On October 16, 2026, indie developer C#4R4CT3R unveiled a fresh trailer and dropped the public demo for their upcoming lo-fi psychological thriller visual novel, Rain98. Unlike previous exclusive demos at PAX and other trade shows, this marks the first time that players worldwide can explore the game firsthand on their own devices.
The demo spans around three hours, starting from the prologue and reaching mid-way through the second chapter. This segment showcases the novel’s moody prose, multiple dialogue choices shaping your experience, and introduces intriguing mini-games where you help the enigmatic Reina raise funds.
About Rain98
Rain98 transports you to Tokyo in 1998, engulfed in a lo-fi ambiance that’s both nostalgic and unsettling. You step into the shoes of a character suddenly thrown back in time, crossing paths with Reina Amehara—a strong-willed heroine voiced by Rio Tsuchiya—who casts doubt on your future and hints at apocalyptic powers.
The game expertly blends traditional visual novel storytelling with collectible hunting, exploratory segments across Tokyo’s rainy streets, and mini-games that deepen your connection with Reina. Every scene is crafted with a deliberate focus on visual style, animation, and a haunting lo-fi soundtrack, enveloping players in a tense yet strangely intimate narrative.
Director Shoon T shared a heartfelt message alongside the demo release, expressing excitement and anticipation for players delving into the unsettling yet oddly humorous days spent with Reina. He teases that the full seven-chapter journey will lead players to unexpected destinations well beyond the demo’s reach.
Rain98 is slated for a full release on Steam later in 2026, promising a captivating mix of mystery, emotional depth, and atmospheric storytelling that lingers long after the rain stops.
Alongside the release of the new trailer and demo, Rain98‘s director Shoon T released the following statement
Finally, the day has come when you can all play Rain98. We did it!
Everyone on the team is both nervous and incredibly excited to see so many of you getting to experience the game.
In rainy Tokyo, 1998, you’ll share all kinds of meals with Reina, walk through the city together, and get roped into her strange little games.
As you get swept along by Reina, we hope you’ll enjoy these unforgettable days that belong only to you and Reina—days that are a little unsettling, yet somehow funny in their own peculiar way.
In the full game, which consists of seven chapters, we intend to take you somewhere you could never have imagined.
What will you encounter beyond that point? We hope you’ll look forward to finding out!
Rain98 is currently scheduled to release in 2026 on Steam.