During PAX East, we spoke with Nico Papalia from Top Hat Studios, the creator behind the upcoming game **Tales of Tuscany**, a prequel to **Athenian Rhapsody**, set to launch in 2026 across multiple platforms. The vibrant worlds of both games draw inspiration from a variety of sources, including Nintendo classics like **EarthBound** and **Pokémon**.
Inspiration Behind the Games
Nico revealed that his experience with games like **Pokémon** on the Game Boy Advance played a significant role in shaping his vision. Interestingly, he admitted to not playing EarthBound until after he had begun developing Athenian Rhapsody—an experience that ultimately resonated with the style he wanted to create. He emphasized that his games are infused with humor drawn from personal experiences and friendships, leading to inventive elements, such as an ‘invisible grilled cheese’ item in the first game that players found surprisingly quickly after launch.
What’s Distinct About Tales of Tuscany
As for **Tales of Tuscany**, it differs considerably from its predecessor. While Athenian Rhapsody was developed with the constraints of GameMaker and adhered to an aspect ratio reminiscent of the Game Boy Advance, the new title boasts improved graphics, quality-of-life enhancements, and more robust control customization. Nico likened Athenian Rhapsody to **Pokémon Emerald**, while Tales of Tuscany is akin to **Pokémon Black & White**, focusing on more dynamic battles and better camera movement.
Game Mechanics and Player Experience
The gameplay design encourages players to embrace creativity and spontaneity. Nico aims for users to engage freely and explore various storylines and character interactions, making each playthrough unique. He acknowledged that while this may overwhelm completionists, it provides a rich experience that offers multiple paths and narratives to discover.
The Future of the Franchise
Looking ahead, Nico is contemplating several directions, including the possibility of creating additional RPGs within the same universe or pursuing simpler game mechanics for future projects. He mentioned a mobile game titled **Goobie Garden** that will connect to the existing lore. While he originally envisioned creating three RPGs for this franchise, he now considers pausing to explore different design philosophies after completing Tales of Tuscany.
Player Interactivity and Humor
Nico’s intention is to include humor and absurdity throughout Tales of Tuscany, aiming for interactions that keep players engaged and entertained. His philosophy of allowing players to make choices that impact gameplay fosters a sense of fun and unpredictability, which he feels is often lacking in other titles.
With Tales of Tuscany in development and a release slated for 2026, fans eagerly await the opportunity to delve into the quirky world crafted by Nico Papalia and the Top Hat Studios team. The innovative gameplay and unique humor promise to create a captivating experience reminiscent of the classics while offering fresh, engaging mechanics for modern audiences.