Imagine exploring your hometown, but through the pixelated lens of a classic Game Boy game! That's exactly what one Richmond, Virginia resident has created, and it's sparking a wave of nostalgia and local pride. But this isn't just about retro graphics; it's about uncovering the hidden stories and spooky secrets of the River City.
Joseph "Tripp" Cannella, a passionate local developer, has launched "Small Town RVA," an online game that transforms Richmond into a 32-bit wonderland, reminiscent of the iconic Game Boy era. This isn't just a visual treat; it's a digital love letter to the city, built on years of dedication and a deep-seated childhood dream.
Cannella, like many of us, grew up captivated by the immersive worlds of games like Pokémon. He dreamed of stepping into those virtual landscapes. "I always wanted to go to places like Palette Town and, you know, actually visit those locations," Cannella explained. "I always wondered what it would be like if my own city had this Game Boy version of it." After five years of dedicated work, that dream has become a reality for Richmonders (and anyone else who wants to join in the fun!).
"It’s meant to be this tiny digital clone of the city in your pocket," Cannella says, emphasizing the game's accessibility and portability. But here's where it gets controversial... Small Town RVA isn't just a pretty map. It delves into the darker side of Richmond's history. "I’m a big fan of the spooky side of Richmond — the haunted history, the folklore that’s buried right under our feet."
The game meticulously maps the city, allowing players to virtually wander along digital versions of familiar trails, rivers, roads, and iconic landmarks. Think of it as a pixelated scavenger hunt through Richmond's most recognizable spots. Cannella is constantly adding new locations, enriching the experience with interactive elements like historic photos linked to places like the Monroe Park water fountain and the infamous Church Hill tunnel. And this is the part most people miss... it's not just about seeing the landmarks, but about experiencing them in a new way.
"Small Town RVA is a local game that takes a map of the city and converts it into a little Game Boy-like world where players can wander around and actually see real sights; trails, rivers, roads and even James Monroe’s grave," Cannella describes. But it's the inclusion of vanished landmarks, like Pratt's Castle in Oregon Hill, and nods to local folklore, that truly sets this game apart. The infamous Richmond Vampire, a figure shrouded in local legend, even makes an appearance in the game's story mode.
The story mode begins at VCU’s Brandt Hall, guiding players on a spooky journey through some of the city's most haunted locations. "I just wanted to put something together for the city be able to get excited about for, especially for Halloween," Cannella shared. "Richmond Vampire is definitely in the game. I mean, he's also connected to the Church Hill tunnel." The game smartly leverages the city's unique history and spooky reputation, offering a fun and engaging experience for locals and visitors alike.
Adding another layer of immersion, Small Town RVA features a GPS functionality similar to Pokémon GO. This allows the in-game map to reflect the player's real-world location, blurring the lines between the virtual and physical worlds. Imagine walking down a street in Richmond and seeing your pixelated avatar mirroring your movements on your phone!
But wait, there's more! Players can also contribute to the game by adding their own photos, chatting with other players, and even seeing other players on the screen. This transforms Small Town RVA into a social hub as well as an exploratory tool. "I think it's just a fun way to get people out there and get them to understand and know the city," Cannella explains. "I want it to reflect the people within the city, their stories, their perspectives on Richmond. You can chat with other players, see them on screen, and explore together. It’s a social space as much as it is a game."
The feedback so far has been overwhelmingly positive, and Cannella is actively seeking suggestions to further enhance the game, even down to the quirky details that make Richmond unique. He jokingly suggests that encountering discarded chicken wings on the sidewalk (a common sight in the city) could even provide a performance boost in the game! What other uniquely Richmond details should be included?
Looking ahead, Cannella hopes to collaborate with local art students to create in-game characters and items, further solidifying the game's community-driven spirit. This collaborative approach ensures that Small Town RVA remains a dynamic and evolving reflection of the city it represents.
Ready to embark on your own 32-bit adventure? You can experience this unique way to discover Richmond by visiting SmallTownRVA.com, getting virtually transported to Brandt Hall, and starting your exploration. But here's a question for you: Do you think this type of game could help foster a stronger sense of community and local pride? And what other cities would you love to see get the "Small Town" treatment? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
