RKGK Preview

Summary RKGK is a stunning debut title with charming art, vibrant colors, and smooth action platforming gameplay.

Gameplay includes a style meter, Defacer Mode, and customization options to personalize Valah and the game experience.

Collectibles, time attacks, and retro mode add replay value, making RKGK appealing to both newer and nostalgic players.

Charming art, vibrant colors, and smooth action platforming gameplay fill RKGK's (aka RakuGaki) dystopian world in a stunning debut title from Wabisabi games. The new game developer is centered in Mexico City and is made up of passionate developers inspired by mexican culture, anime, and action platformers like Jet Set Radio and Banjo-Kazooie. RKGK is looking to combine those passions with a dynamic new experience.

The story of RKGK follows a young graffiti artist named Valah as they set out to reclaim Cap City from Mr. Buff's oppressive and anti-expressionism rule that's turned the population into brainless shells of their former selves. Screen Rant was invited for an exclusive preview of RKGK with a hands-on demo of the third-person platformer featuring its first three stages, which showcased one of the most colorful and stylish adventure games in years.

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RKGK Refreshes A Genre That Needs A New Coat Of Paint

Releasing on Steam May 22, 2024

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Long-time gamers who grew up with 3D platformers like Crash Bandicoot, Jak & Daxter, and Super Mario 64 have had few games released in the last few years that have scratched the itch those games helped create. The short demo of RKGK teased relief for fans looking for a satisfying but challenging experience that nails the addictive gameplay those franchises once excelled at.

Two linear stages and a boss fight made up RKGK's demo, and in those stages, the bleak and brutalist architecture of Cap City was transformed into something much more colorful after players and Valah were done with them. Taking control of the young street artist will let players jump across platforms, attack robots, dodging lasers - everything you'd hope to see in a well-constructed platformer. However, what helps RKGK stand out is the artwork and clashing colors that players will use to change its world.

Gameplay That Leaves A Mark

RKGK's Stylish Approach To Game Mechanics

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Valah's spray-paint attacks and movements can leave vibrant marks on the stages as players traverse through Cap City. The marks stay on the level and effectively stand out against the well-designed stages that can challenge veterans of platforming. Blocky red robots and large black hypnotizing screens populate each stage, and after Valah is done with them, they are transformed into beautiful collages of striking artwork that are highlighted beautifully against the dreary world Mr. Buff has created. Enough screens must eventually be covered to then challenge each area's boss.

As players collect items and defeat foes, Valah's style meter fills up to eventually unlock Defacer Mode. While Defacer Mode is active attacks, techniques and the game's bumping score are significantly boosted in power, mobility, and even style. For example, while in Defacer Mode, the incredibly satisfying Surf ability that lets Valah travel faster using her small robot buddy becomes much more flashy by surrounding her with a colorful aura. Enemies take damage as she runs into them while surfing in Defacer mode, all while paint covers the ground with customizable colors.

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Personalize More Than A Dystopian World

Surprising Depth & Personalization Options In RKGK

Much like in the action platformers that RKGK is inspired by, players are able to collect coins and other collectibles to unlock new cosmetics in the microtransaction-free single-player game. During the showcase, developer Wabisabi teased that the game should take around 32 hours to complete fully. If players collect everything, Valah's look and path of colorful carnage can look a lot different from how she starts in the game.

RKGK should appeal to younger players looking for an exciting and colorful adventure.

Alternative artwork to paint on levels can be earned, as well as different colors of the paint that players can use while attacking foes and progressing through stages. Multiple costumes for Valah and her robot friend can be interchanged and combined with other unlockable outfits. RKGK has even added alternative color options to provide a lot of stylish looks for players to customize their experience further.

Final Thoughts On A First Look At RKGK

A Promising Platformer With Flair

While there are no multiplayer components or leaderboards, each stage awards a score that keeps track of accomplishments, like how many collectibles and secrets are found. This does help encourage players to replay stages to beat their previous high scores. However, challenges like Time Attacks and other special tasks grant more unlockable currencies as an extra incentive to replay levels. RKGK also offers a hard mode called "Retro" mode that promises to challenge even hardcore platforming vets who miss the difficulty that older games provide.

Although RKGK is Wabisabi Game's first title, there's a great deal to be optimistic about based on this preview session, with smooth but fast gameplay and energetic visuals characterizing a stand-out experience. For an agreeable $20 USD, RKGK looks to deliver a refreshing action platformer on Steam on May 22, 2024. RKGK should appeal to younger players looking for an exciting and colorful adventure and long-time players who reminisce about the rewarding but challenging box-breaking, platform-hopping games of their youth.