Rakuen
Release Date: May 10, 2017
Adventure, fantasy, RPG elements, puzzle elements, 2D, indie games, singleplayer
Steam
An adventure game with RPG elements, in which we play the role of a boy exploring the fairy-tale land; the protagonist must submit to a series of attempts to help the inhabitants in order to meet with the Watchman of the Forest, who fulfils their wishes. Rakuen is non-violent - instead, the game is enriched with logical and environmental riddles.
Rakuen is an adventure game with RPG elements, created mainly by the independent developer Laura Shigihara.
Story
The main character of Rakuen is a boy living in a hospital. The protagonist's mother tries to make his stay at the institution more pleasant by reading him his favorite book, which takes place in the fantastic land called Morizora's Forest. One day, the boy asks his parent to travel with him to the world from this fairy tale - as the main character of the story, he intends to submit himself to a series of tests, which will be crowned by the meeting with the Guardian of the Forest, who grants him one wish.
Mechanics
In Rakuen the action is shown from a camera placed high above the head of the character. As we play, we travel through fairy-tale locations inhabited by alter egos of patients met by the boy in the hospital, including a young woman in a coma, or an old man complaining about loneliness. In the course of the adventure, the protagonist talks to them and carries out tasks for them, which helps them to deal with their problems; in this way, the boy not only learns the stories of individual characters, but also the mystery associated with the hospital itself. It is worth noting that the title is devoid of violence - instead of fighting the game is full of logic and environmental puzzles, and the whole thing has been seasoned with a solid dose of humor.
Technical aspects
Rakuen features simple, pixel art visuals. The whole thing can be pleasing to the eye thanks to the pleasant stylistics and rich colors of the fairy-tale land, which contrasts with the austere decor of the hospital.
Last updated on May 1, 2020
Videos and Screens
[1:32] Rakuen Deluxe Edition trailer
[0:48] Rakuen trailer #2 (Nintendo Switch)
Rakuen Summary
Platforms:
PC Windows May 10, 2017
Nintendo Switch March 23, 2023
Developer: Laura Shigihara
Publisher: Laura Shigihara
Age restrictions: none
