Rain World and the DLC Rain World Downpour from Publisher Akupara Games and developer Videocult is a platformer title that is filled with a torrential flood’s worth of content. Rain World Downpour is a major DLC package that was released earlier in 2023 and with it came a tonne of additional content that rivaled the base game.
So what exactly makes Rain World worth checking out and is it worth playing through? The answer to this is pretty straightforward if you’re a fan of platforming games with a lot of heart.
Slugcat
In Rain World, players will take on the role of a Slugcat. The game kicks off with a series of artworks depicting what happened to you. You as the Slugcat gets separated from the rest of your family and fall down somewhere into the depths. When you awake you will need to find yourself some food and shelter. The game is fairly minimal with its tutorial. You’ll be taught how to traverse areas and catch food by some in-game creatures projecting instructions in front of you.
Once you’ve caught some food and eaten, a meter will fill and you’ll be advised to seek shelter before the rain hits. This is the entire premise of Rain World. Players will have to venture out into the harsh environment, obtain food, avoid enemies, platform their way through various hazards, explore the world and unlock new areas. Rain World Downpour spices up the formula by introducing new Slugcats to play as with their own unique abilities and skills.
Rain World Downpour is honestly worth every cent if you enjoyed the base game because of the additional features it adds to Rain World. Being able to play the game co-op is incredibly fun with up to 4 players teaming up in local co-op. This does complicate things somewhat but if you and some pals are all Rain World veterans, it’s extremely rewarding to play.
Rain World Downpour gives you access to five Slugcats, The Rivulet, The Gourmand, The Artificer, The Spearmaster and The Saint. This brings the total number of Slugcats up to 8 and each one plays differently in the game.
Survival Platforming
Rain World and Rain World Downpour respectively are not the type of game that everyone will enjoy. If you get easily frustrated or prefer games to hold your hand throughout, this game will infuriate you. Thankfully Steam offers you a 2 hour grace period to refund a game so if you’re on the fence, try it out and see if you like it or not. Chances are though, if you’re anything like me and like a challenge, Rain World will easily absorb hours and hours of your life as you try to perfect your platforming survival skills.
As you venture out into the world, you will encounter various hazards. Lizard-like beasts prowl about and they can and will eat you. You’ll have to get good at dodging enemies and finding food while also taking into account the pending storm. You therefore need to plan out your routes allowing you to find food, and progress, before the rain comes in and washes away everything. You also need to consider finding a safe spot to hibernate and these hidey holes play an integral part in progressing throughout the game. The game does feature a map thankfully and this is quite accessible and useful.
When it rains it pours
Rain World Downpour’s inclusion of Slugcats with specific abilities really spices things up. These Slugcats all play out in such different ways that you’ll quickly find your favourite and want to continue progressing with them because they truly do change the way the game is played. This is a DLC that might end up being polarizing because of how much it changes the way the game is played but this isn’t inherently a bad thing. It simply enhances the original with its own take on the game and thankfully, you can still the original Rain World without the Downpour features.
Graphically, Rain World is a work of a art. The graphics and overall aesthetic of the game looks amazing in every way and the creepy vibe that’s given off really adds to the overall atmosphere of hopelessness and survival. Venturing out of your hibernation spots feels risky and dangerous in both he base game and in Downpour but as you get used to the game’s mechanics and platforming, you’ll get hooked. You’ll want to explore further each time and even though it can be punishingly brutal at times, Rain World feels like a tonne of fun to play. Especially if you’re a fan of challenging platformer games that reward patience and strategy.
The soundtrack of Rain World and Rain World Downpour is excellent and is well suited to the type of game this is. The sound effects are great too. Rain World runs flawlessly on PC and can be played with both mouse and keyboard or with a controller which is great to see. Downpour also introduces a Sandbox mode and a Challenge Mode which further sweetens the deal.
Ultimately Rain World and Rain World Downpour is a game that you will either love or hate. If you dislike games that require you to think, plan and strategize while platforming, this game will just annoy you. If however you love games that present a challenge while not holding your hand, Rain World will be one your new favourite pastimes. Downpour does simplify and improve upon the base game making it more user friendly thanks to the new Slugcat’s abilities.
However, this doesn’t detract from the fact that both the base game and its massive DLC are excellent in their own right. Give Rain World and Rain World Downpour a try. Chances are you might enjoy it and if not, the option to refund is available on Steam so long as you’re within the first 2 hours of gameplay.
Rain World Downpour Trailer
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