May 22nd 2024.
RKGK, also known as Rakugaki, is an impressive indie game that has recently made its debut. Developed by Wabisabi Games, this 3D platformer combines elements from Jet Set Radio and Hi-Fi Rush while still offering something fresh and new.
According to the developers, Rakugaki was initially created as a tribute to various things such as anime, manga, graffiti culture, electronic music, and 90s platform games. Despite the many influences, the game manages to stand out with its own distinct personality and a focused approach, rather than feeling like a jumbled mix.
The game's visuals showcase a fusion of anime and traditional Mexican art, resulting in a vibrant and stylized look that is reminiscent of Hi-Fi Rush and Jet Set Radio. However, when it comes to gameplay, Rakugaki draws inspiration from a game that is not mentioned by the developers - Splatoon. This is evident in the game's storyline, where the player takes on the role of Valah, a rebellious graffiti artist in a dystopian city controlled by the evil Mr Buff. His goal is to brainwash the city's inhabitants into becoming dull and conformist by installing screens everywhere. Although the story could have explored the modern obsession with phone screens, the developers chose to keep it light and focus on the action.
Valah's mission is to graffiti over Mr Buff's screens, destroy his devices, and defeat him in boss battles to free the city. The game is divided into six areas, each with several stages that reward the player with graffiti points for painting over screens and defeating enemies. Valah's 3D animated designs turn the giant screens into party scenes, adding a fun touch to the gameplay. While players need a certain number of graffiti points to unlock boss battles, the game's replay value is high, as there are hidden screens and challenges to discover in each stage.
The platforming mechanics in Rakugaki are excellent, making it a joy to play. Valah has a variety of moves at her disposal, including a double jump, wall-jumping, and a slide that allows her to duck under objects. She also has some unique abilities, thanks to her drone companion Ayo, such as a paint-based hover and a move that lets her surf on paint. These moves, along with the ability to latch onto rails, allow for a smooth and graceful flow through the levels. However, players must also navigate through Mr Buff's killer robots, which can be destroyed with Valah's paint-hover move, except for those with umbrella shields that require a melee attack.
Defeating enemies in Rakugaki is not just about brute force, as players can also trigger Defacer mode by executing moves and building up a meter. In this mode, Valah's abilities are enhanced, and she adds an automatic forward-melee to her paint-surfing, making it easier to take down enemies. However, getting hit will reset the player back to normal movement. The game's difficulty curve is well-balanced, gradually increasing without any frustrating spikes. The boss battles are also unconventional and diverse, showcasing the developers' creativity.
Rakugaki also boasts impressive level design, with Valah accessing some stages through a VR headset. This allows for some wild and imaginative ideas, like a stage with rising water levels and one set in complete darkness until splashed with paint. The game's soundtrack, featuring psy-trance and drum and bass, adds to the overall experience, along with the option to unlock cute outfits for Valah and her drone.
Although the game can be completed in about six hours, it is more substantial than expected, with high replay value. The overall design is well thought out, and the game does not contain any filler content. Ultimately, Rakugaki is a challenging platformer with unique visuals and a distinctive personality that pays homage to classic 90s platform games while offering something fresh and new. Fans of the genre should definitely give it a try.
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