Review Fix Exclusive: Inside ‘Blossom Tales’

Review Fix chats with “Blossom Tales” developer Joannis Xenakis, who tells us all about the 2D retro RPG.

About Blossom Tales:

A delightful mix of “Zelda” and “Princess Bride”, Blossom Tales’ narrative will unfold in the form of a fable being passed down from grandfather to grandchildren. Unable to resist their adorable plea, the old storyteller weaves a tale in which Lily, a heroic girl becomes one of the esteemed Knights of the Rose. However, that same day the evil wizard Crocus places the King into an everlasting sleep with one of his dreaded spells, forcing Lily to go on a grand quest in search of a remedy. Drawing inspiration from the beloved top-down adventure games we grew up with, Blossom Tales is a refreshing combination of classic Action-RPG gameplay and modern design.

Review Fix: What games inspired this one?

Joannis Xenakis: The main inspiration comes from the 2D Zelda titles. I am a huge HUGE fan of ‘A Link to the Past’ and the way it manages to build up this feeling of being an Adventurer exploring a world. Blossom Tales relies on similar mechanics, but in the end, we took another direction towards a more action oriented, arcade-like gameplay with vivid story-telling.

Review Fix: What has development been like?

Xenakis: Development has been great so far. It is a pleasure to work with Tyler and Rob. Castle Pixel has shown in the past (Rex Rocket) that they are talented in crafting games and they are showing it again with Blossom Tales. The quality of the assets they make and the way the gameplay feels is just astonishing.

Review Fix: With all the competition on the mobile market and in the indies now, how difficult was it for you guys to try and make something that stood out?

Xenakis: Standing out is very hard indeed. Your game might be unique in a way, but first of all, people need to get the chance to notice that. I think one of the main points which lets Blossom Tales stand out is the art style. Rob is very good in splashing modern elements with retro pixel graphics. It’s an eye catcher, but far from being ‘style over substance’.

Another unique characteristic is the way Blossom Tale’s story is told. The events happening in the game are actually part of the story grandpa tells his grandchildren, which interrupt, alter and enhance it all the way through. Compared to other games in the genre, we are focusing more on action arcade elements than others.

Review Fix: Bottom line, why must someone play this game?

Xenakis: Everybody who is looking for some new, fresh elements in the action-oriented adventure genre should give Blossom Tales a try. The art style, the music, the gameplay – you can simply feel the dedication and passion put into the game.

Review Fix: How do you want this game to be remembered?

Xenakis: We’d be very happy if people would remember Blossom Tales as a high-quality game which pays tribute to all the good old games we loved and love still, but with a new twist to it.

Review Fix: What are your goals for this game?

Xenakis: Make sure people will enjoy the game and to establish ourselves on Steam to release more high-quality games in the future.

Review Fix: What’s next?

Xenakis: We are on the brink of finishing the game and are working very hard to release it as soon as possible.