The Midnight Team has launched a Kickstarter for their first game, Starxium 20XX.

The game takes an interesting take on the king-of-the-hill game mode. Instead being “capture the convoy,” you play as cars driving along side a train, and as long as only your team is near it, you can begin to capture it.

Starxium 20XX aims to be “entirely modable” allowing for more tracks to be created. You can find a developer’s video on the Road Tools demo here. The Kickstarter also lists two modes- a single player mode in which you perform tricks, and a Battle Royale mode.

You can find samples of the games synthwave soundtrack here (1, 2, 3, 4). The final game shall features at least 12 music tracks.

Stretch goals include adding more car models, the single-player mode “will be free,” the ability to play against a friend who owns the game for free without buying the game yourself (but being unable to customize your car), different environments with different physics, randomly generated maps, and VR compatibility.

The developers suggest the game may come to Mac and Linux with enough funding. As for consoles, they initially state there will not be ports, but then add “Well, it’s not a definitive “no”. Why not if the campaign is exceptionally successful, but let’s stay realistic for now.”

You can find a full run-down below:

The Midnight Team is proud to announce the launch of the Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign of its first title: Starxium 20XX. An e-sport oriented video game in a retro and 80s inspired universe that is scheduled for a PC release late 2019.

The game is highly reminiscent of the 80s with its neon lit nights, and boasts original synthwave music. Its strong visual and sound identity allow the game to be appreciated by a growing community of retro lovers who crave the 80s pop culture.

“Starxium 20XX was created with e-sport in mind: it’s made to be as fun to play as it is to watch” – says Hugo Attal, founder of The Midnight Team. “That’s why I developed a new genre of vehicle-based game: a ‘capture the point’ with a high-speed moving point. Players need to stay near a moving convoy so it’s easier for viewers to understand what is going on in the round.”

Key Features:

• Gorgeous neon aesthetics: Did you ever dream to drive fast on the 80s highway, leaving a big tron-like light trail behind you, listening to good old synth music like synthwave? This is the place!
• A new genre: The game is 4v4. Strategy and communication are key in order to capture the convoy. Stay near it and throw your opponents off track.
• Car Customization: Players can customize the skin of their car but also the components like the motor, the tires, the brakes, and so on… All components are made by 21 different manufacturers.
• Game Modding: People can contribute to the game by creating new maps and modes. Some are already planned such as a battle royal racing mode with high speed cars.

You can find the official website Starxium 20XX here and the Kickstarter here. If successful, Starxium 20XX will be coming to Windows PC via Steam, with a public beta in September 2019.