'The project I've been working on for the last 4 years was pulled from our hands, and our entire development team was laid off.'

Image: Austin VoigtAt PAX East, we had a chance to sit down with the lively Nico Papalia and Top Hat Studios - developer of Athenian Rhapsody, and its newly-announced prequel, Tales of Tuscany (releasing on “whatever you play games on,” including Switch, in 2026). We wanted to learn a bit more about what inspired such a mad-cap universe, and where the WarioWare / EarthBound / Pokémon-esque ideas all stemmed from. While it was a bit of a challenge to talk over the raucous laughter coming from the crowd gathered at the demo booth, we managed to get an inside glimpse at Papalia's surprising backstory and his work on both games.Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube813kWatch on YouTube Here is our interview with Nico, which was just as entertaining and zany as the universe these games are based in... Nintendo Life: So, let's start from the top — what was the inspiration behind the universe of Tales of Tuscany and Athenian Rhapsody? There seem to be some Earthbound vibes in there... Nico Papalia: Honestly, I didn't even play Earthbound until AFTER I started Athenian Rhapsody - fun fact! I bit into it and was like, 'I feel like this meshes with me,' and I felt like it looked like what I was making. Definitely inspired by Pokémon on Game Boy Advance, played a lot of that. I also played a lot of Castle Crashers - The Behemoth are my friends, so I talked to them a lot, and we're actually discussing working on something together too — very slapstick-y, you know — but they're so tight about their IPs, so... we're still talking. I had big ideas - but I never knew programming, I went to school for art, I was doing traditional pencil art and stuff - I didn't know what I was doing. So it built over time, and I'm very fortunate and lucky that I was able to share this at the scale that I did, and turn it into my job. It's very personal. "Slapstick-y" is definitely the right word for these games, they're hilarious. Yeah, it doesn't take itself too seriously, so the inspiration for the world is just basically my life, my friends, and what I think is funny at the moment. I'll just throw funny things in there as I think of them - and the players seem to love it. I'm a solo dev, so I can kind of have the final say and just do whatever I want. It's fun. In the first game, I took some risks and had this 'invisible grilled cheese' in the map, like an item, and I thought nobody was going to find it - but someone found it within eight hours of launch! I crashed out on social, I bugged out. Will there be any secrets or easter eggs to find in Tales of Tuscany? There aren't too many secrets yet - I'm still developing it, and I just finished the main story, so now I have to do the 'evil' story, and I'll kind of just throw some extra stuff in there before it releases, probably around spring 2026. Tell us a little more about how the two games differ. You know, making Athenian Rhapsody was kind of slow. I started with GameMaker, and it just kind of snowballed. So I honestly didn't really know what I was doing, going into the first game. It was in 4:3 ratio, like Game Boy Advance - because I'm a big GBA guy. So at first I was like, "Yeah, this is awesome!" Then, you know, it comes to porting it and I'm like... "Oh no." So, Tales of Tuscany is in the RIGHT resolution. It's also got more control customisations, quality-of-life stuff like that. Round 2: bigger, better, stronger. I like to say, Athenian Rhapsody is like Pokémon Emerald, and Tales of Tuscany is more like Pokémon Black & White - based on the battles and stuff, with the camera movement, sprite work, stuff like that. So you're clearly a big Pokémon fan too! What are some of the different games you played growing up? I played a lot of Game Boy Advance games - Madagascar, Power Rangers Dino Thunder, Minish Cap, and things like that. My grandma would just go buy them for me. Or I played Crash Bandicoot on the PS2, and I would just stay in the starting area and mess with stuff - I never progressed in the game, and that was actually probably what I do with most of these games. I never progressed; I just did things. And I guess it all kind of just formed that inspiration for me. Image: Top Hat Studios Interesting - so are you a bit of a completionist then? Because this game — with all of the different choices and storylines — seems a bit overwhelming for a completionist, like you could never *actually* complete it entirely. You know what, when I was a teenager, I was more of a completionist; I would 100% complete Donkey Kong: Tropical Freeze and stuff like that. But a lot of times, I was just kind of a stupid guy who didn't know what I was doing. I couldn't advance through the plots, I never got Rayquaza [in Pokémon Emerald] - so I would just go and do random things. And