Rusty Rabbit might not need an introduction within niche gaming circles, but more gamers should definitely be aware of its existence. This game is the latest brainchild of Gen Urobuchi, known for Saya no Uta, Puella Magi Madoka Magica, and Psycho-Pass, with a voiced main character by Takaya Kuroda, famous for his role in the Yakuza series as Kazuma Kiryu.
Rusty Rabbit takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where rabbits have risen to power after humanity abandoned Earth during an ice age. These rabbits refer to humans as “giants” and revere the ruins left behind as “Smokestack Mountain.” Players step into the shoes of Stamp, an old rabbit and seasoned “rust digger,” whose daily routine of excavating these sacred sites leads him on an unexpected journey.
Origins of the Project
During Anime Expo 2024, we had the chance to sit with Urobuchi-san and Kuroda-san to learn more about what went into developing this unique action game. Urobuchi-san shared how the project began as a personal hobby, using the Unity engine to create games for fun. However, when NetEase saw the potential, they offered to turn it into a full-fledged product. “It started with a post I saw of the character designs. I saw that image and, since my hobby is using the Unity engine to make games, I began working on it just for fun. When NetEase saw my work and offered to turn it into a product, it became more than just a hobby. That’s where it all started,” Urobuchi-san explained.
Character and Voice Acting
Kuroda-san, who voices the protagonist Stamp, was immediately drawn to the project. “The first thing was seeing the visuals. I just thought, ‘Oh man, I really want to do this. I want to put my voice to this character,'” Kuroda-san recalled. Fans of his work in the Yakuza series have expressed their excitement, and Kuroda has received many letters from fans eagerly awaiting the game’s release.
Gameplay Mechanics and Exploration
In Rusty Rabbit, players embark on a journey with Stamp, who encounters a rust-digging team known as the “BBs.” Together, they delve deeper into the heart of Smokestack Mountain, uncovering ancient information storage devices called “D-TAMs.” One of these records hints at the peril of Stamp’s estranged daughter, revealing hidden truths about the world he once believed in. Urobuchi-san mentioned that while the script was already written when Kuroda-san joined the project, the actor’s performance brought the character to life in a way that was both expected and pleasantly surprising.
The game features a unique “Smash and Dash” mechanic, allowing players to navigate mazelike ruins with ninja-like speed and mobility. Stamp can smash through blocks and loot treasures to deliver a unique gameloop across each level. The RPG-like progression and customization system enable players to upgrade their mech with parts and materials collected from within the ruins, improving Stamp’s skills through intense battles with enemies guarding these treasures.
A Lighter Project for Urobuchi-san
Despite his reputation for darker stories, Urobuchi-san assured fans that Rusty Rabbit stands out as a lighter, more adventurous project. “It’s not that I particularly like dark subject matter; it’s just that I’ve been asked to do that a lot and have okayed many projects that way. For some of my fans, experiencing this project, which started as a personal hobby, might feel like it stands out a bit,” he explained.
Kuroda-san’s Refreshing Role
Kuroda-san also enjoyed the departure from his usual roles. “Just like Gen, I’m often asked to play Yakuza-like characters or con men. It’s not because I love those roles; they’re just the ones I’m offered. Voicing Stamp was a refreshing change, and I think players will find the character’s voice endearing and relatable,” he said.
Excitement and Hopes for the Game
Both Urobuchi-san and Kuroda-san are excited for fans to experience Rusty Rabbit. Urobuchi-san expressed his hopes that players will enjoy the surprises and unique elements of the game. “The characters are new, and everything about this project is new. I think players might find that their expectations differ from what they actually experience, but I believe they’ll enjoy all the surprises. I hope they have fun with it,” he said.
Kuroda-san added, “Speaking as Stamp, the character has a nostalgic feel, like your dad from the ’80s. He’s a cute, relatable character that you’ll start to get addicted to the more you play him. The other characters also have distinct personalities, making the game fun for everyone. I hope everybody enjoys playing this game as much as I enjoyed voicing it.”
A Must-Play Adventure?
Rusty Rabbit promises to be a captivating adventure, combining exhilarating action, deep exploration, and a heartwarming story. As players guide Stamp through the ruins of Smokestack Mountain, they will uncover the mysteries of the past and forge a path toward the future, making Rusty Rabbit an action-adventure game for your wishlists.
Rusty Rabbit will release on PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam on September 24, 2024.
Bunnies got range 🌗😤🌓