lot of time and money into this project, and we are extremely proud of what we've been able to achieve thus far, but unfortunately, this progress comes at a cost, but hey we are passionate and driven. We've come this far so why not do everything humanly possible to raise the additional funds needed to make Sumoboy’s epic story come to life.

To launch Sumoboy successfully, we need to be able to pay the associated bills. Coding animation and multiple platform development is an expensive and massive effort, which we want to make sure is done right. To do that, we are looking for help from backers. 

That's where you come in. With your help, together we can break through walls and push Sumoboy over the line. Support will get the first game live on iPhone, iPad and Android well before the end of the year as we push towards PC and Mac and Linux with our stretch goals.

Be part of Sumoboy history, help us reach our goal and turn this small unheard of indie game into a household name.

We love games that take us to far away places, however just like you. We live in the real world and don't expect something for nothing, so we have lined up heaps of awesome original memorabilia to reward you for your kind donations. You can check out what’s on offer down the right hand side of this page.

Go on make a donation now, we know you want to. :)

To be honest, there is a ton of work that goes into an ambitious vision such as a game –  a lot more than we initially thought. Fortunately, we have extensive knowledge in application development and the skills in gaming and mobile to turn this creative project into a finished reality. 

Here's a glimpse of what funding will go towards:

Game Design, User Experience, Animation, Game Programming/Coding, Story Production, Illustrated 2D and 3D Rendering/Rigging, Level Design, Production Management, Element Wire Framing, Sound Effects, Voice Artist, System Architecture, Systems Administration, De-bugging, QA and well, a lot more.

Funding from this Indiegogo campaign is none-profit and will go directly towards fuelling the bills related to the above production components.

I can tell you, we would be over the moon just to reach our target goal. However if we raise more, here are the awesome stretch goals to look forward to! 

SECOND GAME 3D - JRPG: This will move us away from just a PC demo game as we begin developing all levels with in Sumoboy's realm.  It allows us to enhance the game play experience through the implementation of more VFX and generate bigger battle options. 

SECOND GAME 3D - JRPG: This stretch goal will give us the wings to launch the second instalment in planing on playable on PC. Game play styling inspired by cult hits like Diablo III and Bastion.

Now we are talking. Firstly PC, MAC AND LINUX! All possibly via Steam so you can play Sumoboy on the major 3. Take Sumoboy through an epic comic inspired mystified 3D adventure to save the elements of earth.

We want you to play an active role in the development of this cult master piece.

Really?! Did someone say... more game play options? Battle Mode and Exploration Mode! Exploration allows you to execute mini quests to progress through story based objectives.

250K+ Plus: We have our eyes set on other platforms such as, Nintendo Wii U, Xbox Live Arcade/Indie/One, Play Station 3,4,Vita and even those new guys, OUYA and Gampop. You tell us what you want!

Note: We will add extended detail to these stretch goals as we get closer to each bench mark.

THE FIRST EVER SUMO BASED JRPG!

Sumoboy is the first full scale action JRPG adventure to originate from the nobel combat Art of Sumo. Sumoboy embarks on a journey to save the Princess of Elements to protect Nature from The Darkness and his evil Zombie Army.

Game play is intuitive with the seamless exploration and combat models bringing the characters and environment to life in carefully thought out scenarios. Carefully blending emotional and psychical highlights and ensure an interesting dynamic progression of this story.

Your objective is to restore the land by aligning the Elements of Earth, bring the Princess home and rid the land of evil. To achieve this, you must help Sumoboy develop his skills through out game play and advance to connect the four elements of earth. This JRPG is unique, fast and jam-packed with heaps Sumo of Kung Fu moves. Master mixed combos like the Sonic Sumo Stomp, Death Belly Bounce and all your mixed Kung Fu favourites. 

The game has been designed to emulate an imaginary ancient Japan which is demonstrated with lush environment art works, inspired by game design techniques from 80s. 

Game play revolves around the four elements of earth. It is believed to reflect the simplest essential parts and principles of which anything on earth consists. It's an ancient belief inspired by the natural observation of phases of matter. Collect and align all four and draw upon the natures power to unleash four awesome and unique Powerups.

The gamer must collect these elements at crucial moments during the game to restore nature and use them at the right stages to defeat The Darkness.

IF YOU HAVE COME THIS FAR THAN WE ARE SURE YOU WOULD LOVE TO PLAY THIS GAME AND MORE GAMES LIKE IT.

PLEASE PLEDGE A DONATION AND PLAY YOUR PART IN MAKING SUMOBOY HISTORY :)

FAQ

Q. Are Pledgers in AUD or USD?

A: We are Australian based however it's in US dollars. Indiegogo dosen't have an AU dollar option for the time being.

Q. Would love to help but I only have a few bucks?

A: Sure a that's is fine. Just pledge what you can afford. We appericate every little dollar. Don't forget sharing this campaign via social. It's another form of support so please share this page when ever you can :)

Q: Is the game free or paid?

A: The iOS & Android version of the game will be FREE with in-app purchase options. The MAC and PC game will be a paid game, however if you pledge over $25 or more here on Indiegogo you will receive Codes to download the game.

Q. How long until I get my perks?

A: As soon as this campaign is finished we will begin the process of putting all the perks together. This could take us 4 to 8 weeks after the campaign end date. Please note that we are shipping some shirts from Australia so allow an additional 10 to 20 days.

We take perks seriously so we have appointed a decicated Perks Manager to make sure everything gets to you as quickly as possible. We will be reading your comments, so leave messages there at will.

Q. How do I tell you my t-shirt size?

A: You can add infomation when you make pledge to this campaign. You will also have a chance to give us additional information at the end of the campaign. If by chance you missed something, don't worry, we will contact you. You can also leave t-shirt sizes or any other additional information in the comments area.

Q. What if I left out the shipping costs by mistake?

A. You can make an additional donation with the missing amount required for your perk. Just notify us through the comments area.

Q. How long until a comment is responded to?

Please allow our Perks Manager 24 to 48 hours to respond. All comments are being tracked and we are also keeping a check list. We record everything so don't worry if you're comment no longer appears, deleting them makes it easier for us to track progress.

Q. Can I upgrade my donation to get a higher tier?

A. Yes. Just pledge again with the difference.

Example paid $55+ shipping on first pledge & wanted to upgrade to $85 offer

Easy. Just pledge and additional $30. Leave a comment so we match it up faster.