Rabisco+ - Cute but Deadly

Rabisco+ is a top down puzzle platformer (without platforms) that is now available on Nintendo Switch and originally released on Steam from Green Dinosaur Games.

I came into Rabisco+ smitten by the cutesy visuals and was promptly stabbed in the back by how fast the difficulty ramps up in this deceptively complex puzzle/platformer!

The story in Rabisco is simple; the stars have all disappeared and it is up to you, Ms Rabisco, to return them and the light that they bring. Although nothing groundbreaking it fits well with the cutesy aspect that oozes from this game and sets a defined path for completion.

Visually I am in LOVE with Rabisco. Everything looks like it was hand drawn on line ruled paper using marker and crayons. It harkens back to the old mobile game Doodle Jump, but has refined the use and animation process to near perfection. Every obstacle, collectable, and Rabisco herself pop with vibrant color in stark contrast to the paper background which makes it very easy to see what you are trying to avoid. And boy, do you have to avoid a LOT!

Gameplay puts you in control of Ms Rabisco in a top down view of the paper world. You’re only other actions beside regular movement are dashing, and interacting. The dash is limited to a stamina bar that depletes very quickly, but also recharges at a good speed. This is needed as most of the game’s MANY dangers are much faster than you are, and dashing is the only way to successfully clear certain areas. The obstacles present range anywhere from stationary spike balls to more dangerous spike bullets, laser beams, and even rotating fire rods a la Mario. These dangers are compounded by blocks that are breakable by dashing, buttons that open previously closed paths, and numerous keys to unlock the way forward.

Besides the previously discussed stars, Rabisco can also collect different Gems from each of the 10 different “worlds” which will unlock a new color for Rabisco. These are usually hidden off the beaten path and often found guarded by much harder obstacles.

The music in this game is TOP NOTCH! It’s a soft soothing synth / lullaby style that changes to a more upbeat retro style. I don’t think I’ll be humming the music at any point, but it was a joy as I played through the game.

If you stick with it the game really doesn’t take too much time to complete all of its 100 levels, but you also have the option to enable “Hard” mode at any point if you need more of a challenge. Overall I really enjoyed my time with Rabisco+ and highly recommend it, even if it did fool me with its cuteness in the beginning.