Rain

pro

Rain is a somber experience in which you - as a young boy - find yourself invisible after passing through a mysterious gate in the search for a girl hunted by monsters. The story is told through text displayed in the environment, and the only sounds you will hear are those of the rain, your footsteps as you run across puddles, the monsters, and the piano score that comes with it. All components that make Rain a very atmospheric, but dark game. The search turns not only into a rescue mission, but the longing for a glimmer of light. It is at times very captivating.

pro

Japan Studio has successfully managed to make the rain into a character of its own. The very story takes place in the rain, and all core mechanics are based on it. If there is one thing you can count on throughout the story, it's that the rain will be there pretty much all the time, either protecting you or making life difficult for you.

con

Rain isn't much of a looker. It does shine in a few areas, but most of the time you are treated to very poor textures and drab environments. You could argue that the whole point is for your surroundings to be drab, but I wouldn't mind those environments to look sharp in the process.

con

It also suffers from some rather rigid animations. Combined with the fixed camera view and sub-par graphics I have to admit my thoughts occasionally wandered into PS2 territory. Graphics alone doesn't make a game, but it can easily pull you out from the world you are immersed in.

con

Rain stumbles a bit when it comes to pacing. There are too many moments where nothing particular is happening, and there isn't enough to do or take in to make up for it. This in turn makes the game a little bit boring in a few spots.

con

It is a short game and it's meant to be one, but that doesn't make it alright to unlock collectibles after your first playthrough, in order to artificially lengthen the game. These collectibles are something I'd love to search for as I was playing the first time around.