now, I'm actually kind of the opposite of that. So making Athenian Rhapsody and Tales of Tuscany, I want a kid to be able to just go around and have fun. The games seem to be designed almost like a constant dopamine hit. Players are allowed to just be mischievous and do whatever they want. And there's probably no way you could experience every single choice available to you in the games. That's exactly it! That's kind of what me and my friends like. You kind of have to get in there a few times, and the way it worked out, some players like that, and some don't. Some people are that objective, numeric, "I'm done, check the box" thing - but with these games, the experience is always going to be different, depending on who you have in your party and the choices you make. Another thing is that, it doesn't feel 'perfect', and a lot of people like that. Did you always intend for the game to be a 'choose-your-own-adventure' style like that? Yeah, I always intended for it to be like that, but I didn't exactly know how to do it at first. I couldn't figure it out. So, Athenian Rhapsody was not programmed very well... Tales of Tuscany is programmed much better, I was able to pull it off better. But I just had to start small and build off of it, because I had big ideas - but I never knew programming, I went to school for art, I was doing traditional pencil art and stuff, I didn't know what I was doing. So it built over time, and I'm very fortunate and lucky that I was able to share this at the scale that I did, and turn it into my job. It's very personal. Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube813k As someone who studied art and went to school for it, did that help with the development of the game itself - at least, the art aspect of it? That's actually a sick question - it must have! I went to SUNY Oneonta, awesome school, I had a lot of great teachers. I was all into anatomy — transformational anatomy — and it took me kind of a while to figure it out, using space and character design. So when I started Athenian Rhapsody, my pixel art was very poor - I didn't have these fully-saturated colours yet, I didn't figure that out yet. My sprites, I was doing the pillow shading... so it took me a while to get it. There's some kind of interlink, but that skill definitely wasn't immediate; I had to learn to access that part of my brain, learning the basics of pixel art. Even in Athenian Rhapsody, when you play it, you'll see there are 10 things going on in one room; that's because I didn't know what I was doing with the space! That honestly led to this feeling of extremely hyper pace, things around every corner... But it works! The absurdism is what makes it all so endearing. Part of it sounds like it was accidental, trial-and-error, but that actually became a really cool thing. Exactly! And I was just doing what I wanted to do. I got lucky that people liked it. Some people think it's a little too much, but I've also heard from a lot of players who really like it, saying they love the story. Another publication, the reviewer said he thought the story "changed vibes too much," and that's where he wrote me off for points. But I've got other people — especially younger kids, but a lot of adults, too — saying they love that about the story! And I personally think it's very needed. A lot of times in this industry, people can take themselves a little too seriously, and I appreciate that you're just doing what you wanna do. It seems like people are drawn to that. Yeah, I try and get very personal and show myself as I am. That's how I built this, doing tutorials online and building a following just being myself. I just took my phone and filmed my screen showing "Today I did this," and I was just being real. But I'm lucky, I still just get to do whatever I want. Like for Tales of Tuscany, the team thought it was a little bit of a risk, making the main character a sheep... Lambypoo - it reminds me of my dog's toy, Lambchop! Oh my god, YES! That's exactly it! I have a hundred of those laying around my house, ripped up! That's where it came from, I'm so glad you said that! So I was just like... yo, what if I had a button, where the lamb just started "baaa"-ing? And that's where the idea for the 'Baa' button came from. You know, it doesn't always have to be this "Hold X, charge your sword..." - you can just have fun with it. So the 'Baa' turned into an interaction tool - you can break plants and cars and stuff, because people just wanna do fun stuff, like the dopamine hits we talked about earlier. So I'm trying to hone in on that. Images: Top Hat Studios I'm still shocked you hadn't played the Earthbound / Mother games prior to starting your first game. It feels like such a spiritual successor to those games. Right? And when it comes to the flavour text in those games, like the options are: "Yeah", or "I'm lactose intolerant" - that's exactly how I write, too. It