Rain98 is a psychological thriller meets romance adventure that feels like a late ’90s anime come to life. Developed by Japanese studio C#4R4CT3R (pronounced CHARACTER), the game brings you back in time to a 1998 apartment where the girl you just met wants you to help her destroy the world. But first, you’ll have to help with the laundry.
At Tokyo Game Show, we had the opportunity to try out the all-new 80 minute demo for Rain98, where you are slowly drawn into Reina Amahara’s dangerous charm. This twin-tailed beauty has a withering glare to match her sharp tongue, but you find it difficult not to go along with her whims. Whether its buying her food to eat, or completing arts and crafts to earn side income. As the two of you spend more time together, you complete a mysterious ritual that could save or destroy the world.
The developers were heavily inspired by ‘90s anime masterpieces such as Perfect Blue and Ocean Waves, and it comes through in the demo. From its impeccable art direction to immersive soundscape, the entire experience felt like an interactive anime rather than a typical visual novel, making it feel like you’re really in the same room as Reina Amahara.
The main character is voiced by Rio Tsuchiya, who you may also know as the Japanese voice of Lucia from Zenless Zone Zero. She also voiced Ranka in SSSS.Dynazenon, Madoka Suzuhara in The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity, and Tsubaki in Yamada-kun to Lv999 no Koi wo Suru.
Rain98 is currently slated to launch in 2026, with no final launch date confirmed yet. Wishlist the game on Steam.
