Gen Urobuchi's New Venture: Rusty Rabbit - A Unique Metroidvania Adventure

Renowned for his work in anime, tokusatsu shows, and puppet series, Gen Urobuchi has ventured into the gaming world with Rusty Rabbit. This metroidvania game is set in a post-human future where rabbits dominate Earth, drawing religious inspiration from Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit tales. The protagonist, Stamp, contrasts sharply with Urobuchi's typical young characters, offering a fresh narrative approach. Writing for games presents unique challenges compared to visual novels or anime, requiring active player involvement. Despite juggling multiple projects, Urobuchi maintains a passion for gaming, evident in Rusty Rabbit's engaging story and gameplay.

The World of Rusty Rabbit: A Future Dominated by Rabbits

In Rusty Rabbit, players explore a distant future where humanity has vanished, leaving rabbits as Earth's dominant species. These creatures have established cities and societies amidst ancient ruins, crafting their own culture and religion centered around classic literature. Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit serves as a cornerstone of their belief system, portraying Peter as a Christ-like figure who triumphs over evil. This intriguing blend of mythology and fiction creates a fascinating world that invites exploration.

This imaginative universe stems from Urobuchi's vision, inspired by the global resonance of Peter Rabbit stories. He envisions these tales surviving into a post-apocalyptic era, becoming sacred texts for rabbitkind. The game cleverly parodies famous artworks, substituting figures with rabbit analogs, enriching its thematic depth. By intertwining historical narratives with futuristic settings, Rusty Rabbit crafts an original and captivating experience. Players navigate through lush environments filled with references to both modern and classical literature, making every corner of this world a discovery waiting to happen.

Stamp: A New Narrative Approach in Gaming

Central to Rusty Rabbit is Stamp, a middle-aged scavenger navigating the remnants of past civilizations. Unlike Urobuchi's usual youthful protagonists, Stamp brings maturity and experience to the narrative. His character development required a novel writing strategy, focusing on guidance rather than direct storytelling. This shift allows players to engage deeply with the game's lore while enjoying Stamp's insightful commentary.

Writing Stamp presented Urobuchi with creative breakthroughs, emphasizing the importance of perspective in storytelling. Older characters like Stamp provide broader viewpoints, guiding younger ones through complex situations. In contrast, younger characters typically drive plot progression through firsthand experiences. This dynamic enriches Rusty Rabbit's narrative layers, encouraging players to reflect on their journey alongside Stamp's wisdom. Furthermore, transitioning from visual novels to interactive storytelling demanded adapting techniques to accommodate player agency, ensuring Rusty Rabbit delivers a satisfying balance between scripted events and exploratory freedom.