'Apocalypse Now' Director Starts Campaign for Film Inspired Video Game

LOS ANGELES - A Kickstarter campaign to fund a roleplaying game based on the 1979 film "Apocalypse Now" was announced Wednesday by its director, Francis Ford Coppola.

"Forty years ago, I set out to make a personal art picture that could hopefully influence generations of viewers for years to come," Coppola said. "Today, I'm joined by new daredevils, a team who want to make an interactive version of 'Apocalypse Now,' where you are Capt. Benjamin Willard amidst the harsh backdrop of the Vietnam War."

"I've been watching video games grow into a meaningful way to tell stories, and I'm excited to explore the possibilities for 'Apocalypse Now' for a new platform and a new generation."

The game is scheduled for a 2020 release. Rewards for donors include props from the film, including the surfboard used by Robert Duvall, early access to pre-release versions of the game, limited edition "Apocalypse Now" - themed merchandise and play sessions with the development team.

A select tier of backers will have the opportunity to give critical feedback directly to the development team.

Donations can be made at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fringerider/apocalypse-now-the-game.

"We will create a game that challenges what an interactive experience can be just as the original motion picture challenged the concept of cinema," game director Montgomery Markland said.

"We are making a game that we are excited to play. We will deliver a greater variety of experience and interaction than is currently available within the relatively static industry."

- City News Service / Photo courtesy Gerald Geronimo Flickr