5 years after launch, heartfelt indie Rakuen is getting a ‘main update’ and spin-off
On: December 5, 2022
In 2017, indie developer and composer Laura Shigihara launched Rakuen, a pleasant adventure-RPG a few sick boy and his mom who journey backwards and forwards between a whimsical fantasy land and the considerably much less whimsical hospital where he is staying. Now, Shigihara has introduced that Rakuen is getting a big update, and a brand new game in the identical setting will likely be launched subsequent 12 months.
Rakuen’s update will give it “a brand new custom-built engine powered by Ebitengine, new artwork, animations” and likewise a Japanese localization. It will be accessible on March 23 of 2023, as will the subsequent game on the planet of Rakuen, which is named Mr. Saitou.
Mr. Saitou will likely be about taking part in one other character who finds himself whisked away to an uncommon world after being hospitalized, this time “a mean white-collar employee who struggles to seek out which means in a life filled with fixed time beyond regulation and social isolation.”
In line with the Steam web page, it should characteristic a “Heartwarming story with an emphasis on humor and constructing friendships”, where we will “Get to know a cast of unknown creatures (each new and acquainted), impress your boss, and discover a scuffed Edudungeon.” I assume that is an academic dungeon? One of many characters we’ll meet is named “the Sphinx of Primary Math”, in order that checks out. Mr. Saitou’s description additionally says, “Synergize, Optimize, ROIs, and cherry pies. Plenty of Golf Balls. Positively Y2K Compliant. Positively enterprise.” Lastly, it is going to be a brief game, aiming for a length “that may often be accomplished in a single sitting.”
As anticipated with Shigihara, who composed music for Vegetation Vs. Zombies, Deltarune, To the Moon, and different video games, Mr. Saitou will likely be accompanied by a full soundtrack, which will likely be included with buy of the game. From that we will apparently anticipate to listen to “flowers dropping bars over electrical guitars”.
“I’m so extremely grateful that previously 5 years, so many individuals have skilled Rakuen”, Shigihara wrote. “Thank-you for sharing your tales, for sending us fan artwork, and for the entire love and assist all through this entire course of. It is greater than I might have ever hoped for.”
