Tales of Tuscany Preview – A quirky RPG where you play a cute little lamb called Lambypoo

Over the past decade, the distinction between games that seem “Mother-like” and those reminiscent of “Undertale” has grown increasingly indistinct. This ambiguity is particularly noticeable in the demo I experienced at PAX East for Tales of Tuscany. Created by Nico Papalia (Athenian Rhapsody) and published by Top Hat Studios (Labyrinth Of The Demon King, Crypt Custodian), Tales of Tuscany casts you as a charming little lamb named Lambypoo.

As Thunder Goober, a charming yet menacing ball of energy, guides me through a whirlwind of tutorials, I’m unleashed into this peculiar realm I’ve stumbled upon. Now it’s up to me to traverse its mysteries and vanquish the equally bizarre foes lurking within.

If the Steam page for this game is any indication, the demo doesn’t fully convey the sheer wildness of the environments you’ll encounter in it. You’ll notice that the game shares a resemblance, not only visually but also in its humor and overall atmosphere, with the popular game Undertale and the Mother trilogy. In fact, Tales of Tuscany feels downright quirky, from its visual style to its humor.

This game isn’t timid about showcasing its love for whimsy, catering to those who appreciate a dash of absurdity or are seeking something less serious. Some might view this as an asset, but others could find it excessive and thus pass on the game. The game’s vibrant, in-your-face style is so intense that some potential players might feel it’s trying too hard, leading them to avoid it. However, I found it added a unique flavor to the game, which I enjoyed.

In the battle sequences, it seems they could benefit from a bit of refinement. These are turn-based fights, and in between rounds, you’ll notice some humorous (but slightly repetitive) conversations. The combat mechanics involve selecting an enemy and attacking them with a quick succession of two timed button presses. However, the accuracy and timing aren’t as precise as I’d prefer at this stage. It requires practice to get accustomed to, and even after completing the demo, I never felt completely comfortable with my rhythm.

2026 is when the complete game will be launched, and I’m eagerly anticipating that it will receive some refinement before then. Also, I hope there will be more depth to the gameplay beyond just aiming and shooting. While I appreciate JRPGs with timed button presses, similar to Shadow Hearts (a game I adore!), it needs something unique or a change of pace to prevent it from becoming monotonous after extended playtime. However, there are other battle options like React, Status, Items, and Burst that didn’t seem to be utilized much in the demo, which could potentially add the excitement I’m hoping for in the final version of the game.

Despite being somewhat predictable in its inspiration from the Mother series, this demo showcased a captivating charm that left me eager to discover more of Papalia’s quirky antics in this amusing game. Given its appeal to those who appreciate whimsical and unconventional games, it’s definitely one to watch for enthusiasts.

Tales of Tuscany is currently scheduled to release in 2026 on Steam

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2025-05-18 03:55