Rain98 demo previews pre‑Y2K, Serial Experiments Lain–inspired visual novel
GG Brief Editorial Desk · AI-assisted, source attributed
Rock Paper Shotgun reported booting a demo of Rain98 on Steam that presents a blue‑tinted visual novel set in Tokyo in 1998. The article says the game draws inspiration from Serial Experiments Lain and frames a plot about time travelling to the past with the aim of ending the world. Rock Paper Shotgun's piece describes a nameless protagonist troubled by the contemporary state of the world, a character who calls herself the Angolmois, and a scene where the player lights a cigarette. The report also notes a Steam achievement that triggers when the player gets a game over after entering their name.
- What happened: Rock Paper Shotgun reported that a demo of Rain98 is on Steam and that it presents a blue‑hued visual novel set in Tokyo, 1998.
- Why it matters: The article describes Rain98 as inspired by Serial Experiments Lain and as engaging with world‑ending and dark themes, including a character identifying as the Angolmois and strong suicidal themes in its narrative.
- Context: Rock Paper Shotgun detailed gameplay moments from the demo, including a cigarette‑lighting sequence and a Steam achievement awarded for receiving a game over after entering your name.
- What next: Rock Paper Shotgun's report does not specify a full release date, additional platforms, or wider availability beyond the Steam demo.
What changed
Rock Paper Shotgun published a hands‑on writeup (Oct. 17, 2026) describing a Rain98 demo playable on Steam. The coverage highlights the game's visual style and story beats encountered in that demo.
Availability
- Rock Paper Shotgun reported booting a demo of Rain98 on Steam.
- The article does not list a full release date or confirm other platforms or regions.
Before and after
- Before: no details in the report about a prior public build or release timeline are given.
- After (demo): the reported demo contains a blue‑skewed aesthetic, is set in Tokyo, 1998, and contains scenes such as lighting a cigarette and a Steam achievement tied to a game over.
Limits
- Rock Paper Shotgun's article reports the demo experience and specific in‑demo moments but does not confirm a final release date, platforms beyond Steam, or additional content outside what the demo showed.