I’ll admit that I walked into the Summer Games Fest 2024 with little knowledge or expectations about Rusty Rabbit. It was a long way down my list of games to watch coming in. And yet, 30 minutes after walking into NetEase’s preview booth I left confident it was among the most exciting I’d seen all weekend.
During my hands-off demo at the NetEase booth, Gen Urobuchi, the celebrated Japanese writer behind masterpieces like Puella Magi Madoka Magica and Psycho-Pass, introduced his upcoming 2.5D Metroidvania. His passion was palpable, and the game looked like a delightful blend of whimsy and depth that I could not wait to see realized.
To kick my demo session off, a flurry of short videos and PowerPoint presentations went to great lengths to convey Rusty Rabbit’s robust lore. It takes place millennia after humanity has abandoned Earth, leaving behind a frozen world now inhabited by adorable, anthropomorphic rabbits. The story revolves around Stamp, an eccentric rabbit who pilots his mech, Junkster, through these icy ruins. Stamp’s journey begins after a crash in the lower levels of the ruins, leading him to discover D-TAM terminals that hold crucial information about his missing daughter and the world’s hidden truths.
Clearly, the lore is deeply influenced by Urobuchi’s narrative expertise, which makes for a rich backstory and detailed world-building that seems almost overkill for such an unusual and offbeat premise. The whimsical nature of the plot, where rabbits revere Peter Rabbit as their bible, adds a layer of absurd charm that sets Rusty Rabbit apart from typical post-apocalyptic tales.
Unsurprisingly, Urobuchi’s clever writing goes beyond lore; Rusty Rabbit features a cast of colorful characters that add depth to Stamp’s journey. From Lucas, the barkeep who listens to everyone’s woes, to Jed, the miserly parts shop owner, each character brings flavor to the narrative. These interactions are not just for show; they actively influence Stamp’s quest, providing him with the necessary tools and information to progress. Indeed, as players progress, they can upgrade Junkster with parts collected from the ruins, enhancing combat capabilities and mobility. From there, players then jump into each newly unlocked level, unlocking new areas with those fresh upgrades.
Once you’ve launched a campaign to a new level, Rusty Rabbit’s gameplay mechanics appear to shine equally as bright as its story. Stamp’s mech, Junkster, is equipped with a variety of weapons including a shotgun, sword, and drill. The “Smash and Dash” feature enables fast-paced traversal, and it’s handy in combat too. During the demo, I also got to see our playtester tackle a boss fight that showcased the use of different abilities like teleportation to overcome. I was told this was quite a tricky encounter, and it certainly looked hard enough to suggest that while Rusty Rabbit might be eccentric, it’s no walk in the park.
Still, as engaging as its gameplay looked there’s no question that Rusty Rabbit’s artistic flair is the star. In particular, rather absurd humor. The game doesn’t shy away from its quirky premise, proudly putting the oddities of its world front and center. Stamp, voiced by Takaya Kuroda (famed for his role as Kiryu Kazuma in the Like a Dragon series), adds a grizzled charm to the character, a deliberately silly juxtaposition between cute visuals and overly gruff toughness that drew a chuckle or two from me during the presentation.
The visual style of Rusty Rabbit is also super charming. The game’s 2.5D presentation is beautifully crafted, with detailed backgrounds and fluid animations that bring the frozen world and its rabbit inhabitants to life. The post-apocalyptic aesthetic, combined with the whimsical design of the characters and environments, is definitely unique.
Scheduled for release on September 24 for PlayStation 5 and PC, Rusty Rabbit is shaping up to be one of the most eclectic and exciting titles of 2024. With its deep lore, engaging characters, and clever gameplay mechanics, it promises to deliver an experience that breaks away from the genericism that plagues so many contemporary titles. For fans of Metroidvania games and those who appreciate a good dose of absurd humor, Rusty Rabbit is one to watch.
