Nico Papalia’s new RPG, Athenian Rhapsody, has made its debut on Steam, and it is gaining attention for its bright and glitzy aesthetic. Drawing inspiration from Toby Fox’s Undertale, this game has a retro vibe reminiscent of Gameboy Advance games. The turn-based combat system is complemented by inventive minigames that add a unique twist to the gameplay. The writing in Athenian Rhapsody is not afraid to push boundaries, mixing poop jokes with anime tropes and off-color mental health advice. Despite the potentially off-putting humor, the game manages to be quite funny, with quirky characters and amusing dialogues.
One of the standout features of Athenian Rhapsody is its “zany”, “goofy”, and “wacky” humor. The game’s demo introduces players to an eccentric world where you can befriend enemies by sharing conspiracy theories about cats and face off against a boss who gets passive-aggressive if you skip tutorials. The combat minigames add an extra layer of fun, requiring players to engage in various challenges like dodging projectiles and painting their own picture. This blend of humor and gameplay makes Athenian Rhapsody an entertaining experience that is hard to resist.
Despite its over-the-top humor, Athenian Rhapsody manages to maintain an undertone of earnestness that prevents it from becoming obnoxious. The attention to detail in the game world, with features like jingling flowers and thoughtful character interactions, adds depth to the gameplay experience. While the game is primarily a parody, it strikes a balance between silliness and sincerity that makes it endearing to players. The reported 10-hour playtime promises a long-lasting and enjoyable adventure for those willing to dive into the whimsical world of Athenian Rhapsody.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Athenian Rhapsody is its signature Rhapsody system, which offers a new way to engage with gameplay experiences. This system records every decision, action, and event in a playthrough and transforms them into collectible postcards that players can customize with unlockable badges, postmarks, and patterns. The Rhapsodies can be combined to create new and more complex versions, offering a unique way to share and cherish in-game memories. While the idea of these digital collectibles may seem unconventional, it adds a layer of depth to the game that sets it apart from traditional RPG experiences.
Despite its innovative features, Athenian Rhapsody may struggle to stand out amidst its jocular presentation and abundance of concepts. The game’s cleverness and creativity could be overshadowed by its whimsicality and fast-paced nature, making it hard for some players to fully appreciate its depth. However, for those willing to look beyond the surface, Athenian Rhapsody has the potential to be a quietly revolutionary project that offers a fresh take on the RPG genre. With its charming humor, engaging gameplay, and unique Rhapsody system, this game is definitely worth a closer look for players seeking a new and immersive gaming experience.
Leave a Reply