Athenian Rhapsody

Athenian Rhapsody is a comedic, Undertale-inspired adventure RPG set in a whimsical fantasy world. Players navigate through a quirky narrative filled with bizarre characters, engaging combat, and puzzle elements, all while enjoying a unique blend of arcade-style brawling and quick-time events. The game’s diagonal-down perspective and 2D scrolling visuals enhance its charming, offbeat atmosphere, making it a standout title for fans of humorous and unconventional RPGs.

Athenian Rhapsody: A Masterclass in Absurdist RPG Design

Introduction

Athenian Rhapsody is a game that defies easy categorization—a vibrant, chaotic love letter to the EarthBound and Undertale lineage, yet one that carves its own niche through sheer audacity. Developed by Nico Papalia and published by Top Hat Studios, this 2024 release is a testament to how indie games can push boundaries, blending turn-based combat, bullet-hell dodging, and a meta-narrative system that turns player choices into tangible, shareable artifacts. With a MobyGames score of 8.1 and an 84% critic average on OpenCritic, Athenian Rhapsody has garnered praise for its humor, creativity, and innovative “Rhapsody” system, even as it polarizes players with its unapologetic weirdness and punishing difficulty.

This review will dissect Athenian Rhapsody across its development, narrative, gameplay, world-building, and legacy, arguing that it is not merely an Undertale clone but a bold evolution of the genre—one that prioritizes player agency, absurdity, and community-driven storytelling over traditional RPG conventions.

---

Development History & Context

The Studio and Vision

Nico Papalia, the sole developer behind Athenian Rhapsody, is a creator who wears his influences on his sleeve but isn’t content to simply replicate them. The game’s development was fueled by a Kickstarter campaign, with backers credited in the game’s lengthy “Special Thanks” section—a testament to its grassroots origins. Papalia’s vision was clear: to craft a game where every decision, from dialogue choices to combat strategies, would culminate in a unique, shareable “Rhapsody” that players could trade, combine, and even weaponize against each other.

The game’s engine, GameMaker, is a deliberate choice, evoking the DIY spirit of classic RPGs like EarthBound and Undertale. This tool allowed Papalia to iterate rapidly, resulting in a game that feels both polished and delightfully unhinged. The constraints of GameMaker also influenced the game’s aesthetic, which embraces a retro pixel-art style with modern flourishes, creating a visual identity that’s simultaneously nostalgic and fresh.

The Gaming Landscape at Launch

Athenian Rhapsody arrived in May 2024, a time when the indie RPG scene was saturated with Undertale-inspired titles. Yet, it stood out by leaning into its absurdity rather than shying away from it. Games like Deltarune and Omori had already proven that there was an audience for narrative-driven, morally complex RPGs, but Athenian Rhapsody differentiated itself through its relentless humor, meta-commentary, and the Rhapsody system—a feature that transformed player experiences into social currency.

The game’s multi-platform release (PC, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and mobile) ensured broad accessibility, while its $14.99 price point made it an easy impulse buy for curious players. The inclusion of a free demo, Thunder Goober’s Personality Dungeon, further lowered the barrier to entry, allowing players to sample its unique blend of comedy and gameplay before committing.

---

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Plot and Structure

Athenian Rhapsody drops players into the world of Athens, a surreal landscape where inhabitants are obsessed with accumulating EXP (Experience Points) through violence. The protagonist, a customizable “Cornball” (a term of endearment/insult used by NPCs), awakens in this world with no memory of their past, tasked with navigating its absurdities while uncovering the truth behind Athens’ competitive, bloodthirsty culture.

The game’s narrative is deliberately fragmented, eschewing a traditional overarching plot in favor of a character-driven experience. Players encounter a cast of bizarre yet endearing characters, from the inseparable duo Richard and James (who resemble a cross between Grimace and a rejected Pokémon design) to the enigmatic Manny, a gender-flipped interpretation of the Greek goddess Selene. Each character has their own motivations, quirks, and backstories, which unfold through dialogue, side quests, and optional interactions.

