Remember that new game NetEase Games teased to reveal at Tokyo Game Show 2023? Here it is. It’s called Rusty Rabbit, a side-scrolling adventure developed in collaboration Nitroplus.
This game is being penned by Gen Urobuchi, co-creator of Nitroplus and writer an creator behind animes Puella Magi Madoka Magica and Psycho-Pass and the novel Fate/Zero.
“While I have always had a great passion for the gaming industry, my work has mainly focused on creative adventures in traditional text format. I am filled with gratitude to NetEase Games for finally fulfilling my long-standing wish to create a game filled with action and adventure based on my stories,” said Gen Urobuchi, writer and co-creator (Nitroplus).
“I would also like to thank all the staff who lent their expertise to make this project a reality. Our goal is for Rusty Rabbit to bear the fruits of this creative challenge, and I’m excited for my fans and gaming fans everywhere to experience this game next year. Thank you so much for your support!”
Rusty Rabbit stars Stamp, a middle-aged rabbit and a pilot of the mech he affectionately calls “Junkster”, in a world where humans left the planet. Stamp has been collecting junk and tinkering machines until one day he founds info of his missing daughter, and the truth of the world.
Rusty Rabbit as a game plays like a 2D side-scrolling adventure. Junkster the mech can be customised with gathered materials, so expect RPG progression and customisation elements. The mech allows for “ninja-like speed and mobility” to traverse the 2D ruins.
It’s a fascinating collab. Rusty Rabbit looks like a plain setup for a video game, but who knows what wild direction this might go. Or it could be played straight as just a cool little action game. Nitroplus has a back catalogue of works covering fascinating (and messed up) themes but so far, Rusty Rabbit looks far from that. So far.
Rusty Rabbit is targeting a 2024 release window for PS5 and PC.