Rain98 Demo Hits Steam: 3+ Hours of Lo-Fi Psychological Suspense

If you're into lo-fi beats and slow-burn psychological dread, 1998 Tokyo might be your next virtual getaway. C#4R4CT3R, a game studio based in Shibuya, Tokyo, has just dropped the free demo for its debut title Rain98 on Steam as of October 17, 2026. And it's not a tiny teaser—you're getting over three hours of content right from the story's opening through the first half of Chapter 2.

The reveal came during The MIX Fall Game Showcase, an online event hosted by The MIX in San Francisco. Alongside the demo launch, a brand-new trailer showed off in-game footage and introduced a fresh face: Kyoko Yose, voiced by Mamiko Noto. You can hear a snippet of her performance in both the trailer and the demo. Who exactly is she? That's still a mystery, but she's clearly going to play a part in the unfolding story.

Set in a rain-soaked Tokyo in 1998, Rain98 follows your time with heroine Reina Amahara (voiced by Rio Tsuchiya). It's a lo-fi psychological suspense adventure game that blends a novel-like narrative with adventure segments where you interact with Reina, explore the streets, and tackle various minigames. The lo-fi soundtrack wraps everything in a cozy yet uneasy atmosphere, pulling you deeper into a world that feels both nostalgic and unsettling.

Previous demos at events like Tokyo Game Show 2026 only let you jump in mid-story. This Steam version, however, starts from the very beginning. You'll get to chat with Reina, wander the streets, and try out minigames—all at your own pace. The exploration area has also been expanded compared to the TGS demo, letting you roam the rainy streets of Shibuya and soak in that end-of-the-century vibe. Your daily life with Reina is punctuated by part-time work from home to earn money, which opens up more ways to spend time together.

The studio plans to update the demo later to include the second half of Chapter 2, so you can play all the way to its conclusion. Save data will carry over, so no need to start fresh. The full game is expected to run about 10 to 15 hours across seven chapters. Director Shoon T shared a message: "Finally, the day is almost here when everyone can play Rain98. We're all nervous and excited. I hope you enjoy the slightly uneasy, slightly funny daily life that belongs only to you and Reina."

Mamiko Noto, known for roles like Sawako Kuronuma in Kimi ni Todoke and Ai Enma in Hell Girl, joins the cast as Kyoko Yose. The character's full role is still under wraps, but her presence adds another layer of intrigue to the story. As you spend time with Reina, you'll gradually uncover the secrets she's hiding. The game supports multiple languages including Japanese and English, so you can dive in no matter where you are.

For more info, keep an eye on the Steam store page and C#4R4CT3R's official social media. There's also an official Discord where the dev team shares progress and welcomes your thoughts and theories. So, are you ready to get lost in the rain with Reina? Let us know what you think of the demo!