Rain World Review: An Ecosystem of Challenges
Batten down the hatches, because Rain World will leave you drenched in both sweat and admiration for its survival platforming sagacity.
last updated Nov 29, 2023
Whether it's the relentless ecosystem, the visceral survival gameplay, or the incredibly detailed environment, there's an undeniable allure here.
Gameplay Grit: Survival of the Fittest... or the Cutest?
Rain World tosses you into the weather-worn fur of the slugcat, the world's squishiest avatar of the apocalypse. The game plonks down on the line between 'harsh survival chore' and 'exploratory wonderland'. Platforming here is a high-stakes gymnastics routine, with every leap and scramble feeling like a high-wire act without a net. The game's survival mechanics, while daunting, provide a rewarding sense of progression – providing, of course, that your nerves can take the onslaught of predators seemingly spawned from your worst fever dreams. The controls range from delightfully responsive to pull-your-hair-out obtuse, but there's something deeply satisfying about mastering the movements of your slugcat, galloping serenely across screens that You used to find impassable.
Audio Vibes: The Silence is Deafening
One of the game's understated triumphs is its audio design, which can aptly be described as a masterclass in minimalist tension. The sporadic music enhances the atmosphere with a haunting presence that underscores the desolation of the world around you. The natural ambience is punctuated by animalistic cries, the skittering of unseen creatures, and the inevitable roar of the deadly rain, creating a soundscape so rich you might just start hearing echoes in your sleep. Each region's tune is like the cherry on top of the stress sundae – it won't ease your survival struggles, but it'll make them sound irresistibly cinematic.
Visual Feast - Pixel Art Meets Predator
Graphically, Rain World is a pixelated pleasure, a testament to what can be achieved with a palette of squares. Each environment, from bone-dry deserts to oppressive industrial zones, is lovingly crafted with details that tell their own silent backstories. Despite the occasional blurriness when stretched to modern resolutions, the game looks fabulous. Unfortunately, this beauty sometimes comes at the cost of performance hiccups, likely to make you sigh or scream, depending on whether you've just been outmaneuvered by an exceptionally wily lizard. Still, the fluid animation of the diverse fauna boasts an authenticity that supplements the game's merciless yet mesmerizing ecosystem.
The Return of Nature's Scariest Obstacle Course
Balancing the thin line between intrigue and frustration, Rain World’s DLC delivers a buffet of expanded lore that transforms the original plot from a tiny puddle-pitch of intrigue into an ocean of deep, dark mystery. It’s a mesmerizing display of storytelling that feels woven into every pixel of the game. However, you might find the narrative clues as accessible as a sealed bunker, witnessing moments that feel like they unfold at the speed of geology. Speaking of things that crawl, prepare to make peace with the game’s interpretation of ‘combat’ – an experience similar to trying to battle a tornado with a toothpick.
Modding Madness and Community Chaos
From increased difficulty for adrenaline junkies to actual Friday Night Funkin' inclusion for those who missed the 'game' part in 'game mods', community efforts have turned Rain World's modding scene into an offbeat patchwork of creativity. This commitment from its fans is a testament to the game's potential for longevity and variety. Plus, having a pal verbally berate your every move in co-op mode offers an extra dimension of challenge – or therapy, depending on your viewpoint.
STEAM RATING
Developer
Videocult
Publisher
Akupara Games
Release Date
March 28, 2017
Surviving and Thriving in Pixelated Peril
Rain World isn't just a game; it's high stakes hopscotch in a universe where the chalk lines are drawn by Mother Nature herself - and she's out for blood, sweat, and tears. Whether it's the relentless ecosystem, the visceral survival gameplay, or the incredibly detailed environment, there's an undeniable allure here, woven into the fabric of every simulated storm cloud and pixelated predator. If you revel in the poetic brutality of natural selection, and don’t mind a touch of masochism, Rain World welcomes you with open arms – and then promptly chomps them off.
