Last year, artist Jed Henry launched a parody art project, the Ukiyo-e Heroes, based on classic video games. He portrayed various game characters in a traditional Japanese style, using classic tools and techniques. The designs quickly went viral online. Now he is designing a game for iOS and Android devices in the same art style. The game is a fighting-based role-playing-game, and is called Edo Superstar. The project is currently seeking $65,000 in funding via Kickstarter.

The project is part of Jed’s continued efforts to support Tokyo’s struggling woodblock printing community. He has teamed up again with woodblock print-maker, David Bull, to create a series of four hand-made woodblock prints featuring the game’s main character, Masaru. The prints are being offered as rewards for backing the game on Kickstarter. After the game reaches its funding goal, Jed plans to release the finished game for free as a thank-you to everyone who supports the project at any level.

Edo Superstar features a fun-loving monkey named Masaru who quits his ninja clan to pursue a life of fame in the big city. Masaru becomes more and more famous as he defeats notorious bad guys all across medieval Japan. His greatest dream is to become a fighting sensation in the capital city, Edo, and win the hearts of the people of Japan.

The game features an intuitive touch-based control system based on taps, swipes, and other touch gestures. By eliminating the need for onscreen virtual buttons for controls, Jed and his team have created a unique mobile fighting experience that feels tight and instinctive. When a player taps anywhere on an enemy, Masaru punches or kicks the exact spot with amazing precision. This opens up the possibility of creating enemies with specific weak points, something that is very difficult to achieve in a traditional fighting game.

In addition to the fighting aspect of the game, Jed and his team have designed a plethora of humorous bonus games to showcase Masaru’s fun personality. These bonus games will include Masaru doing push-ups to impress the ladies, kissing babies, signing autographs, and humiliating enemies with epic finishing moves such as a “power wedgie”.

Jed hopes that backers will support the project because they receive a beautiful hand-made woodblock print, provide work for Tokyo’s struggling woodblock community, and receive a unique video game that brings old and new Japanese culture together.

The funding period for the game ends Sept. 5.