Rusty Rabbit opens with a brooding, atmospheric tone reminiscent of a classic noir detective mystery. The game introduces us to Stamp, a grizzled and down-on-his-luck salvager who embodies the spirit of a world that has seen better days. Interestingly, Stamp is not your average protagonist; he is a talking rabbit, navigating a post-human world filled with charming, rounded, and fluffy rabbits akin to those found in a Sylvanian Families playset.
In this captivating universe, characters engage in raiding remnants of old-world technology to make a living. They balance their scavenging life with moments of reflection in church, where they learn about the life of Saint Peter and his struggles against the notorious McGregor. The juxtaposition of cute, fluffy characters with serious themes adds depth to the gameplay experience.
Stamp is compellingly voiced in the Japanese audio track by Takaya Kuroda, known for his iconic role as Kazama Kiryu in the Yakuza series. This voice acting injects a layer of seriousness into the otherwise whimsical aesthetics of the game, enhancing the overall narrative and character development.
Equipped with a customizable exo-suit, Stamp embarks on missions into human-made facilities, searching for parts and battling mechanized enemies. The primary gameplay loop revolves around seeking out scrap cubes, where players use a drill from the very beginning. As players smash blocks to pieces with their drill, they earn experience points (XP) and components that can be used to upgrade their suit and weaponry.
As the game progresses, Stamp's abilities expand, accompanied by a growing arsenal of weapons. While the skill tree may not be particularly deep, the gradual enhancement of your suit's capabilities provides a satisfying sense of progression. The game also features a well-calibrated difficulty curve for enemies and hazards; players will find that a quick boost to attack or defense can often solve any challenge they face.
Between salvage hunts, players have the opportunity to return to the hub town, where various downtime activities await. Stamp can visit the diner to engage with non-playable characters (NPCs), attend church services to hear the gospel of Saint Peter, or trade in bounties at the local bar. These interactions add a light social simulation element to the game, enhancing the overall experience.
Rusty Rabbit is ultimately a standard Metroidvania experience that adheres closely to the established formula. However, it surprises players with its extensive customization options and light social sim elements. The game is certainly worth playing, particularly for its delightful protagonist, who, in the Japanese dub, combines the adorable appearance of a rabbit with the stern vocals of Kazama Kiryu, making for a unique and memorable gaming experience.
