Developer C#4R4CT3R has released a free Steam demo for Rain98, an upcoming lo-fi psychological suspense adventure set in 1998 Tokyo. The demo launched alongside a new trailer showcased at The MIX Fall Game Showcase 2026, offering players an early look at the game’s unsettling story and atmospheric world.
The demo reportedly provides more than three hours of gameplay, allowing players to experience the opening portion of the adventure before its planned full release in 2027.
A Mysterious Girl and a Ritual to End the World
Rain98 follows Reina Amehara, a mysterious girl who possesses the power to end the world. After being transported back in time, players find themselves sharing an unusual daily life with Reina in the rain-soaked streets of Shibuya, Tokyo.
Rather than simply trying to prevent an impending catastrophe, players must help Reina carry out a ritual intended to bring about humanity’s end. As their relationship develops, the seemingly ordinary routine becomes increasingly unsettling due to the secrets surrounding Reina and the strange events influenced by her changing moods.
The game’s premise combines everyday interactions with psychological suspense, creating a contrast between its comfortable daily activities and its disturbing central objective.
Adventure Segments, Mini-Games, and Tokyo Exploration
Unlike traditional visual novels that primarily rely on dialogue, Rain98 incorporates adventure segments and mini-games to expand its gameplay.
Players can explore Tokyo and take on odd jobs to help Reina cover her living expenses. Everyday activities also contribute to the ritual’s progression, with players able to give Reina special gifts and collect stickers for her Angel Passport.
These mechanics allow players to gradually advance the story while learning more about Reina and the world surrounding her.
The free demo currently covers the beginning of the game through the first half of Chapter 2. The developer plans to add the remaining portion of the chapter in a future update.
Retro Tokyo Atmosphere and Language Support
Visually, Rain98 draws inspiration from late-1990s Tokyo, featuring retro cityscapes, blurred neon lights, and streets soaked by persistent rainfall. Ambient sounds and lo-fi music further reinforce the game’s melancholic atmosphere.
The demo supports nine languages, including English, Japanese, Korean, French, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese.
The full version is expected to deliver approximately 10 to 15 hours of gameplay when it launches in 2027.
With its free demo now available on Steam, Rain98 offers players an early opportunity to experience its unusual blend of exploration, daily-life activities, and psychological suspense ahead of its full release.
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