Developer C#4R4CT3R has released a free demo for Rain98. Rain98 is a lo-fi psychological suspense adventure game set in Tokyo in 1998. The demo is available for PC via Steam.
Based on information from Gematsu, This demo offers about three hours of gameplay. In addition to the demo, the developer also announced a new voice actor. Mamiko Noto will voice a character named Kyoko Yose.
A Lo-Fi Adventure in Tokyo in 1998
In Rain98, you'll spend your days with Reina Amehara. Reina is the heroine of this game. Reina is voiced by Rio Tsuchiya.
The story begins when your character mysteriously travels back in time. There, you meet a woman. She isn’t particularly impressed with your future. She also claims to have the power to end the world.
In terms of gameplay, Rain98 combines a visual novel-style story with dialogue choices, mini-games, and collectibles. The game also features an adventure segment. In this segment, you can interact with Reina and explore the streets of Tokyo.
According to the developers, every scene in this game is designed to evoke emotion. They also focused on visual design, animation, audio, and lo-fi music. All of these elements transport players into a world filled with a sense of unease.
The demo starts at the beginning of the story
The Rain98 demo covers the beginning of the story through the first half of Chapter 2. This is different from the previous demo, which began in the middle of the story.
By comparison, the full version of Rain98 is estimated to last about 10 to 15 hours. The developer also plans to add the second half of Chapter 2 in the next demo update.
According to Gematsu, Rain98 supports nine languages. The demo at Steam Available in several languages, including Japanese and English.
Four key points in the demo
The developer highlights four main sections you'll find in this demo:
- Live with Reina in a 1998 Tokyo-style apartment. You can get to know Reina better and uncover the secrets she’s hiding.
- Working a side job at home to cover living expenses. If I save up enough money, my days with Reina can be even more enjoyable.
- Taking a walk around the Shibuya area in 1998 with Reina. This area has a retro vibe from the turn of the millennium.
- A serene atmosphere with a soft blue glow, lo-fi music, and the sound of rain. Yet Reina’s secret gradually casts a sense of unease over her simple daily life.
Mamiko Noto joins the cast as Kyoko Yose
Mamiko Noto will voice Kyoko Yose, the mysterious woman in Rain98. The developers are asking players to wait for further information about Kyoko’s role in the story. You can already hear Kyoko’s voice in the latest trailer and in the demo.
Mamiko Noto was born in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. She is an actress, voice actress, and singer active in anime and video games. Here are some of Mamiko Noto’s notable roles:
- Sawako Kuronuma in *Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You*
- Ai Enma in *Hell Girl*
- Prospera Mercury in *Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury*
A Message from Director Shoon T
Rain98 Director Shoon T also shared a message for the players. He mentioned that the team was both nervous and very excited. The reason is that many people will finally be able to play Rain98.
Shoon T explains that you’ll have a meal with Reina and go for a walk around town with her. You’ll also take part in some of Reina’s quirky little games. According to Shoon T, those days feel a little unsettling, but they’re also funny in their own unique way.
Shoon T also revealed that the full version of Rain98 consists of seven chapters. The team wants to take the story in a direction players would never have imagined.
About Rain98
Rain98 was first announced in April 2025. Since then, the game has been playable at various gaming events around the world. Now, a demo on Steam gives players the chance to try the game from home.
Previously, Rain98 was also playable at the Tokyo Game Show 2026 with a demo that received a major update. You can read our impressions of the demo in this article.
Rain98 is scheduled to be released in 2026 for PC via Steam and for consoles. Information about the next demo update will be shared on the Steam page and the developer’s official social media channels.
Demo Launch Trailer
Opening Movie
