Rabi-Ribi is a quirky and zany tale about a female rabbit that is transformed into a human. The game feels more like a visual novel than a platformer, but it incorporates the best elements from the bullet hell shooter, platformer and visual novel genres. The game also plays much like Castlevania and Metroid before both series made the transition to 3D.
Rabi-Ribi has a rich, but rather long intro that explains everything the player needs to know. There’s also a full-length tutorial that accompanies the intro. The story itself gives the player great insight into the main character and the mission she embarks on. In short, the game’s protagonist, Erina, is on a holy mission to find her master and revert back to rabbit form.
As Erina progressed through the story, she will encounter familiar friends and family members that are located throughout the game world. Once she finally makes it back home, and is reunited with her master, the real story behind Rabi-Ribi begins.
The in-game cutscenes resemble a visual novel, which adds a richness that gamers will enjoy (especially if they are fans of the visual novel genre). The platformer elements come into play when you are exploring locations, and the bullet hell gameplay factors in during boss encounters.
Combat resembles most platformers, offering a healthy mix of fast-paced, twitch-style gameplay that can be challenging, but also rewarding. The in-game controls are simple; the player can either use a keyboard or game controller to attack and jump. It’s as basic as platform gaming comes. In fact, gamers familiar with the 2D versions of any classic platform series — again Castlevania and Metroid being the obvious choices to use here — will immediately understand Rabi-Ribi’s gameplay mechanics.
Rabi-Ribi is something special as far as platformers are concerned. The eye-catching art style, 2D graphics and sprite animations are pleasing (and easy) on the eyes. In fact, the game could easily pass as a visual novel all by itself (combat sequences notwithstanding), and it still would be a great experience. (Oh yes, the story is that good.). While a little quirky, the story is humorous and contains more than enough intrigue to keep gamers entertained. Plus, the entire story is narrated in English.
Fans of bullet hell shooters, platformers and visual novels will enjoy Rabi-Ribi’s take on the platformer genre. It’s the joining of three separate genres that — despite what you might think at first — work really well together when done correctly. If you haven’t already, add Rabi-Ribi to your Steam library today; it’s guaranteed to entertain.
James ‘Daripp3r’ Pittaro
Platform: PC
System Requirements
Minimum:
OS: Windows XP or above
Processor: 1.0 Ghz or above
Memory: 1 GB RAM
Graphics: Any DirectX 9.0 supported card
DirectX: Version 9.0
Storage: 1 GB available space
Developer: CreSpirit
Publisher: Sekai Project
ESRB: N/A
Price: $17.99 (UPRPRC Edition $24.99)
Rabi Ribi Steam Store Link: http://store.steampowered.com/app/400910/
| Review Score | |
|---|---|
| Graphics |  |
| The graphics are absolutely beautiful. | |
| Sound | |
| Professional voice acting and great sound effects. | |
| Gameplay |  |
| Rabi Ribi includes the perfect blend of bullet hell shooters and visual novels. | |
| Overall |  |
|---|---|
| If you're looking for a platformer that is part story, part bullet hell shooter -- then CreSpirit’s Rabi Ribi is the perfect game for you. | |
