Witching Hour Studios, the team behind the forthcoming Masquerada: Songs and Shadows, are appealing for fan support for the final push of the game's development cycle via a Kickstarter campaign. With the team's development funding running out by the end of April, it hopes fans will take up the cause and bridge the remaining gap. The campaign, which ends May 5, 2016, has a goal of £45,000.

The Singapore-based developer is also using the opportunity to reveal some further details about its game. The isometric combat, which can either be played in real-time or paused at a moment's notice for players wishing to employ tactical strategery, will employ a mix of swordplay and magic, the latter of which is available to all characters via the use of special masks, called mascherines. Spells can also work in conjunction with each other; hit an opponent with an earth-based elemental spell, and he'll have an earth elemental tag attached to him. This will cause a second hit by a water-based spell to slow him down in churning mud, rather than just the simple elemental damage.

Combat is further nuanced via the inclusion of three unique combat forms, each with its own set of specialized skills. Combat will always consist of a party of three: main character Cicero and two companions. There are a variety of character classes, and each wields a signature weapon, as opposed to an inventory system with a swappable armory. Though weapons are fixed, they can be augmented through the use of engraved sigils and by staining the weapon with certain ink patterns. Control can be switched at any time from Cicero to one of his companions, though players will only ever control one character while the AI handles the others.

Masquerada is a combat- and narrative-focused RPG, so it places a huge emphasis on its story. To lend some power to the emotional moments, the game is fully voiced by a cast of veteran voice actors. A former investigator, Cicero Gavar has been brought back from exile to the Venetian-based city of Ombre to investigate the kidnapping of an important diplomat. The developers promise a story of intrigue and corruption as Cicero's investigation goes too deep and he digs up secrets not meant for him.

Masquerada's estimated release date is in July 2016, and it will be available for PC, Mac, and PlayStation 4 via download. A bare-bones digital copy of the game can be had on Kickstarter starting at £14, with physical rewards available for those pledging higher amounts.

Please note that RPGamer's crowdfunding coverage is solely at staff discretion. Campaigns may send a press release to news@rpgamer.com, but are asked to please not personally petition RPGamer staff via e-mail or social networking. Coverage is not guaranteed. Thank you!​