The lack of a linear story is both a strength and a weakness. On one hand, it allows for unparalleled player freedom, as choices genuinely shape the narrative. On the other, it can leave players feeling adrift, especially in the early hours. The game’s humor—ranging from toilet jokes to existential musings—acts as a glue, holding the disparate elements together. For example, one NPC laments their inability to grow arms unless they “go boom-boom on the toilet,” while another boss battle involves a sentient lemon meditating on constipation. These moments are absurd, yes, but they also serve to humanize the world, making Athens feel lived-in and unpredictable.

Themes: Competition, Friendship, and Absurdity

At its core, Athenian Rhapsody is a critique of competitive cultures, particularly those that prioritize individual gain over collective well-being. The EXP system in Athens is a metaphor for toxic productivity, where inhabitants are conditioned to view each other as obstacles rather than allies. The game’s multiple endings—ranging from a pacifist route where players befriend everyone to a genocidal “Lullaby” route where they slaughter Athens’ inhabitants—explore the consequences of buying into or rejecting this system.

Friendship is the game’s counterbalance to competition. The pacifist route, while challenging, rewards players with heartfelt moments and unexpected alliances. Characters like Horatio, a devil who laments his wife leaving him, or GirlCat, a feline with a penchant for existential dread, reveal layers of vulnerability beneath their eccentric exteriors. The game’s dialogue options often include “awkward” choices like posing, insulting, or laughing, which can disarm opponents and turn battles into opportunities for connection.

Absurdity is the game’s most defining theme. Athenian Rhapsody revels in its own weirdness, from its character designs (a Namekian-spider hybrid, a sentient rock with IBS) to its fourth-wall-breaking humor. The game’s self-awareness is evident in its Steam achievement descriptions (e.g., “You wanna get nuts? Let’s get nuts!”) and its meta-commentary on gaming tropes. For instance, the game berates players who attempt a pacifist run, mocking their refusal to engage with the EXP system—a nod to how Undertale similarly chastised players for seeking non-violent solutions.

Dialogue and Character Depth

The writing in Athenian Rhapsody is sharp, witty, and relentlessly funny. The dialogue crackles with energy, whether it’s a boss taunting the player with puns or an NPC delivering a deadpan one-liner. The game’s humor is a mix of high and low brow, appealing to both fans of clever wordplay and those who appreciate a well-timed fart joke.

Character depth is achieved through optional interactions and side quests. For example, the duo Richard and James initially appear as comic relief, but their backstory—revealed through a series of puzzles and conversations—adds emotional weight to their antics. Similarly, the character Manny, who calls the player “Vigilante” in the Lullaby route, serves as a foil to the protagonist’s actions, forcing players to confront the moral implications of their choices.

The game’s use of “Hello, [Insert Name Here]” is subverted in typical meta fashion. While players can name their protagonist, NPCs often ignore this, instead referring to them as “Cornball” or “Chaser.” This inconsistency is a deliberate choice, reinforcing the game’s themes of identity and perception.

---

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Core Gameplay Loop

Athenian Rhapsody is a turn-based RPG with real-time dodging mechanics, a hybrid system that will feel familiar to fans of Undertale and Deltarune. Combat is divided into two phases: the player’s turn, where they can attack, use items, or attempt to befriend the enemy, and the enemy’s turn, where the player must navigate a bullet-hell minigame to avoid damage.

The befriending mechanic is where the game shines. Instead of simply attacking, players can choose actions like “Pose,” “Laugh,” or “Insult,” which fill a “Friendship” meter. If successful, the enemy surrenders, often leading to humorous or heartfelt dialogue. This system encourages experimentation, as different enemies respond to different actions. For example, one boss might be immune to insults but vulnerable to compliments, while another might require a mini-game of memory or rhythm.

Combat and Dodging

The bullet-hell dodging segments are where Athenian Rhapsody distinguishes itself from its inspirations. Each enemy has a unique attack pattern, ranging from simple projectile volleys to complex, screen-filling assaults. Boss battles are particularly inventive, often introducing mechanics that subvert expectations. One boss, for instance, transforms the dodging segment into a Dance Dance Revolution-style rhythm game, while another forces the player to navigate a maze of lasers while avoiding a giant, chomping mouth.

The difficulty of these segments is a point of contention. While some players relish the challenge, others find it punishing, especially in the early game where health and healing items are scarce. The inclusion of “Chill Mode”—which grants temporary invulnerability after taking damage—helps mitigate this, but even with this option enabled, the game remains challenging.

