Old School Gamer Magazine interviews Matt Tuttle, the creator of Echoes of the Unread, to explore the inspirations behind the game and much more.
Discover it on Kickstarter.
About Echoes of the Unread:
Created by Clever Cat Games and published by Mega Cat Studios, Echoes of the Unread immerses players in the journey of Rhapsody, a young girl who falls asleep while studying in the library, only to awaken in a fantastical realm where the characters from books come to life. Her voice can reshape this world with the power of song.
To return home, Rhapsody must venture into various enchanting stories, forming friendships with a cowboy, singing to a mermaid, outsmarting a cheeky ghost, and weaving magical melodies to escape the grasp of the villainous magician Odele, who aims to imprison her in the library forever.
Old School Gamer Magazine: How did this game come into existence?
Matt Tuttle: The game originated as a birthday present for my sister but evolved into what is now Echoes of the Unread.
Old School Gamer Magazine: What is the significance of the NES today?
Tuttle: It’s the console many of us grew up with, and it remains relevant because we continue to breathe new life into it through fresh experiences.
Old School Gamer Magazine: What has the development process been like? Any hurdles?
Tuttle: It took a considerable amount of time to find its direction. The game’s development had several starts and stops before I settled on a clear vision.
Old School Gamer Magazine: What sets this game apart?
Tuttle: Unique characters, vibrant worlds, and hopefully some clever puzzles.
Old School Gamer Magazine: How do you think it would have been received in the NES era?
Tuttle: It’s hard to predict. Personally, I would have loved to play this game as a child.
Old School Gamer Magazine: What modern capabilities enhance NES development?
Tuttle: The NES had many capabilities even back then, but the key advantage today lies in using emulators for debugging.
Old School Gamer Magazine: Which games have had the most influence on this one?
Tuttle: Games like Metroid and titles from 90s Rareware, particularly those that encourage exploration and discovery.
Old School Gamer Magazine: Any memorable moments during development?
Tuttle: I spent months troubleshooting an audio glitch, only to realize that I needed to copy just one byte to resolve it.
Old School Gamer Magazine: What valuable lessons have you learned?
Tuttle: Everything takes longer than anticipated, especially when adding multiple endings.
Old School Gamer Magazine: Is it important to preserve older gameplay mechanics in new titles?
Tuttle: New games build on existing mechanics. True creativity stems from combining those mechanics with new settings and ideas.
Old School Gamer Magazine: In a crowded marketplace, what helps you stand out?
Tuttle: Humor and heart are key.
Old School Gamer Magazine: What’s on the horizon for you?
Tuttle: I’m currently working on a project that diverges from Echoes of the Unread. More details will come in the future.
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Original article by www.oldschoolgamermagazine.com