almost unlocked something, when I saw that. I was like, 'Okay, so this is okay what I'm doing, this irreverence.' I watched a documentary on Earthbound, and the director was saying he had a very intuitive approach - he didn't plan it all out, he just did it block-by-block, and that's exactly what I do, too. So I guess it's that same brain type, maybe? And I had friends from my school who were trying to tell me: "Yeah, you have to block the whole game out" and all of this stuff, and I was like: "Dude, but I'm changing it every day?". So there are a lot of differences between the two games and how much I planned out Tales of Tuscany, but they're the same spirit. Speaking of Earthbound, I've heard you refer to your games as "JRPGs" a few times - what does that label mean to you specifically? Honestly, I've been saying "JRPG" lately just because I think of a long-narrative-based game, and "RPG" is too broad. But I don't know... I also call it an "IRPG" sometimes — "Italian RPG" — because I'm Italian, and Italians do like long conversations. For someone who's never heard of either of your games, what's the one thing you would say to get them to take a look at this series? Out of all of the RPGs and JRPGs out there, there are a lot, and a good one that really makes it to the finish line is hard to find. This game has a lot of love in it, there's something to love in it for everybody, that's a big part of how I made the game. I loved Game Freak's early philosophy of trying to strike a balance between 'cute' and 'cool', and how everyone has a favourite pokémon. And with Athenian Rhapsody, I tried to make one follower that everyone could love. It's the game that conforms to what you like, and everyone will get something out of it. The 'rhapsodies' are like Gen 1 trading; I wanted everyone to get something out of it. In Pokémon, you can port your Pokémon across all of the consoles, and that's kind of what I was trying to do. We'll see how that works! So, the 'munchkins' are making a comeback, too, only this time, the weasels are watching you and ruining everything. This new feature seems pretty cruel, and I'm wondering what happened to you as a child that made you want to torture people? HA! So, in the first game, I had a debug option in the 'pause' menu — just a placeholder — and it was called 'munchkins', and all these stupid things. And I was like, eff it, I'm gonna make 'munchkins' a real thing. So basically, you have to wait, like, 8-10 hours to download them, and you have a 50% chance of failing... and if it works, it's just a picture of some art of mine that says like, "Congratulations" - but I didn't realize everyone was going crazy over that! So with Tales of Tuscany, I thought 'Okay, I won't have a random 50% chance of failing at the end... but there WILL be weasels... and the weasels come and slowly go across the screen, and when they tell you, you have to press an input, otherwise they'll corrupt the munchkin.' I thought, 'I can't just do the same thing again', so I changed it up a little bit. Nobody else is doing munchkins! Nobody else is doing something to the player where they're like, 'No, you do it the way I want you to do it, or else you fail, and I'm not making it easier because you're complaining.' @athenianrhapsody Revolutionary new gameplay mechanic. Wishlist Tales of Tuscany on Steam #pixelart #indiegames #undertale #deltarune #earthbound #nintendo #athenianrhapsody #pokemon #indiegame #gaming #jrpg #omori #yumenikki #fearandhunger #lisathepainful #chainedechoes #talesoftuscany #warioware ♬ original sound - Athenian Rhapsody You're just going to make the game you want to make, and purposely live outside of the box. Was there anything too crazy in Tales of Tuscany that ended up getting vetoed yet? Yeah, there are a few things my publishers tell me I have to edit... I know more how to skirt the line now, but there were a few parts that might have to change. There's this character from Athenian Rhapsody called Uncle Billiard, and he's in this one again because he's a great character - and he has this hot dog place, but they all call the hot dogs 'wieners'... and there's this one character who's like, "Oh yeah, my double wiener sandwich..." and looking back on it, I'm like, "I can't just be throwing 'wiener' around like that." Or like, I wanted to have an enemy with a plumber's crack, and a mechanic where you have to throw things in it. And I actually vetoed that for Athenian Rhapsody, because it was kind of disgusting. ...Ask forgiveness, not permission? Yep, that's my motto! Image: Top Hat Studios Do you have plans to add any more to this universe, or do you think you'll go in a totally different direction? Honestly, I think this IP was a good one, it's strong. I did specifically want to do three RPGs. Why three, because of Earthbound? Oh, I didn't even think about that! I just thought it would be a nice number. You should do three, and just never release the final one here. HA, yeah, I'll just say there's a third! You know, I did originally want to do three, but making this game, I'm nearing the end of the creative development, and I kind of want to take a break from RPGs for a bit. We're doing the mobile game, too - it's called Goobie Garden, and Thunder Goober is in it, he obviously hit something, so even if I do decide to take a break with the IP, I'll always come back to it. But I think for my next console game, I'd like to do something a little more simple, mechanic-based... maybe a battler? I'd like to do a roguelike game. Not sure yet though! This interview has been lightly edited for clarity. Thank you, Nico Papalia (@AthenianRhapso1 on X) and the team at Top Hat Studios, for taking the time to answer our questions. Tales of Tuscany will be coming to PC and consoles in 2026. Will you be playing Tales of Tuscany when it releases? Did you play Athenian Rhapsody? Let us know in the comments below. Plenty of new Switch (2) offerings See Also Share:0 2 Austin started gaming at 2 years old and has been addicted ever since. Her Zelda, Mario, Pokémon & Animal Crossing obsessions freak people out. She habitually carries a mini projector around to play her Switch in console mode in weird places. Her favorite gaming snack is pizza rolls, because greasy controllers are her bugaboo. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment... Related Articles Nintendo Unveils Diddy Kong's Brand New Design Cap's off The First Review For Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time Is In A fantasy score? 12 Switch Games Are Getting Free Switch 2 Upgrades, Here's What You Can Expect Nintendo's free updates arrive next month Review: Capcom Fighting Collection 2 (Switch) - A Cracking Collection Of Top-Class Arcade Fighters A Dream(cast) collection

Backpacking isn’t just about reaching new places—it’s about doing so with as little weight and as much versatility as possible. The right gear can turn a tough trek into a pleasurable journey, making every campsite feel like home and every meal a celebration. Whether you’re crossing mountains, wandering forests, or camping under the stars, these ten lightweight essentials ensure you’re ready for whatever the wild throws your way. Every gram matters when you’re backpacking in the wild, but the right gear can make all the difference between struggle and adventure. The products strike the perfect balance between weight, durability, and utility, ensuring you’re prepared for whatever nature throws your way. From comfortable sleep solutions and efficient cooking tools to versatile lighting and smart multi-tools, these products will help you go further, travel lighter, and enjoy every moment outdoors. Choose the right gear, pack smart, and let the wild become your home away from home. 1. Spectre One of the biggest challenges for backpackers is balancing comfort and weight, especially when it comes to sleeping gear. Traditional hammocks are light but can leave your back aching, while tents are often too bulky for solo adventures. The Spectre solves this with a patented lay-flat design, letting you sleep comfortably on your back, side, or stomach—no more waking up folded like a banana. Its build features premium Dyneema fabric and MONOLITE mesh, both renowned for their strength and feather-light weight. This tent weighs under 2 kg, packs down to the size of a water bottle, and still offers a fully insulated sleep mat for chilly nights. For anyone who’s spent restless evenings shifting on uneven ground or cramming into tight spaces, the Spectre provides a reliable, comfortable alternative that fits easily in your pack. The thoughtful design ensures you’ll have more space for essentials like food, water, and safety gear. What we like Extremely lightweight and compact, saving precious space in your backpack. Flat sleeping surface supports all sleep positions, improving comfort on the trail. What we dislike Requires suitable anchor points (trees or posts) for setup, which may limit use in open terrain. Higher price point compared to basic hammocks or tents due to advanced materials. 2. Iron Frying Plate Cooking in the wild is both a necessity and a pleasure for backpackers, but traditional cookware can be heavy. The Iron Frying Plate changes this by serving as both your cooking pan and your plate, removing the need for extra tableware and saving weight in your pack. Crafted from rust-resistant, uncoated steel, it’s designed for durability and flavor, letting you enjoy freshly cooked meals without the fuss. The detachable wooden handle makes it easy to use and pack, while the sturdy construction ensures even cooking over a campfire or portable stove. After you’re done, simply eat straight from the plate, then clean it up and tuck it away. This all-in-one solution is ideal for minimalist backpackers who want to travel light but don’t want to compromise on the quality of their meals. The Iron Frying Plate is proof that great outdoor cooking doesn’t have to be complicated or heavy. Click Here to Buy Now: $69.00 What we like Dual-purpose design saves space by serving as both a pan and a plate. Rust-resistant and stick-resistant, ready for rugged outdoor conditions. What we dislike Still heavier than ultralight titanium cookware, which may matter to extreme minimalists. The metal handle can get hot during cooking and may require careful handling. 