Solo developer Baardmoeder has launched a Kickstarter for Turbo Turbo, a retro-inspired arcade game blending on-rails shooting and racing, with co-op and single-player modes, and a campaign goal set for $29,000
Turbo Turbo, a new arcade-style game fusing classic racing with on-rails shooting, has been officially announced by solo developer Baardmoeder. The project, described as a spiritual successor to an earlier M.A.S.K. prototype, is now seeking funding through Kickstarter. The announcement coincides with the launch of Double Fine's Amnesia Fortnite campaign, but Turbo Turbo stands out for its focus on cooperative play and retro presentation.
Gameplay and Core Features
Turbo Turbo is set in stylised versions of real-world disaster zones, offering a light-hearted take on high-stakes action. The game's central mechanic requires two players to work together-one driving, the other shooting-though a single-player mode is also available. This hybrid approach draws inspiration from classic titles such as Outrun and House of the Dead, with the added twist of players fending off an alien invasion while racing through hazardous environments. The game features a level-select structure, allowing players to choose the order in which they tackle bosses and unlock new weapons. Visuals are presented in a pixel-art style, with optional CRT filters to evoke the look of 1980s and 1990s arcade games.
Kickstarter Campaign Details
The Kickstarter campaign for Turbo Turbo is now live, with a funding target of $29,000 (or €25,000). Early backers can secure a digital copy for $12 / €10, undercutting the planned base price of $17 / €15. While the initial focus is on PC, console ports are being considered as stretch goals if the campaign exceeds its primary target. The campaign page includes a gameplay trailer, offering a first look at the game's blend of driving and shooting mechanics in action. This approach to crowdfunding follows a trend seen in other recent indie projects, such as the public demo release for SlotsNStocks, which allowed players to test core mechanics ahead of launch-an approach detailed in NGB's coverage of the SlotsNStocks demo.
Developer Background and Project Status
Baardmoeder, the solo developer behind Turbo Turbo, is the alias of Sjors Jansen, a Dutch game creator with credits on the Lara Croft Tomb Raider series and Deus Ex 3. Now based in Germany, Jansen has previously released Zwamman and Incremental Retro Racing, both earlier in 2026. Turbo Turbo is positioned as a passion project, aiming to deliver a cult-classic experience rather than a mainstream blockbuster. The developer has made a press kit and trailers for both the original M.A.S.K. prototype and Turbo Turbo available online, providing additional context for those interested in the game's evolution.
What Remains Unconfirmed
While the Kickstarter campaign outlines the core gameplay and visual style, several details remain unconfirmed. Platform availability beyond PC is dependent on stretch goals, and there is currently no announced release window. The extent of single-player content, performance targets, and accessibility features have not been detailed. As with many crowdfunded projects, the final scope and delivery timeline will depend on the campaign's success and subsequent development progress.
Turbo Turbo's hybrid design combines elements of racing and on-rails shooting, genres that have traditionally been distinct. In this context, "on-rails shooter" refers to a style of game where player movement is largely automated, allowing the focus to shift to aiming and shooting, while the racing component introduces manual driving and environmental hazards. This blend requires careful coordination in co-op play and presents unique design challenges for single-player modes, where task-switching or AI assistance may be used to replicate the experience of two players.
