Indie developer PLECTRUM SOFT has launched crowdfunding for PROJECT MIX, their stylish and promising anime-themed VR adventure game.

The developer has launched a Kickstarter campaign that got funded nearly instantly, though they’re hoping to expand the game with better animations, more involved romance options, guest composter Shoji Meguro, and more with stretch goal funding. A playable demo is available, too.

In the game, you play as Rone, a young and ex-triad gangster who’s desperate to leave his criminal past behind him. After meeting the eccentric owner of the Eleventh Heaven Bar, he starts a new and unexpected gig as a bartender.

PROJECT MIX is in development for Windows PC / SteamVR and other virtual reality devices like Meta Quest and PlayStation VR2.

Here’s a rundown on the game, plus a new trailer:

PROJECT MIX is a VR anime narrative game. Set in the red light district of New Mong Kok, you play as Rone, a young former thug starting a new beginning to try to leave behind his life of crime. He unexpectedly becomes a bartender after a chance meeting with Valencia, the eccentric bar owner of Eleventh Heaven.

At first, you live by the paycheck working at Eleventh Heaven, but as you find yourself hearing a bit too much for your own good, you find yourself thrown into a deep conspiracy.

Key Features:

• Meet unique characters and learn about New Mong Kok from differing perspectives.
• Shake, pour, decorate, and serve. Interactive bartending mechanics built from the ground up for VR.
• What you choose to serve changes the lives of your clients, and even the game narrative.
• A focus on the small and subtle moments, such as having a smoke after work, sharing a drink, and petting your cat.
• Explore the world through gorgeous and atmospheric environments featuring stylized anime visuals.
• Interactive character moments and relationship building with detailed romance routes. Meet a variety of characters from all walks of life.
• Original soundtrack tailored especially for the game, ranging from jazz, synthpop to citypop.
• Different play modes supported. The game can be played comfortably seated or standing, and even in your bed if you dare so.

Non-VR Version

While our long-term vision is to build the leading VR anime/Asian game studio, we want as many people as possible to experience PROJECT MIX. If we can meet our funding stretch goals, we will definitely develop a non-VR version.

However, it won’t be a basic first-person mode that any modder can throw together. Instead, it will feature completely redesigned controls, cinematic camera work, and tailored UI visuals, to more closely match what you may expect from Catherine or the Persona series. It will be a title that stands on it’s own.

But it also means it will require extra time as well as skills we don’t have, so the stretch goal funding will be essential.