Well, after two hours of deliberation, we’re plunging ahead with a game, theme be damned! I can still think of a couple of creative ways to integrate it, time willing.
While we were still on the fence, I neglected to mention:

Art will be done in Adobe Photoshop by me (Kinoko)
Code will be done in C++ by Jade, using his personal engine, Aki
Jade or I may try using Reason for sound at some point, though I’m not very experienced with it.

Jade is plugging away at code, upgrading Aki to handle a more advanced tile system. We both love the auto-tile system that RPG Maker has, so Jade’s attempting to create something similar.
Meanwhile, this is what I have to show for myself…

Simple grass tileset (regular size) and character (at double size). Four-frame walk “cycle” is a bit fast, lulz.

Spoiler alert! I have never made painterly-style game assets before. D: