RKGK / Rakugaki: Everything We Know

Have you ever envisioned a world where your creativity not only alters perceptions but literally transforms reality itself? What if the very act of artistic expression could topple oppressive regimes and breathe life back into a colorless society? Welcome to the captivating universe of RKGK / Rakugaki, a game where artistry and rebellion intertwine to forge a tale of freedom and excitement. As anticipation mounts for its upcoming release, both gamers and critics are poised on the brink of discovery, eager to plunge into the vibrant escapades that await. What is this game about, and what makes it stand out in the crowded market of 3D platformers? Let’s dive into everything we know about RKGK / Rakugaki, where creativity is your greatest weapon.

What is RKGK / Rakugaki?

RKGK / Rakugaki is a 3D platformer, described by the developers as a vibrant journey where creativity clashes with conformity. This single-player experience invites participants into a world where art becomes both a transformative tool and a rebellious act. At the heart of RKGK, graffiti plays a pivotal role, differentiating it from traditional platform games by weaving interactive artistry into the core gameplay mechanics.

The developers present RKGK / Rakugaki as a tribute to street art, infused with elements of youthful defiance and cultural flair. This game aims to resonate with those who value narrative depth within their gameplay, offering a platform where every interaction enriches the unfolding story. Here, the genre of platformers is envisioned from an artistic perspective, promising an engaging experience focused on how art impacts the game world and player actions. So, with its future release, RKGK / Rakugaki stands poised to offer a novel and enthralling take on the capabilities of a platformer.

Story

In RKGK / Rakugaki, the city of Cap City suffers under the harsh rule of B Corp and its leader, Mr. Buff. This corporation has stripped the city of its color and life, enforcing a dull, gray existence on its inhabitants. Valah, a daring artist, joins forces with the RKGK crew to challenge this oppression. They use their graffiti to breathe life back into the city.

Valah and her crew embark on a journey filled with color and creativity to disrupt the control of B Corp. Through their art, they spread vibrant hues across the city's walls, each piece of graffiti serving as a bold statement against tyranny. Their mission is clear: restore color, joy, and freedom to Cap City by defeating Mr. Buff and his minions. The stakes are high, but Valah and her team are determined to succeed, armed with cans of paint and a passion for change.

Gameplay

The gameplay will revolve around a combination of dynamic movement and artistic expression. Players can look forward to mastering Valah's movement across the sprawling cityscape. With options to jump, dash, glide, and grind, the gameplay promises a fluid, fast-paced experience. These abilities allow players to navigate obstacles and enemies, crafting a path through the game's levels with both precision and flair.

Here, the Defacer mode offers a unique twist, transforming the game environment into an animated wonderland. This mode enhances the visual experience and adds layers to gameplay strategy. It will enable players to access new areas and interact with the world in different ways. The transition into this mode will be seamless, emphasizing smooth gameplay flow and encouraging players to explore and experiment with their surroundings.

Artistic tools serve as more than just aesthetic enhancements; they become key to progressing through the game. Valah's paint abilities will allow for the alteration of the environment, enabling players to uncover hidden paths and secrets. This mechanic ensures that creativity directly influences gameplay, rewarding players for innovation and exploration. The use of graffiti to unlock new areas or solve environmental challenges will integrate artistic expression with traditional platforming elements.

Moreover, combat will feature Valah using her artistic arsenal to challenge the minions of B Corp. The paint abilities will serve dual purposes, providing methods for both traversal and tactical engagement. Players will need to adapt to various enemy types, using creativity and quick reflexes to overcome them. In short, RKGK / Rakugaki will challenge players to think creatively, move swiftly, and paint their way to victory against the backdrop of a color-starved city yearning for liberation.

Development

RKGK / Rakugaki is being developed and published by Wabisabi Games and Gearbox Publishing. This game is Wabisabi’s first project, created by a team from seven different countries. The team's founders—Oscar Noriega, Anwar Noriega, Julio Zabre, and Esteban Lezama—united over their shared love for video games, anime, manga, and street culture. Originally, they started their studio with advertising projects but always aimed to create a game like RKGK. This game combines elements from their favorite childhood memories, including classic 3D platformers, vibrant anime, and graffiti.

The developers describe Rakugaki as a tribute to the entertainment and experiences that inspired them during their youth. They specifically mention the game’s art style, which draws heavily from the anime of the 1980s and 1990s. The game also received support from Riot Games' Underrepresented Founders Program.

Trailer

The announcement trailer provides a first look at Valah, the protagonist of RKGK / Rakugaki, setting the stage for the vibrant rebellion within Cap City. If you haven't seen it yet, do watch the video embedded above!

Release Date, Platforms, and Editions

RKGK / Rakugaki is scheduled for release in the summer of 2024 and will be priced at $19.99. It will be exclusively available on PC via Steam, with no current plans for a console release announced. The game will cater to a global audience, supporting multiple languages such as English, French, Italian, German, LATAM Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, and Japanese, promoting widespread accessibility and inclusivity. At present, there have been no announcements concerning special editions of the game. And to stay ahead of any announcements and updates related to this game, you can follow the official social media account of the game here.

So, what's your take? And what are you most excited about in exploring the streets of RKGK / Rakugaki? Let us know on our socials here!