Rakuen

 PC
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 114 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 95 out of 114
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 114
  3. Negative: 14 out of 114

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  1. Kgxkwk
    Jun 9, 2017
    10
    Amazing soundtrack and touching story line, perfect balance of warmness and sadness, Feels overloaded in many points, some people like me, are expected to cry. 7 hours of fun, worth taking it whole in one go for maximum experience!
  2. RepentantSky
    Mar 8, 2018
    10
    An absolutely perfect game in every possible way. It's simple looking but beautiful, it's engaging, it's got a great story, and the characters in it are all amazing. The only thing that may be better than all of that is the soundtrack. If you ever have a chance, buy this game, enjoy it, let others know about it, because the fact that it wasn't even in the running for Indie game of the yearAn absolutely perfect game in every possible way. It's simple looking but beautiful, it's engaging, it's got a great story, and the characters in it are all amazing. The only thing that may be better than all of that is the soundtrack. If you ever have a chance, buy this game, enjoy it, let others know about it, because the fact that it wasn't even in the running for Indie game of the year last year is criminal. You will not find a better Indie title than this.… Expand
  3. QuothTheKvothe
    Apr 6, 2020
    9
    A heartwarming, compelling and emotional experience from start to finish. Fantastic music and simple RPG exploration leads you through a compelling story that grapples with all of the strong emotions we experience losing a loved one. No combat, just love. It's only a few hours from start to finish, but you will remember this game for a long, long time. A game to make you remember thatA heartwarming, compelling and emotional experience from start to finish. Fantastic music and simple RPG exploration leads you through a compelling story that grapples with all of the strong emotions we experience losing a loved one. No combat, just love. It's only a few hours from start to finish, but you will remember this game for a long, long time. A game to make you remember that everyone has a story to tell and that no matter how small or helpless you feel, it only requires compassion to make the world a better place.… Expand
  4. LaserFlip147
    Mar 28, 2023
    10
    A beautiful journey with smiles, tears, and love, orchestrated by a lovely lady with a voice of angel and a heart of gold.
  5. UltraZeroX7
    May 5, 2023
    10
    A lovely game with a compelling storyline/themes, nice character designs/art, and a beautiful soundtrack that will surely shine your light. If you're onto games with an emotional substance, this one is for you. Highly recommended.
  6. TazHayashi
    Jul 1, 2017
    10
    A beautiful game that disguises itself as a children's story, but in reality touches upon some deeply mature themes (dementia, spousal/child abuse, racism, loss, etc.). The part I found the most remarkable, was how much the game made me feel as though I was looking at all of these themes through the eyes of a child. I experienced a sense of wonder, vigilance, fear, loneliness, humor, andA beautiful game that disguises itself as a children's story, but in reality touches upon some deeply mature themes (dementia, spousal/child abuse, racism, loss, etc.). The part I found the most remarkable, was how much the game made me feel as though I was looking at all of these themes through the eyes of a child. I experienced a sense of wonder, vigilance, fear, loneliness, humor, and everything in between; all the while getting to know a cast of very interesting characters. The writing was very effective in that each character, each news clipping, each narrative element felt as though it had its own distinct and realistic voice. Even the most obscure NPCs had entertaining dialogue worthy of being read. The soundtrack is excellent; some tracks are complex and mysterious (Spirit Envoy, The Keepers), some are bittersweet and perfectly simple to match their purpose (My Little Girl, Yours). The puzzles are cleverly intertwined with the gameplay and narrative (when I realized the meaning behind the anagram puzzle in Gemma's section, I got chills).

