C#4R4CT3R Releases Demo for New Game Rain98
The developer has launched a Steam demo for the 1998-set Tokyo adventure game featuring voice actress Mamiko Noto.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Gaming
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Developer C#4R4CT3R has released a playable demo for its upcoming game Rain98 on the Steam platform. The title is set in Tokyo in 1998 and features voice acting from Mamiko Noto as the character Kyoko Yose.
Why it matters
The demo provides players with an early look at the narrative and gameplay mechanics ahead of the full release. It introduces the game's setting and core adventure elements, including interaction with the heroine as players explore the city.
The demo offers approximately three hours of gameplay and covers the story through the first half of Chapter 2. The full game is expected to span 10 to 15 hours across seven chapters and will support nine languages.
The players
C#4R4CT3R
C#4R4CT3R is the independent game development studio responsible for the creation and publication of Rain98.
Mamiko Noto
Mamiko Noto is a veteran Japanese voice actress who has contributed her talents to numerous anime, film, and video game projects.
The details
Players can access the content via Steam to explore the game's depiction of 1998 Tokyo. The title utilizes adventure sections to drive the narrative, with voice actress Mamiko Noto cast as Kyoko Yose.
Timeline
Rain98 was initially announced in April 2025.
The demo was released on October 16, 2026.
The full game is scheduled for release in 2026.
Culture Shift
This release follows the industry-standard trend of utilizing digital storefronts to provide early access to narrative-driven experiences. It positions the studio within the broader market of titles that rely on pre-launch engagement to build community momentum.
Players can download the demo now on Steam to experience the first portion of the game in one of nine supported languages. The experience requires approximately three hours of commitment to complete the currently available story content.
The takeaway
Gamers interested in the title can use the current demo to evaluate the gameplay loop and tone before the 2026 launch. This early access allows users to provide feedback or decide if the game aligns with their personal gaming preferences.
What happens next
A future update for the current demo is planned, which will expand the content to include the second half of Chapter 2.
Further reading
For more news on upcoming releases, visit the Gaming section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Gematsu.
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