Character Progression and Party System

Progression in Athenian Rhapsody is tied to the EXP system, but with a twist: leveling up doesn’t necessarily make the player stronger. In fact, the game’s difficulty scales with the player’s level, meaning that higher-level characters face tougher enemies. This design choice reinforces the game’s critique of competition, as players who grind for EXP may find themselves at a disadvantage.

The party system is another standout feature. Players can recruit up to 16 unique characters, each with their own abilities, backstories, and combat roles. However, only one party member can accompany the protagonist at a time (with one exception: the duo Richard and James, who refuse to be separated). This limitation forces players to strategize, as different party members excel in different situations. For example, one character might specialize in healing, while another deals massive damage but has low defense.

The party members are more than just combat assets—they’re integral to the narrative. Many have optional side quests that reveal their motivations and deepen their relationships with the protagonist. The game’s writing ensures that even the most absurd characters (e.g., a sentient rock with digestive issues) feel like fully realized individuals.

The Rhapsody System

The Rhapsody system is Athenian Rhapsody’s most innovative feature. At the end of each playthrough, players receive a “Rhapsody,” a digital postcard that summarizes their journey. This includes details like which characters they befriended, which bosses they defeated, and even how many times their protagonist farted (yes, the game tracks this).

Rhapsodies can be shared with other players, combined to create new narratives, or used to unlock special in-game events. This system transforms Athenian Rhapsody from a single-player experience into a community-driven one, where players can compare their choices, discover hidden secrets, and even sabotage each other’s progress. The potential for emergent storytelling is immense, as Rhapsodies can be mixed and matched to create entirely new adventures.

The Rhapsody system also serves as a meta-commentary on player agency. In a genre where choices often feel illusory, Athenian Rhapsody makes them tangible. The game’s multiple endings—ranging from the pacifist “True” route to the genocidal “Lullaby” route—are not just narrative branches but distinct artifacts that players can hold onto and share.

UI and Quality of Life

The game’s UI is functional but minimalist, reflecting its indie roots. The inventory system is notably restrictive, with players limited to carrying around 20 items at a time. This design choice forces players to prioritize their resources, adding a layer of strategy to exploration. However, it can also feel frustrating, especially in longer play sessions where backtracking to vendors becomes necessary.

The lack of a sprint function is another point of criticism. While the game’s world is relatively small, the absence of a sprint mechanic can make traversal feel sluggish, particularly when revisiting areas. The game’s save system is generous, with frequent checkpoints, but the inability to skip cutscenes during replays can test players’ patience, especially in the Lullaby route where failure sends them back to distant save points.

---

World-Building, Art & Sound

Setting and Atmosphere

Athens is a world of contradictions—a place that is both whimsical and sinister, vibrant and decaying. The game’s environments are divided into distinct biomes, each with its own color palette and thematic identity. The “Primo” and “Secundo” cities, for example, are bustling hubs filled with eccentric NPCs, while the “Hiemal Cave” is a foreboding dungeon where players confront the darker aspects of the EXP system.

The world’s absurdity is balanced by its emotional depth. Beneath the fart jokes and surreal character designs lies a poignant exploration of loneliness, competition, and the search for meaning. The game’s tone shifts seamlessly from comedic to melancholic, often within the same scene. For example, a boss battle might begin with a ridiculous premise (e.g., a sentient lemon complaining about constipation) but end with a moment of genuine pathos, as the character reflects on their isolation.

Visual Direction

Athenian Rhapsody’s art style is a love letter to 16-bit RPGs, with a modern twist. The pixel-art graphics are rich in detail, from the lush, animated backgrounds to the expressive character sprites. The game’s color palette is bold and varied, with each biome featuring its own distinct hues. The “rainbow forest,” for instance, is a riot of neon colors, while the “Hiemal Cave” is rendered in icy blues and grays.

The character designs are where the game’s creativity truly shines. Each NPC and party member is a unique amalgamation of influences, from EarthBound’s quirky aesthetics to Deltarune’s surrealism. The result is a cast that feels both familiar and fresh. The animations are fluid and expressive, with characters emoting through exaggerated gestures and facial expressions.