    In reality, I would rate this game a 9 or 9.5 because of the limitations that come with rpg maker (which I believe the game was made in). You can't change the screen resolution from 640 x 480, controller support is just alright, etc. However, none of these things actually detracted from the overall experience. The reason I gave the game a 10 (as opposed to a 9 or 9.5) is because I've found that user rating on Metacritic seems to be quite binary. 10 means you recommend the game, 0 means you don't (or that you're trying to lower the overall score by giving a more drastic, but unfair rating). I think this is a good reason Metacritic should implement a thumbs up/thumbs down system and display the percentage of users who recommend the game, as it's a more accurate reflection of how the population has received the game.    … Expand
  7. ShionaBlackheid
    May 29, 2017
    10
    The game is simply amazing. The characters are remarkable, every one of them especially onion. This world created by Laura feels so warm and entertaining. I'm glad that I was able to experience this story, I think it's impossible to ever forget what you saw there, once you entered Rakuen.
  8. leeblehunter
    Jun 24, 2017
    10
    An excellent indie game that has an amazing soundtrack. The story is transcendental and is guaranteed to make you cry. And the artwork is top notch. You can't go wrong with Rakuen.
  9. inverse42
    May 18, 2017
    10
    With a beautiful and touching story, and a soundtrack that brings the whole world to life, Rakuen is a wonderful game that I would recommend to anyone interested in a good story!
  10. LBbrainy
    May 27, 2017
    10
    This was the first game I've ever played where your mom actually goes on the adventure with you. And what a wonderful character she is! At first when you talk with her, she says light things (gives you hints, says puns that dad would be proud of). But the things she says keep changing throughout the game, and it really feels like she's there with you, helping you and supporting you as youThis was the first game I've ever played where your mom actually goes on the adventure with you. And what a wonderful character she is! At first when you talk with her, she says light things (gives you hints, says puns that dad would be proud of). But the things she says keep changing throughout the game, and it really feels like she's there with you, helping you and supporting you as you uncover these dark and difficult secrets that your neighbors in the hospital carry. By the end of the game, you learn some amazing things about her that (for me at least) really affected me. Yes, I cried. Probably about 4 or 5 times. But the game didn't leave me feeling sad; strangely, it filled me with hope. Most of the game, I actually felt like I had been taken to another world and filled with a sense of wonder. There were also several times where I started laughing because of how ridiculous some of the dialogue is (Bad Attitude Onion, Rupert, Buff Glowshroom); I wasn't expecting it to be a funny game, but it was actually very funny.

    So yes, play this game if you want to experience a moving story, you want to feel a sense of wonder and adventure, you want a good laugh, or if you just love good video game music. The soundtrack itself is a reason to play this game.    … Expand
  11. Alron1
    May 10, 2017
    10
    Incredible soundtrack, but that's to be expected from Laura Shigihara. It might have been because of the To The Moon nostalgia, but I loved the game. The story is captivating, even more than "A Bird Story". I recommend this title to anyone who values the story and the soundtrack more than graphics and gameplay.
  12. Scia
    Jul 1, 2017
    8
    I'm actually rating this higher than it felt like for me for an interesting reason: the way the game tries to convey emotions doesn't work for me, but many people have reported that it DOES work. I can't say I know for sure why this is the case, but it apparently is.

    I doubt I'm the only person like this, so I'll say that it might not impact you the way it's intended, and it might come    I'm actually rating this higher than it felt like for me for an interesting reason: the way the game tries to convey emotions doesn't work for me, but many people have reported that it DOES work. I can't say I know for sure why this is the case, but it apparently is.

    I doubt I'm the only person like this, so I'll say that it might not impact you the way it's intended, and it might come across as a little blah. But for most people, it should be quite the experience.

