Athenian Rhapsody
| Athenian Rhapsody | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer | Nico Papalia |
| Publisher | Top Hat Studios |
| Platforms | |
| Release | May 14, 2024 |
| Mode | |
Athenian Rhapsody is a 2024 choose-your-own-adventure action RPG developed by Nico Papalia and published by Top Hat Studios.[1]
Gameplay
Athenian Rhapsody mixes traditional JRPG turn-based combat with bullet-hell elements. It also features segments comparable to WarioWare minigames. The player must navigate the world of Athens while battling enemies, making choices, and solving puzzles that make each playthrough unique. Players will be awarded a memento in the form of a "Rhapsody" at the end of their playthrough that can be collected and traded online.[2] Collected rhapsodies can be stacked to grant additional effects.[3]
Each rhapsody contains detailed information regarding what the player did during a run, such as which followers you used the most/least, how many projectiles you were hit by, and your favorite food.
Development
New York-based[4] developer Nico Papalia began development on the game while learning Gamemaker. He was inspired by Game Boy Advance era titles, using the same resolution of 240 x 160 pixels that the handheld console used.[5]
A prequel titled Tales of Tuscany was announced for release in Spring 2026.[6]
Release and Reception
The game was released on May 14, 2024, for Android, iOS, PC, and consoles.[7]
Pocket Gamer awarded Athenian Rhapsody 4.5/5 stars, praising the game's unique combat system and characters.[8] Nintendo World Report rated the game 8.5/10, and complimented the world design and writing. However, they criticized certain sprite designs and the item storage system.[9]
References
- ↑ "Comedy RPG Athenian Rhapsody is a child of Undertale with GBA visuals in which playthroughs become postcards". Rock Paper Shotgun. Archived from the original on 10 February 2026. Retrieved 10 October 2025.
- ↑ "Athenian Rhapsody Brings Laughs, Community, and IBS". Xbox Wire. Retrieved 10 October 2025.
- ↑ "This 'souls-like platonic dating simulator' is (not so) secretly an Undertale-adjacent RPG with zero restraint, and I need a lie down after trying it". PC Gamer. Retrieved 10 October 2025.
- ↑ Ward, Courtney; Krolikowski, Anthony (20 August 2024). "New video game started as a COVID project now reaching thousands". News10. Archived from the original on 2 February 2026. Retrieved 24 October 2025.
- ↑ "Sharing laughs and swapping save files in Athenian Rhapsody". Game developer. Archived from the original on 14 May 2024. Retrieved 10 October 2025.
- ↑ "Feature: 'Tales Of Tuscany' Dev's Goal Is To "Let Players Do Whatever They Want"". NintendoLife. Archived from the original on 27 November 2025. Retrieved 10 October 2025.
- ↑ "Athenian Rhapsody, the hilarious RPG, will release on mobile, PC, and console next month". PocketGamer. Retrieved 10 October 2025.
- ↑ "Athenian Rhapsody Review - "A quirky RPG you won't soon forget"". Pocket Gamer. Archived from the original on 17 February 2026. Retrieved 10 October 2025.
- ↑ "Athenian Rhapsody (Switch) Review". Nintendo World Report. Retrieved 10 October 2025.