Kickstarter Games That Reimagine Classic Game Themes

1 September 2025

Some say old is gold. But what if I told you old could also be reinvented into something spectacular? That’s exactly what’s happening over on Kickstarter. It's a treasure trove of creative folks taking classic games we all know and love—think tabletop adventures, card games, platformers—and flipping them into something fresh and exciting. These aren’t just carbon copies with a new coat of paint. Instead, they’re complete reinterpretations that capture nostalgia while offering innovative twists. So, grab a drink, sit back, and let’s dive into the world of Kickstarter games that reimagine classic game themes.

Why Kickstarter? The Playground for Creativity

Before we dive into the specifics, you might wonder, why are we singling out Kickstarter? Well, Kickstarter has become a haven for indie developers and small teams looking to breathe life into their wild ideas. It’s like the brainstorming session of the gaming world—only backed by thousands of enthusiastic players like you and me funding projects with real money. These creators often aren’t shackled by corporate demands or predetermined aesthetics, making them free to experiment and take bold risks.

Plus, many of these games are deeply personal passion projects. That passion? Oh, it shows. You can spot it in the craftsmanship, the storytelling, and the love for the games that inspired them. Now let’s check out some examples of how Kickstarter developers are revamping the classics.

Classic Adventure Games – Reinvented

1. "Book of Travels" – A Tiny Multiplayer Online RPG

Remember those old point-and-click adventure games with stunning artwork and sprawling worlds? Now imagine that heart-stirring aesthetic paired with a modern multiplayer twist. That’s what Book of Travels brings to the table.

Developed by Might and Delight, this gem takes the classic concept of adventure games and transforms it into a “TMORPG”—that’s Tiny Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game for the uninitiated. Instead of dumping you into a massive chaotic world, it focuses on cozy, serene exploration. Think of it as the gaming equivalent of taking a long walk in the woods on a crisp fall morning.

With lush hand-painted visuals and a non-linear storytelling approach, it’s a love letter to old-school exploration but feels refreshingly new. Who says multiplayer has to mean fast-paced chaos, huh?

2. "Frostpunk: The Board Game" – Survival Strategy on Your Table

If you’ve ever played any survival or city-building game (SimCity, anyone?) and wished you could gather friends for a similar experience in real life, Frostpunk: The Board Game is here to make it happen.

While it’s directly inspired by the popular video game Frostpunk, its mechanics tip their hat to classic resource management games like Settlers of Catan or even good ol’ chess with their deep strategy requirements. The twist? It asks players to confront moral dilemmas.

Will you ration the dwindling resources fairly, or throw the weakest under the bus to ensure everyone else survives another day? It's almost as if someone mashed up Monopoly with a heavy dose of “What would you do in a crisis?” vibes. The result? A table-top experience brimming with tough choices and nail-biting suspense.

Card Games With A Twist

3. "Here to Slay" – Dungeons Meet Deck-Building

Deck-building games like Magic: The Gathering or Dominion have been a staple for years. But Here to Slay amps up the fun by throwing RPG-style dungeon crawling into the mix. Created by the same team behind Unstable Unicorns, this cheeky Kickstarter hit lets you gather heroes, battle monsters, and sabotage other players—all with the humor and chaos of a party game.

What sets it apart? Accessibility. While many deck-building games can feel daunting for newbies, Here to Slay keeps things simple without sacrificing strategic depth. It’s perfect for introducing friends to card games or just unleashing your inner troll.

4. "Exploding Kittens" – The Classic Uno Rival

Okay, hear me out. What if Uno had a mischievous little cousin that was slightly unhinged? That’s Exploding Kittens. While it’s been around for a while, this Kickstarter phenomenon is worth a shoutout because it’s a fantastic example of reimagining a tried-and-true formula.

The premise is simple: draw cards, avoid the exploding kitten, and try to make your opponents fail horribly. It’s Uno meets Hot Potato, with a sprinkle of absurd humor thrown in for good measure. It’s wild, it’s wacky, and it’s impossible not to laugh while playing.

Inspired by Classic Platformers

5. "The Messenger" – Ninja Gaiden, But Better

If you grew up playing 8-bit classics like Ninja Gaiden or Castlevania, then holy smokes, The Messenger is going to hit you right in the feels. This Kickstarter-funded gem feels like stepping into a time machine and landing in the peak NES era, but with smoother controls and modern design sensibilities.

What’s clever about The Messenger is its dual timelines—shifting between 8-bit and 16-bit styles as you progress through the game. It’s not just nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake either; the gameplay evolves alongside the graphics, giving this platformer a fresh and dynamic edge. Prepare to rage-quit in delight (and maybe throw your controller like old times).

6. "Shovel Knight" – The King of Retro-Modern Platformers

Alright, I know Shovel Knight is borderline mainstream now, but did you know it started on Kickstarter? Yep, this game brought platformers roaring back into the limelight by blending classic Mega Man-style gameplay with gorgeous pixel art and quirky charm.

And the shovel as a weapon? Genius. I mean, who needs swords when you’ve got a digging tool that doubles as the ultimate pogo stick? It’s quirky, it’s retro, and it paved the way for countless other Kickstarter platformers to follow.

Board Games That Reimagine Classics

7. "Return to Dark Tower" – A Modern Take on an '80s Classic

If you were lucky enough to play the original Dark Tower board game back in the '80s, you know it was ahead of its time. But Ravensburger has taken this retro gem and supercharged it for the 21st century.

Return to Dark Tower combines the classic cooperative gameplay of its predecessor with an app-driven mechanic that adds depth and unpredictability. The electronic tower at the game’s core isn't just a gimmicky centerpiece—it’s like having your own evil dungeon master controlling the experience. Nostalgia? Check. Innovation? Double-check.

Why Classic Game Themes Still Work

So, what’s the deal with revamping old game themes anyway? Honestly, it boils down to one thing: they work. Humans are suckers for nostalgia, but we also crave novelty. When game designers take something familiar and flip it on its head, it strikes this perfect balance.

Recreating classic game themes also carries a sense of universal appeal. You don’t need to be a hardcore gamer to understand the mechanics of a card game or a board game. And for those who grew up crushing levels of Contra or Monopoly marathons, these reimagined versions feel like coming home—only better.

Should You Back a Kickstarter Game?

Backing Kickstarter games can be a bit of a gamble, sure. You’re putting your faith (and cash) into developers who might be new to the scene. But more often than not, it’s worth it. Many popular games today (Hollow Knight, anyone?) owe their success to Kickstarter backers who believed in the vision. Plus, you’re directly supporting creators and getting a sneak peek at the next big thing in gaming.

So, the next time you’re scrolling through Kickstarter, keep an eye out for those classic game-inspired gems. You might just find your new favorite game.

Final Thoughts

Classic games aren’t going anywhere. If anything, they’re evolving, growing, and making comebacks in ways we never imagined. From cozy digital adventures and retro platformers to wild card games and epic table-top experiences, Kickstarter is the ultimate hub for innovation. Whether you’re a nostalgia junkie or just love seeing creativity at work, these reimagined classics are worth exploring.

One final tip? Keep supporting indie developers. They’re the backbone of these ambitious projects, and without them, we wouldn’t have half the awesome, outside-the-box games we get to enjoy today. So go ahead, dive into the world of Kickstarter, and maybe even back a game or two. You never know—you could help fund the next Shovel Knight!