Yanoman and Japan Art Media (JAM) have initiated a crowdfunding drive aimed at bringing the Aretha JRPG series back to life. Hosted through Campfire, the campaign will continue until August 31, 11:59 PM JST. The initiative features multiple milestones, each unlocking new Aretha-themed endeavors.
Regarding merchandise, a fresh manga booklet showcasing original illustrations by acclaimed manga artist Yoshitoo Asari will be produced and distributed upon reaching 1 million JPY (approximately $6.2K USD). Additionally, Aretha-inspired puzzles and an official Aretha artbook are in the works. These items will be crafted should the campaign achieve 10 million JPY ($62K USD).
When the campaign hits 30 million JPY ($185K USD), remastered versions of the initial three games (Aretha, Aretha II, and Aretha III) will be developed for the Nintendo Switch (with other platforms also under consideration). The compilation is tentatively named “Aretha Collection 1990–1992” (distinct from the forthcoming Aretha Collection 1993-1995 scheduled for July 30 on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 and 5).
Although the series’ plot is largely complete, missing segments in the narrative will be jointly created and supplemented with fan lore. Both the in-game lore and fan-generated material will be compiled on an official reference site called “Aretha World Core.” Backers at a particular level and above can contribute to the site’s content, as well as have their names featured on a list for readers. The Aretha World Core initiative will be unlocked once the campaign reaches 80 million JPY ($493k USD).
The higher-tier stretch goals include a brand new Aretha OVA, drama CD, and a YouTube anime series, which will be created once funding hits 50 million (for the OVA and drama CD) and 80 million JPY (for the YouTube series, alongside the Aretha World Core webpage), respectively. Should the campaign attain its ultimate 100 million JPY ($617K USD) target, a new installment in the franchise for contemporary platforms will be produced.
While specifics about the new game are limited, this marks not the first occasion Yanoman and JAM have partnered on an Aretha-related venture. In addition to developing the aforementioned Aretha Collection 1993-1995, they have organized an orchestra concert and multiple merchandise items (such as prints and soundtrack compilations) as components of the Aretha Reunion Project ~I Want to Meet You Again~ – a campaign aimed at revitalizing interest in the series. All of these endeavors have been successful, which likely explains why this latest campaign is all-inclusive, meaning backers will receive their complete rewards irrespective of whether the target is met.