Tokyo/Shibuya-based game studio "C#4R4CT3R" announces that the demo for their debut title, "Rain98," was officially released on Steam on October 17, 2026 (Saturday, JST).
A new trailer featuring in-game footage was revealed at "The MIX Fall Game Showcase," an online event hosted by The MIX in San Francisco, USA. Alongside the announcement during the show, a free Steam demo was also released.
This demo is approximately 3 hours long and covers content from the beginning of the story to the first half of Chapter 2. In addition to the novel sections, the adventure sections allow players to experience interactions with the heroine, Rena Amahara, and explore the streets of 1998 Tokyo. The game supports 9 languages: Japanese, English, Chinese (Simplified/Traditional), Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish (Latin America), French, and German, bringing the story to players worldwide.
Additionally, it was announced that Mamiko Noto will voice the new character 'Kyoko Yose,' and her voice was revealed for the first time in the new trailer.
'Rain98'
1998, Tokyo. Unending rain, and a girl seeking destruction.
"Rain98" is a Lo-Fi × psychological thriller adventure game (ADV) set in 1998 Tokyo, depicting time spent with the heroine, Rena Amahara (CV: Rio Tsuchiya).
The game consists of novel sections that advance the story, and adventure sections where you can enjoy interactions with Rena and explore the streets. Accompanied by Lo-Fi soundtracks, it draws players into a world filled with a sense of unease.
Free Demo Allowing Players to Experience the Story from the Beginning Now Available
Since its announcement in April 2025, "Rain98" has been available for trial plays at various gaming events, and now it has finally arrived as a free Steam demo. Supporting multiple languages including Japanese and English, anyone can experience the world of this game on their PC at home.
Previous demos started from the middle of the story, but this demo includes content from the beginning of the story to the first half of Chapter 2. With approximately 3 hours of content, players can thoroughly experience various elements of the game, such as conversations and interactions with Rena, street exploration, and mini-games.
Furthermore, regarding street exploration, the playable area has been expanded compared to the latest demo shown at "TOKYO GAME SHOW 2026" held in September, allowing players to venture into the rainy streets of Shibuya. Please enjoy each day with Rena while soaking in the atmosphere of 1998 Shibuya.
In future demo updates, we will add the latter half of Chapter 2, allowing players to reach the end of Chapter 2. After the update, you can continue playing from your previous save files. The full version is expected to take about 10–15 hours to complete. Please enjoy the beginning of the story through the demo first. Future announcements will be made on the Steam store page and official social media channels. On the official Discord, development members will share the latest information, including development progress, and you are welcome to post your impressions and theories about the story. Feel free to drop by anytime.
※ This page will become accessible after the demo release.
Demo Highlights
Intimate Moments with Rena
As time passes with Rena, players will gradually uncover the secrets hidden behind her.
Maintain Your Livelihood Through Side-Job Mini-Games
It is also the player's task to earn money through part-time jobs at home to secure their daily life. As income increases, life with Rena will become more colorful.
Head to Rainy Shibuya with Rena
Step out of the apartment and head to the rain-soaked streets with Rena. Explore the Shibuya of the past amidst the heavy atmosphere of the fin de siècle.
The World of "Rain98" Where Music and Visuals Intertwine
Lo-Fi sound effects layered with the sound of rain create an atmosphere that blends comfort with unease. Detailed visuals and rich animations further deepen the player's immersion in the story.
Mamiko Noto Confirmed to Voice 'Kyoko Yose'
It has been announced that Mamiko Noto will voice the mysterious female character appearing in "Rain98." You can hear some of her lines in the new trailer and demo. Please look forward to future developments to see how she participates in the story.
Mamiko Noto
Hailing from Ishikawa Prefecture. In addition to roles in anime and games, she is also active in narration, singing, and other fields.
Her major roles include Sawako Kuronuma in "Kimi ni Todoke," Ai Enma in "Hell Girl," and Prospera Mercury in "Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury."
Message from Shoon T, Director of "Rain98"
The day has finally come when everyone can play "Rain98." Hooray!
The entire team feels both nervous and very excited that so many players will be able to experience this game.
In the rainy Tokyo of 1998, wander around eating with Rena, stroll the streets, and get dragged into her strange games.
Get swept up in her whirlwind, spending unforgettable days with Rena that are a mix of unease and humor—just for you and her. I hope everyone enjoys this time.
Although this demo only goes up to the middle of Chapter 2, we plan to update it in the future to include content up to the end of Chapter 2.
And in the full version, which consists of 7 chapters, we plan to take you to a completely unimaginable world.
What awaits us ahead? Please look forward to our game!
C#4R4CT3R's official social media channels will post the latest information about "Rain98."
On Discord, developers will also share game progress, reveal works-in-progress art, and behind-the-scenes stories, giving you a firsthand look at the making of "Rain98."
Please stay tuned for future updates.
▼ "Rain98" Demo Information
Content Covered: From the beginning of the story to the first half of Chapter 2
Estimated Playtime: Approximately 3 hours
Supported Languages: Japanese, English, Chinese (Simplified/Traditional), Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish (Latin America), French, German
Voice Acting: Japanese
Platform: Steam
Price: Free
■ About "C#4R4CT3R"
C#4R4CT3R is a game studio focused on creating new gaming experiences centered around characters. We aim to create characters with unique and wonderful personalities, providing players with unforgettable experiences.
■ Label Overview
Label Name: C#4R4CT3R
Location: Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan
Established: April 1, 2025