3. 8-in-1 EDC Scissors Every backpacker knows the value of a good multi-tool, but bulk and weight often outweigh its utility. The 8-in-1 EDC Scissors are a compact alternative, packing essential tools—scissors, knife, lid opener, can opener, cap opener, bottle opener, shell splitter, and degasser—into a palm-sized package. At just 5.1 inches, it easily fits in your pocket, hip belt, or even the smallest pouch in your pack. The black oxidation finish looks sleek and also prevents rust, making this tool as durable as it is practical. Whether you need to open a can, cut a cord, or handle a campfire meal, these scissors have you covered. Their compact design means you can always have them on hand, unlike bulkier multi-tools that often stay behind. For backpackers focused on efficiency and readiness, the 8-in-1 EDC Scissors are a must-pack essential. Click Here to Buy Now: $59.00 What we like Combines eight common tools into one ultra-compact design, saving space and weight. Rust-resistant finish extends life in wet or humid environments. What we dislike Compact size limits leverage and may not replace full-sized tools for heavy-duty tasks. Tools are small and may require careful handling, especially with gloves. 4. Slim Fold Dish Rack Keeping camp clean is a constant challenge, especially when you’re trying to cut down on gear. The Slim Fold Dish Rack is a clever solution that collapses from a full 14-inch rack to just 1.2 inches thick, slipping into your pack or even your pocket. Its patent-pending spring system allows for quick setup and takedown, so you can move fast from meal to trail and back again. Despite its minimalist profile, the rack is sturdy and spacious, airing out plates, utensils, and cookware of all sizes. It’s easy to clean—just rinse or toss it in the dishwasher when you’re back from your trip. The Slim Fold Dish Rack is perfect for backpackers who want to keep their camp organized without adding unnecessary weight. Clean gear means less hassle and more time enjoying the wild. Click Here to Buy Now: $75.00 What we like Ultra-compact and lightweight, perfect for minimalist backpacking. Quick to deploy and collapse, saving time at camp. What we dislike Not suitable for very large group gear loads; best for solo or duo setups. Plastic construction may not be as rugged as metal alternatives. 5. RetroWave 7-in-1 Radio Staying informed, entertained, and safe is crucial for any backpacker, and the RetroWave 7-in-1 Radio is built for exactly that. With its nostalgic Japanese-inspired design, this device offers AM/FM/SW radio, Bluetooth speaker, MP3 player, LED flashlight, clock, SOS alarm, and power bank—all in one compact unit. It’s designed for both leisure and emergencies, making it a versatile addition to your pack. When you’re tucked away in the wilderness, the radio keeps you connected to weather updates and news, while the Bluetooth speaker lets you enjoy your favorite tunes around the campfire. The built-in flashlight and SOS alarm are essential for emergencies, and the power bank feature ensures your phone or GPS stays charged. With hand-crank and solar charging options, you’re never out of power, even off-grid. For backpackers seeking peace of mind and a touch of comfort, the RetroWave is a smart, lightweight solution. Click Here to Buy Now: $89.00 What we like Combines seven essential functions into one portable device, reducing pack weight. Solar and hand-crank charging keep it running even without electricity. What we dislike Battery capacity may be limited for extended use as a power bank. Not as loud as larger speakers for group gatherings. 6. 0.25 oz Aero Spork Eating in the wild should be simple and hassle-free, and the Aero Spork is designed to make that possible. At just 0.25 ounces (7 grams), this spork is as light as they come, but it’s tough enough for repeated outdoor use. Its ergonomic curved design ensures a comfortable grip, and the tapered end makes it easy to twirl noodles or scoop up a hearty stew. The Aero Spork’s single-piece, stackable design means you can bring several without taking up space or weight. Whether you’re eating noodles, rice, or soup, this utensil gets the job done with ease. For backpackers who count every gram, the Aero Spork is a practical choice for light, efficient meals on the go. No more fumbling with separate forks and spoons or dealing with heavy metal cutlery. Click Here to Buy Now: $19.95 What we like Extremely lightweight and easy to pack—ideal for ultralight backpackers. Durable and ergonomic, making outdoor meals comfortable and efficient. What we dislike Limited to basic eating functions; not a replacement for knives or specialty utensils. Small size may be awkward for those with larger hands. 