Nico Papalia and Top Hat Studios, developers of Athenian Rhapsody and the newly-announced prequel, Tales of Tuscany, had a lively chat with us at PAX East. The games are set to release on various platforms, including the Switch, in 2026. Inspired by games like WarioWare, EarthBound, and Pokémon, we delved into the mad-cap universe created by Nico Papalia.
The interview with Nico revealed his surprising backstory and the creative process behind both games. Despite the raucous laughter from the crowd, we managed to get insights into how his life, friends, and sense of humor influenced the hilarious world of Tales of Tuscany and Athenian Rhapsody.
Unveiling the Inspiration:
Nico shared that his inspiration came from games like Pokémon on Game Boy Advance and Castle Crashers. He admitted that he hadn’t even played Earthbound until after starting Athenian Rhapsody. The whimsical and slapstick nature of the games reflects his personal experiences and what he finds funny at the moment. With a focus on fun and not taking itself too seriously, the games aim to provide players with an entertaining and zany experience.
Diving into Development Differences:
The conversation also touched on the differences between Athenian Rhapsody and Tales of Tuscany. While the former was a learning experience with some programming challenges, the latter boasts improved resolution, control customizations, and quality-of-life features. Nico likened Athenian Rhapsody to Pokémon Emerald and Tales of Tuscany to Pokémon Black & White in terms of gameplay mechanics and visual aesthetics. Despite the challenges faced during development, the personal touch and humorous elements shine through in both games.
The Future of the Universe:
As the interview wrapped up, Nico hinted at the possibility of expanding the universe beyond the planned trilogy. While the current focus is on completing Tales of Tuscany and exploring a mobile game, future projects may veer towards simpler, mechanic-based gameplay or even a roguelike experience. With a strong foundation laid by the first two games, the future looks bright for Nico Papalia and Top Hat Studios as they continue to bring their unique and entertaining vision to life.