    Even without that kind of experience, I do find it a cute game with a good soundtrack. Far from perfect, but still enjoyable, and still very good for a developer's first published game.    … Expand
  13. martinligabue__
    Feb 14, 2023
    0
    this game can only be 10 out of 10, the story is wholesome, I hope it'll be more known in future
  14. RagingPoet
    Sep 16, 2018
    8
    Rakuen is an adventure game with emotional and straightforward story. It is made with RPG maker, so the graphics are as bad as in To the Moon.
    I've never cried so much playing a videogame before.
  15. DioBrando111
    Feb 2, 2019
    10
    This game truly is amazing. It has everything an amazing game should need. Fun enough gameplay. An amazing story that in my opinion can compete with Oscar winning films. The beginning of the game is slow, but it allows us to get a grasp on the amazing world that Laura Shigihara has created. The latter end of the game is something only the Gods could’ve made, because it was extremelyThis game truly is amazing. It has everything an amazing game should need. Fun enough gameplay. An amazing story that in my opinion can compete with Oscar winning films. The beginning of the game is slow, but it allows us to get a grasp on the amazing world that Laura Shigihara has created. The latter end of the game is something only the Gods could’ve made, because it was extremely beautiful. The music is superb, it’s what drives the story from amazing to masterpiece. The game’s plot looks very childish at first, as you are in the eyes of a young child who has recently gone to the hospital and soon entering a magical world, but this game gets deep and very mature during certain story arcs in the characters you meet, dwelling on death, child abuse, loss of loved ones and diseases. Truly an amazing game.… Expand
  16. Babutto
    Aug 17, 2020
    10
    It's that moment when you don't want to write a review or pros/cons.

    Everything is great in this game. It's relatively simple, but the topics it raises are very... Very complicated.
    This is the most touching story about death I've ever played in my life.

    It would be perfect to play with your child.
  17. c64gamer
    Apr 24, 2020
    10
    Real RPG with all positives and negatives. For me in real rpg there is too much searching and to much dialog. What is most interesting about this game? Five stories told in a pretty unexpected way. There are two worlds the real one and fantasy world. In both of these worlds you find same characters. Each story contains realistic and fantasy elements. All of this is sewed together and addsReal RPG with all positives and negatives. For me in real rpg there is too much searching and to much dialog. What is most interesting about this game? Five stories told in a pretty unexpected way. There are two worlds the real one and fantasy world. In both of these worlds you find same characters. Each story contains realistic and fantasy elements. All of this is sewed together and adds deepness, colour, understoodment of characters. Nice storytelling. Thanks for release.… Expand
  18. kimi1775
    Nov 17, 2020
    9
    ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎
  19. McButterstotch
    May 5, 2023
    10
    A phenominal story game full of amazing characters an is charming and bittersweet but ultimately life-affirming with an incredibly well crafted soundtrack with emotional vocal performances and tracks from world class composer Laura Shigihara.
    it is just a joy to experience as the story unravels, easily worth anyone's time!
    I can't recommend it enough!

Awards & Rankings

26
#26 Best PC Game of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. GameStar
    Dec 21, 2017
    87
    An emotionally addictive adventure with simple gameplay. Its moving story will stay with you for a long time.
    Read full review
  2. Adventure Gamers
    Sep 5, 2017
    60
    Without question, Rakuen is an ambitious indie endeavor and I admired many aspects of it—the Boy’s authentic child-like wonder in the face of real human tragedy, the funny and endearing inhabitants of Morizora Forest, and the mystery surrounding the Boy’s hospital stay, to name a few. But my dissatisfaction with the puzzles and ending make the game difficult to wholeheartedly recommend. It really comes down to what kind of game you’re in the mood for. If you want a game that’s mostly story, then the number and type of puzzles in Rakuen will likely turn you off. If you’re looking for more of a story-puzzle balance regardless of how well the two are integrated, you’ll probably have a better time with Rakuen than I did. And if you’re in the mood for a game to make you cry—well, this one will, I guarantee it. I just can’t promise it’ll be the catharsis you’re looking for.
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  3. GameSpot
    Jul 10, 2017
    70
    There's no denying that Rakuen has some incredibly strong components. At the same time, it's hard to shake its more basic shortcomings, be it the technical limits of its engine or the plodding exploration. Its most brilliant and glowing scenes stand out and stick with you, but Rakuen remains just a dose or two short of healthy.
    Read full review
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