7. Portable Fire Pit Stand Few experiences rival a campfire in the backcountry, but fire safety and portability are always concerns. The Portable Fire Pit Stand offers a practical solution, using a modular, puzzle-like metal assembly that’s easy to transport and set up. Its warp-resistant steel ensures it holds up to high heat, while the included trivet allows for grilling, frying, or boiling meals right over the flames. The fire pit can be quickly cleaned and packed away, making it ideal for Leave No Trace backpacking. Its compact size means you can enjoy a real fire without damaging the ground or carrying bulky fire rings. For those who love cooking outdoors and gathering around a fire, this stand brings warmth and versatility to any wild setting. Click Here to Buy Now: $119.00 What we like Lightweight, easy to assemble, and portable for backcountry fires and cooking. Warp-resistant steel construction is durable and reliable. What we dislike Requires carrying fuel or gathering wood at your site. Not suitable in areas with fire bans or high wildfire risk. 8. Carabiner Power Bank Gadgets are vital for today’s outdoor adventurers and backpackers, but finding reliable power off-grid can be tough. The Carabiner Power Bank tackles this issue with a smart, dual-purpose design—serving as both a sturdy carabiner and a 5,000mAh portable battery. Clip it onto your backpack or belt, and you’ve got quick access to backup power for your phone, GPS, or other small devices. The 5,000mAh battery provides a full charge for most smartphones, while the IP44-rated case protects against light rain and dust, making it suitable for a range of outdoor conditions. It even features a built-in phone stand, making it easier to check maps or enjoy entertainment hands-free. Fast to recharge and easy to attach, it’s a practical choice for backpackers and campers who need dependable power on the move. What we like Combining a carabiner and a power bank saves space and adds functionality. IP44 rating shields against light rain and dust. What we dislike Offers just one full phone charge, so it’s not ideal for charging multiple devices or long trips. It might be bulky for ultralight or minimalist packers. 9. Tomori Lantern Kit Light is a critical resource in the wild, whether you’re navigating a dark trail or setting up camp after sunset. The Tomori Lantern Kit is a portable lighting solution that collapses down to the size of a sheet of paper (A4), so it’s easy to throw in any pack. The base is made of sturdy, bend-resistant cardboard, and the polypropylene cover diffuses light from any standard LED flashlight, creating a soft, atmospheric glow. It’s simple to assemble and doesn’t rely on proprietary bulbs or complicated cables. A flashlight is included for convenience, but you can use your own if you prefer. This lantern is perfect for lighting up tents, shelters, or picnic tables without the bulk of traditional lanterns. For backpackers who value versatility and efficiency, the Tomori Lantern Kit is a lighting solution that’s always ready to go. Click Here to Buy Now: $39.00 What we like Packs flat and is extremely lightweight, saving valuable space. Works with most standard LED flashlights, eliminating the need for extra batteries or bulbs. What we dislike The cardboard base is not waterproof; best kept dry. Not as bright as high-power lanterns for illuminating large campsites. 10. Compact Modular Grill Plate Grilling is a backpacker’s treat, and the Compact Modular Grill Plate makes it accessible wherever you roam. Built from a three-layer steel plate, it guarantees even heat distribution no matter your heat source—campfire, gas, or induction stove. The detachable handles make it easy to switch setups or pack away, so you’re always ready for your next meal. The grill plate maintains the juiciness and flavor of meat, veggies, or fish, making outdoor cooking more enjoyable and less stressful. It’s easy to clean, packs compactly, and can be used in almost any outdoor setting. It is excellent for backpackers who want to savor great meals without lugging heavy cookware. Click Here to Buy Now: $89.00 What we like Compatible with multiple heat sources, adding flexibility to your cooking options. Even heat distribution ensures perfectly cooked food every time. What we dislike Heavier than titanium grill grates; best for shorter or basecamp-style trips. Requires careful cleaning to maintain performance and prevent buildup. The post Top 10 Must-Have Lightweight Gear Every Backpacker Needs in the Wild first appeared on Yanko Design.