Indie RPGs aren't terribly uncommon nowadays. Neither are indie RPGs with a retro flair. But an indie RPG with a retro flair that's also set against a film noir backdrop?

Ok, you've got my attention.

Stepping into the shoes of a shamed police detective turned private eye, Pixel Noir will task players with finding clues, interrogating suspects, and - since it's also a JPRG at heart - engaging in turn-based battles with some unexpectedly gruesome foes.

Pixel Noir definitely piqued my curiosity, but it also has me thinking out loud: Is film noir the next big trend in games? Pixel Noir's existence seems to have come along right at the same time as the sci-fi gumshoe adventure , and if you like what you see, send a pledge their way.