The game’s visual storytelling is equally impressive. Environmental details—such as a dog that can fast-travel players between cities (despite the NPC warning that it would “hurt a lot”)—add depth to the world, while subtle cues (e.g., a character’s posture changing after a significant event) reinforce the narrative’s emotional beats.

Sound Design and Music

The soundtrack, composed by Arpbug, is a standout feature. The chiptune music is catchy and varied, with each track tailored to its environment or scenario. The overworld themes are upbeat and adventurous, while the battle music ramps up the intensity with driving melodies and complex rhythms. The game’s use of leitmotifs—recurring musical themes tied to specific characters or locations—adds cohesion to the soundtrack, making it feel like a living, breathing part of the world.

The sound design is equally polished. The game’s sound effects are exaggerated and comedic, from the boing of a character bouncing off a wall to the squelch of a fart (yes, the game has a fart counter). These auditory cues enhance the game’s humor and immersion, making the world of Athens feel tactile and alive.

---

Reception & Legacy

Critical and Commercial Reception

Athenian Rhapsody was met with widespread acclaim upon release, earning an 84% critic average on OpenCritic and a MobyGames score of 8.1. Reviewers praised its humor, creativity, and innovative Rhapsody system, though some criticized its punishing difficulty and lack of a cohesive main plot.

• GameGrin (95%): “A wonderfully weird adventure, Athenian Rhapsody is both unhinged and charming in equal measure. A delight to play with genuinely enjoyable combat, this is an easy recommendation!”
• Nintendo World Report (85%): “The idea of each playthrough being transformed into its own object and gaining a tangibility is an intriguing one, reinforcing the power of decision-making in a world of unknown consequence.”
• Digital Chumps (85%): “It’s very well written, often getting me to audibly laugh because of its absurdist humor that surprised me time after time.”

The game’s reception on Steam was equally positive, with a “Very Positive” rating based on over 300 user reviews. Players praised its replayability, humor, and the Rhapsody system, though some noted that the game’s difficulty and lack of a sprint function could be frustrating.

Evolution of Its Reputation

In the months following its release, Athenian Rhapsody developed a cult following, particularly among fans of Undertale and EarthBound. The game’s Rhapsody system became a focal point of community engagement, with players sharing their playthroughs, discovering hidden secrets, and even creating fan-made “Rhapsody” combinations.

The game’s post-launch support, including free DLC events (e.g., Goober’s Picnic) and merchandise drops (e.g., plushies of popular characters), further cemented its reputation as a labor of love. The developer’s active engagement with the community—through Discord, Steam forums, and social media—helped foster a sense of ownership among players, turning Athenian Rhapsody into a shared experience rather than a solitary one.

Influence on the Industry

Athenian Rhapsody’s most significant contribution to the RPG genre is its Rhapsody system, which has inspired other indie developers to experiment with player-driven storytelling. The game’s success has also demonstrated that there is still an audience for unapologetically weird, narrative-focused RPGs—a niche that larger studios often overlook in favor of more mainstream appeal.

The game’s influence can be seen in titles like Tales of Tuscany (the announced sequel) and other indie RPGs that prioritize player agency and meta-narrative mechanics. Athenian Rhapsody has also contributed to the ongoing conversation about difficulty in games, with its “Chill Mode” serving as a model for accessibility options that don’t compromise the core experience.

---

Conclusion

Athenian Rhapsody is a triumph of indie game design—a game that embraces its influences while forging its own path. It is a celebration of absurdity, a critique of competition, and a love letter to the power of player choice. While its lack of a cohesive main plot and punishing difficulty may frustrate some players, its strengths—its humor, its characters, its innovative Rhapsody system—far outweigh its weaknesses.

The game’s legacy will likely be defined by its community-driven storytelling and its unapologetic weirdness. In a gaming landscape dominated by sequels and safe bets, Athenian Rhapsody is a reminder that there is still room for games that take risks, challenge conventions, and make players laugh, think, and feel in equal measure.

Final Verdict: 9/10 – A Masterpiece of Absurdist RPG Design

Athenian Rhapsody is not just a game; it’s an experience—a rhapsody in pixels, sound, and sheer, unbridled creativity. For fans of Undertale, EarthBound, or anyone who appreciates a game that isn’t afraid to be weird, this is a must-play. Just be prepared to embrace the chaos, because in Athens, nothing is ever quite what it seems.