Rakuen: Deluxe Edition

 Switch
User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 25 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 25
  3. Negative: 1 out of 25

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. FeferPlays
    Mar 27, 2023
    10
    Sweet story, lovely soundtrack, unforgettable characters and adventure. ❤️
  2. 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!
  3. inverse42
    May 6, 2023
    10
    Have you ever cried for a video game? A heartfelt story and a wonderful soundtrack, this is a game that really needs to be experienced! The shifting contrast of humour and sorrow leads to a beautifully bittersweet experience. We need more games with meaning and personality. Highly recommended!
  4. 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.
  5. cocoapebbles
    Mar 27, 2023
    10
    This was a truly beautiful game when I played it back in 2017 with its excellent writing and characters, memorable soundtrack, and art that pulled me in as soon as I experienced the bright world beyond the secret doors of the hospital. Despite crying multiple times, I actually came out of this experience feeling hopeful and inspired to reach out to loved ones that I hadn't spoke with inThis was a truly beautiful game when I played it back in 2017 with its excellent writing and characters, memorable soundtrack, and art that pulled me in as soon as I experienced the bright world beyond the secret doors of the hospital. Despite crying multiple times, I actually came out of this experience feeling hopeful and inspired to reach out to loved ones that I hadn't spoke with in too long.

    Now that Rakuen is on Switch, I've had the chance to experience it again with my (now older) children, and it's as beautiful as ever. It also comes with an animated film collection and a spin-off game (Mr. Saitou) that is surprisingly funny and moving. Very much worth it, whether it's your first time playing, or you're returning to the world after a long absence.    … Expand
  6. botatoboy
    May 5, 2023
    10
    Botato army reporting in. Love the music, love the characters, game has a lot of heart.
  7. heybranny
    Jul 12, 2023
    7
    Enjoyable story. Good game to play handheld. Felt a little slow at times but good overall.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. Pure Nintendo
    Apr 24, 2023
    70
    My gaming acumen recognizes Rakuen: Deluxe Edition as a high-quality release that checks most of the right boxes. At the same time, this is a title I simply never want to play again and am anxious to forget. Its heavy-handed final act is unpleasantly predictable, making a game that felt fresh feel paradoxically clichéd. People grieve differently, and many will meld with this finished product. But I’m left saying it’s a good game that’s not for me: too bitter without enough sweetness to offset it.
    Read full review
  2. TouchArcade
    Apr 11, 2023
    90
    Rakuen: Deluxe Edition has a few different things to offer, with the titular Rakuen being the star of the show. It’s a bittersweet, deeply emotional story set in a rich, well-realized setting and it’s absolutely unforgettable. The visuals may be simple but they more than serve the purpose, and the soundtrack is outstanding. The other included items in this package are more like nice bonuses, but they are certainly quite welcome. If you enjoy a good yarn, grab a box of tissues and settle in with this over an evening or two.
    Read full review
  3. Nintenderos
    Mar 27, 2023
    90
    Returning to the world of Rakuen on Nintendo Switch has delighted us. Rarely in video games have we seen such an emotional story with such a great soundtrack. While it all depends on whether you connect with its premise, additions like Mr. Saitou or Laura Shigihara's short films are enough for us to recommend you to relive this exciting adventure.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »