Janitors' SNES RPG Revival Hits Steam On Nov 18
SNES RPG revival Kingdoms Of The Dump brings trash-themed fantasy to Steam next month, proving one gamer's rubbish is another's treasure.
SNES RPG revival Kingdoms Of The Dump brings trash-themed fantasy to Steam next month, proving one gamer's rubbish is another's treasure.
Game ScreenShots / Steam
Developed by Roach Games, a studio founded by two janitors, this Kickstarter success story (from 2019) launches on 18th November with a charming retro aesthetic that belies its unconventional subject matter.
Players control Dustin Binsley, a 'Trash Can' knight, in the Lands of Fill – a garbage-strewn fantasy world comprising five and a half kingdoms collectively known as The Dump. The plot follows Binsley's quest to fend off the 'disgusting' Toxic Grimelin Army and rescue his trash-picked King. Despite its waste management theme, early footage reveals surprisingly polished pixel artwork and a beautifully rendered Mode 7-style world map that faithfully recreates the 16-bit era's visual charm.
The combat system appears heavily inspired by Super Mario RPG, featuring timed hits that add strategic depth to turn-based battles. Furthermore, the developers have clearly studied classics like EarthBound, Chrono Trigger, and Secret of Mana, incorporating character swapping mechanics and eliminating random encounters. According to the Steam listing, players can expect grid-based combat, platforming elements that logically overcome environmental obstacles, and unique character abilities including Rust, Climb, Gun, and Bubble.
Roach Games emphasises their unconventional background with the poignant tagline: 'Made with love, by those who sweep your floors.' The project successfully raised funding on Kickstarter back in 2019, demonstrating considerable audience appetite for authentic SNES-era revivals. The Steam page is now live for wishlisting ahead of next month's launch.
