When Rusty Rabbit first hopped onto my radar at Summer Games Fest 2024, I wasn’t expecting it to leave such a lasting impression. But here I am, months later, still thinking about that quirky, post-apocalyptic rabbit world and the game’s clever mix of charm, challenge, and absurd humor. And now, the wait is almost over. NetEase Games and Nitroplus have announced that Rusty Rabbit will officially launch on April 17, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
Even better, the game comes in at a very reasonable $19.99 / €19.99 / £15.99, making it an easy recommendation for anyone who enjoys Metroidvanias or story-rich side-scrollers. Pre-orders are already live for console players, while PC gamers can snag a special bundle that includes the game’s soundtrack, composed by Busted Rose (Pop Team Epic). And for those who can’t wait until April, a playable demo arrives on February 20, offering a taste of the opening chapter with save data transferable to the full release.
Why This Game Stuck With Me
I wasn’t expecting much when I stepped into NetEase’s booth at Summer Games Fest last June, but Rusty Rabbit quickly became one of the highlights of my weekend. Created by Gen Urobuchi, the writer behind masterpieces like Puella Magi Madoka Magica and PSYCHO-PASS, the game struck a perfect balance between heartfelt storytelling and quirky humor.
The premise alone is enough to grab your attention: after humanity abandons Earth, rabbits inherit the frozen ruins of the planet. You play as Stamp, an aging rabbit who pilots a mech called “Junkster” to scavenge through icy wastelands. His journey begins when a crash strands him in the planet’s lower levels, where he discovers clues about his missing daughter and the hidden truths of their world. Oh, and in this universe, Peter Rabbit is a holy text. Yes, it’s as weird and wonderful as it sounds.
What Stood Out in the Demo
The gameplay I saw during my hands-off demo immediately stood out. Stamp’s mech, Junkster, is the star of the show, offering fast-paced “smash and dash” combat and fluid traversal through maze-like ruins. Watching the playtester wield a shotgun, sword, and even a drill to take down enemies had me itching to try it myself. One particularly intense boss fight showcased how you’ll need to use your abilities creatively, including teleportation, to overcome tougher encounters.
But it’s not just the combat that grabbed me—there’s also an RPG-like progression system where you collect parts to upgrade Junkster, making it stronger and unlocking new traversal mechanics. This gives the game a satisfying loop of exploration, combat, and customization.
And then there’s the presentation. Rusty Rabbit combines a 2.5D art style with beautifully crafted environments that bring its frozen world to life. The juxtaposition of cute, anthropomorphic rabbits and a desolate, post-apocalyptic setting makes the game stand out even more. Stamp himself, voiced by Takaya Kuroda (of Like a Dragon fame), adds a grizzled toughness that contrasts hilariously with his surroundings.
Why I’m Counting Down to April
If the demo I saw is any indication, Rusty Rabbit has everything I love in a game: engaging gameplay, a quirky story, and a distinct personality that sets it apart from other titles in the genre. Gen Urobuchi’s storytelling pedigree shines through in the richly detailed world and its eccentric cast of characters. From the barkeep who listens to everyone’s troubles to the miserly parts shop owner, the world feels alive and full of surprises.
At just $19.99, Rusty Rabbit seems like a steal for what it offers. And with the demo arriving on February 20, I can’t wait to jump back into Stamp’s mech, Junkster, and see how the adventure begins. If you’re into Metroidvania games or just looking for something with a unique, offbeat flair, this is one release you’ll want to keep on your radar.
April 17 can’t come soon enough. Until then, I’ll be counting the days—and probably rewatching that new gameplay trailer a few more times.
