Rakugaki, the impressive indie debut from Gearbox Publishing, is making waves in the gaming world. Drawing inspiration from Jet Set Radio and Hi-Fi Rush, this stylish 3D platformer brings a fresh take to the genre.
Developed by Wabisabi Games, Rakugaki pays homage to various elements such as anime, manga, graffiti culture, electronic music, and 90s platform games. What sets it apart is its unique personality and focused approach, avoiding the common pitfall of feeling scattered and disjointed.
The game’s visuals are a vibrant blend of anime aesthetics and traditional Mexican art, reminiscent of Hi-Fi Rush and Jet Set Radio. However, Rakugaki’s gameplay also draws similarities to Splatoon, particularly in its storyline. Players assume the role of Valah, a rebellious graffiti artist in a dystopian city ruled by the tyrannical Mr Buff. His insidious plan involves brainwashing the city’s inhabitants through ubiquitous screens.
As Valah, you must navigate the city, painting over Mr Buff’s screens, destroying his devices, and engaging in epic boss battles. Each of the game’s six areas is divided into stages, and for each screen painted over, Valah earns a graffiti point. The larger screens transform into lively party scenes when adorned with Valah’s stunning 3D animated designs.
Unlocking boss battles requires a certain number of graffiti points, but this poses little challenge for dedicated speedrunners. The stages are sprawling and intricately designed, tempting players to explore every nook and cranny. Hidden screens are often tucked away in hard-to-reach areas, adding an extra layer of excitement to the gameplay.
Moreover, each stage presents various challenges that offer rewards, including the rare Ghost currency. These challenges range from completing stages quickly to eliminating enemies and painting over all the screens. The incentives to replay stages are plentiful, ensuring a satisfying and engaging experience.
Rakugaki is a breath of fresh air in the indie gaming scene. With its distinct personality, captivating visuals, and exciting gameplay, it’s a must-play for fans of the genre.
RKGK / Rakugaki – The Platforming Marvel (Gearbox Publishing)
Prepare to be blown away by the thrilling gameplay of Valah in RKGK / Rakugaki! This action-packed platformer is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat with its incredible set of moves. Get ready to experience the ultimate gaming adventure!
Valah’s arsenal of moves is nothing short of extraordinary. From the classic double jump to the impressive wall-jumping, she has it all. But that’s not all – Valah also has some unique tricks up her sleeve, thanks to her trusty drone companion, Ayo. With Ayo by her side, Valah can perform paint-based moves that are reminiscent of the popular game Splatoon. From a hover jump to surfing on paint, Valah’s abilities are truly one-of-a-kind.
The fluidity of Valah’s movements is simply mesmerizing. With the ability to latch onto rails and effortlessly glide through levels, she is a force to be reckoned with. However, don’t let her grace fool you – there are plenty of challenges along the way. Mr. Buff’s killer robots are out to get her, but Valah has a trick up her sleeve. By utilizing her paint-hover move, she can take down these enemies with ease. Just be careful of those pesky umbrella shields – you’ll have to get up close and personal to defeat them.
But the real excitement begins when Valah enters Defacer mode. By performing a series of impressive moves, she can trigger this enhanced state, where her abilities are taken to the next level. With an automatic forward-melee added to her paint-surfing, Valah becomes an unstoppable force, bulldozing through enemies like never before. However, be warned – one wrong move and you’ll be back to normal, so stay on your toes!
Get ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime with RKGK / Rakugaki. This thrilling platformer will have you hooked from the very first jump. Don’t miss out on the action – grab your controller and get ready to experience the gaming sensation of the year!
RKGK / Rakugaki is a fantastic combination of modern and retro gaming. Developed by Wabisabi Games, this platformer offers a unique and distinctive experience that blends together elements from various classic platforming games. With stylish visuals and top-notch level design, Rakugaki stands out from the crowd.
The game’s difficulty curve is well-balanced, providing a steady increase in challenge without any frustrating spikes. The boss battles are particularly memorable, requiring players to strategize and avoid attacks before launching their own offensive. Each boss battle offers a different and varied experience, adding to the overall appeal of the game.
The stages themselves are a highlight of Rakugaki. Some stages are accessed through a VR headset, allowing the level designers to unleash their creativity with imaginative ideas. From stages with rising water levels to ones set in darkness, the level design is reminiscent of classic platformers from the 90s.
Despite not being a particularly long game, Rakugaki makes up for it with its quality. There is no filler content, and the game’s replay value is high. The music, featuring a mix of psy-trance and drum and bass, adds to the overall experience. Additionally, players can unlock cute outfits for the main character, Ayo, including one that transforms them into a spherical pug.
Overall, RKGK / Rakugaki is a challenging platform game that offers stunning visuals and a unique personality. It doesn’t try to convey any specific philosophical message but instead focuses on delivering old-school platforming gameplay with its own twists. Fans of platform games will surely appreciate this gem.
RKGK / Rakugaki review summary:
– A clever mix of new and old platforming elements
– Stylish visuals and top-notch level design
– Clever paint-based platforming moves
– Solid boss battles
– Impressive replayability
– Not the longest game, but the storyline is basic
– Rating: 8/10
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