Parthenope: a videogame in the heart of Naples

Katabasi Studio :

The story, an opus of feminine grandeur

 

Katabasi Studio presents the upcoming creation of "Parthenope", a detective RPG that will transport players to an enigmatic and timeless version of Naples, where history and legend intertwine in a labyrinth of mysteries waiting to be unravelled.
 

As a cynical anthropologist, alongside a wily local, players will delve into the shadowy depths of the being that houses the forgotten yet living essence of Naples.
 

“Parthenope” is a 3D role-playing video game inspired by the maturity of games like Disco Elsysium and Pentiment, the narrative power of Elena Ferrante's novels and the surrealism of Paolo Sorrentino's masterpieces. It is a refined blend of exploration, research and Neapolitan folklore that invites you to immerse yourself in a sophisticated story where reality and myth blur.
 

A narrative and sensory experience with a crafty heart. The game has a deep indie soul that transcends entertainment and aspires to be iconic.
 

Unleash the Neapolitan in you
 

A mythology never before told in a video game is about to emerge. Neapolitan symbolism is steeped in magic, folklore, carnality and rebellion.
 

"A paradise inhabited by devils", as Benedetto Croce remarked. Survival in Parthenope demands a deep immersion in Neapolitan traditions, requiring players to assimilate their unique skills and adapt fully to confront the carnivalesque menagerie that thrives in this alluring yet treacherous city - an embodiment reflected in the players themselves.
 

Within the intricate web of Munacielli, Janare and Capere, magical realism weaves a compelling narrative that presents Neapolitan mysteries in unprecedented detail, celebrating the enigmatic shadows and extraordinary philosophy of a city that seems to exist on a plane of its own.
 

Embark on a journey through the essence of Naples

Set in a city teeming with the weight of its history and mystery, the game draws players into the intricate tapestry of Neapolitan existence - from the vibrant bustle of its street markets to the dim recesses of its alleyways, where ancient rituals and folk traditions persist.

Magic realism intertwines with baroque aesthetics and tenebrism, plunging players into stifling neighbourhoods, dank catacombs and fleeting glimpses of a restless sea.

"Parthenope" proves to be an immersive, dramatic and eccentric gaming experience that inspires morbid curiosity, disgust and passion.

Mastering the Neapolitan dialect and reasoning is like unravelling the deep mysteries of life - full of contradictions and oxymorons.

With "Parthenope", the realm of video games goes beyond mere entertainment and becomes a transmedia cultural medium, inviting players to actively engage with the narrative, make choices, challenge preconceptions and immerse themselves in paradoxes in search of the quintessential Neapolitan essence.

Gameplay Synopsis

Embark on a thrilling journey to uncover the intricate genealogy of the Neapolitan lineages and confront the three patrons who hold sway over the heart of the city.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the Sea Tribe as you join the fervent search for the elusive Magic Egg and the enigmatic Tomb of the Siren, and delve deep into the mystery of the sunken city.

Navigate the bustling streets of Naples to uncover vital information, engage in eccentric bartering, and delve into the depths of local gossip. Use unconventional methods such as tarot card reading and dream interpretation to unravel the city's mysteries.

Shape your character's personality by adopting different disguises, embodying charisma, revolutionary fervour or even necromancy. Embrace the essence of Neapolitan culture, shattering stereotypes and immersing yourself in its rich traditions - a key element to fully embrace the Parthenopean experience.

Katabasi Studio, the artistic collective

The masterminds behind Parthenope hail from the esteemed Italian collective, 'Katabasi Studio.' Founded by Fortuna Imperatore, known as Axel Fox, an independent game  author acclaimed for 'Freud's Bones,' garnering two nominations at the Italian Games Awards, and Francesca Balestri, the Art Director and 3D artist who seamlessly blends her artistic expertise with a profound understanding of the gaming world.

Driven by a fervent aspiration to revolutionize the gaming landscape, Katabasi Studio seeks partnerships with publishers and investors who value and amplify the creative autonomy essential for a project of refined yet widespread appeal, poised for viral success.

Members