Rabi-Ribi

Rabi-Ribi is perhaps my favorite game that's impossible to recommend. It proves that you can make an excellent Metroidvania while being completely unbeholden to any of Metroid or Castlevania's aesthetics or conventions. But most people will take one look at the box art and screenshots and immediately disregard the game, waving it aside as a "gooner game." And it's easy for me to say that those people are wrong, and that the game's aesthetic has no bearing on its amazingly-executed exploration, fun and well-designed bosses, and incredible replayability. But, yes, this is a game filled with attractive female characters, most of whom have a personality the depth of a puddle, that it likes to flaunt repeatedly, and it's reasonable to be skeeved out by that.
However, Rabi-Ribi is not solely defined by its copious amount of anime boobs. It is, as I have alluded to, the best-designed Metroidvania you can play right now. Many people like to praise the genre for its nonlinearity and freedom of exploration, and this game maximizes on that quality. If you know what you're doing, you can go just about anywhere as soon as you're past the tutorial segments, and it's extremely gratifying to feel like you're breaking the game by being somewhere you're not supposed to yet. It's possible to beat the final boss with every item collected, or none at all.
That, of course, brings us to the bosses, which are also excellently constructed. Given that you can tackle most of them in just about any order, their attacks are designed so that you can make do with whatever moves you've acquired up to that point, and even if you're well prepared, you can still get crushed. But it never feels like you lost without putting up a fight, since you get a fair amount of hits you can take before going down, and there are healing items you can stock up on (if you'd like). The end-game bosses, however, pull no punches, and require you to use your entire moveset to the fullest to have any chance. The game uses its bullet-hell elements well here, using tons of projectiles to box out where you can and can't move to make problems with specific solutions in a way that a game without these elements couldn't.
The graphics and sound on display are... they're fine. The pixel-art is importantly always readable, but none of the sprites or compositions really stand out, and with how sprites are stretched and squashed, there are often pixels of different sizes next to each other, which can be distracting. The music, for the most part, is memorable, but not something I paid much attention to in play, or that I'd listen to on my own time, outside of a few strong tracks (usually the final boss tracks).
As I made mention of in the introduction, the story and character-writing are definitely the game's weakest aspects. Most of the characters don’t have any identifiable traits, and exist just as objectives, bosses to be fought. The story never gets much more complicated than the opening suggests: Erina has turned from bunny to bunny-girl, figure it out. I think there was supposed to be some deeper stuff in the later chapters, but the writing is so muddy that it was hard to tell. Neither of these aspects hamper the game much; it is squarely about the gameplay, and the narrative exists just to further that along.
Overall, though, Rabi-Ribi is truly a triumph of novel ideas in a genre that’s beginning to become oversaturated with so many games that are content to remake the classics without much re-interpretation, to stick to the template put down by SM and SotN so closely that they become unmemorable. Just another game to be played and forgotten. But Rabi-Ribi, and its developers, have not left my mind even nearly a decade after this game’s release. I was extremely hyped for TEVI, and I’m extremely excited for whatever it is that they’re working on right now.
9.5/10

Rabi-Ribi is a game where at first glance it might be hard to get an idea of what the game is about. Well... it's about bunny girls, and there is lots of them! This game is a bullet-hell metroidvania where you play as a cute bunny girl named Erina, with her cute companion Ribbion. Despite your initial impressions on this game, what if I told you that this is one of the best metroidvanias out there? I have put hundreds of hours into this game, and after getting all 220 achievements I figured I should write a quick review for anyone who wants to potentially try this game, and to explain my thoughts overall. I’ll split it up into what I found good about it, what I found bad about it, and what to consider if you end up giving this game a try!
Pros
- Absolutely great music
- Amazing gameplay and encourages replayability
- Many difficulty settings for casual play and people looking for a brutal challenge
- Unique and varied boss fights
- Many great locations to explore and many collectables to find
- Beautiful character design and art
- Pixel art is beautiful and still holds up despite being released about 10 years ago
The music in this game is really good, and there are a lot of great themes that fit the mood of the place you are in and the bosses you fight. The game is very open-ended and you can go pretty much anywhere if you have enough game knowledge, as there are lots of places you can go to earlier than normal. You can beat the main and post game with 0 upgrades or items for reference. The world is very expansive, and contains many collectibles in the form of progressive abilities or potions to increase your stats.
Cons
- Story is fairly average and serviceable at best
- Dialogue contains a lot of anime tropes that you either like or despise
- There are some bugs but very few; notably in the second Ashuri fight she sometimes just clips in the ground
- Character design might not be your cup of tea
- Not very accessible to colorblind individuals
The story is in my opinion the weakest part of the game, as it was more of an afterthought than anything, however it does what it’s supposed to do fairly well. The game plays very much into common anime tropes, which isn’t too surprising considering the game is based on you playing as a bunny girl in a world filled with cute girls... and more bunny girls! However, whether you like it or not is purely on preference. The same applies to the character design, as I can understand if you don’t like how the characters in this game are designed. Since this game is a bullet hell there are a lot of things to dodge, and this game likes to put these bullets as the same color as the background sometimes, and while I find it easy to differentiate it, it might be something that you should keep in mind.
Things to consider
- If you plan on getting this game, I would highly recommend also getting the “Rabi-Ribi: Is The Order a DLC” DLC as it adds 2 extra chapters and ties loose ends in the story
- There are 2 free DLCs you can get which include the Halloween content and the TEVI Collab Skin which add new skins and content for free
- If you enjoy the game enough only then would I recommend the “Cocoa mode + Before Next Adventure” DLC as it adds a whole separate playable character and 4 superbosses, and the artbook DLC which does contain some exclusive gameplay content as well.
Closing Thoughts
This review only takes a portion of my full thoughts, as this review would be many paragraphs long if I really wanted to get into everything I love about this game. However, if any part of this review has interested you at all, this is a game I highly recommend and think more people should play!
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TL;DR
Rabi-Ribi is a bullet-hell metroidvania and despite the quirky premise, it’s one of the best metroidvanias out there (in my opinion). This game has incredible music, deep replayability, challenging boss fights, beautiful character design and pixel art. The story is a bit average and leans heavily into anime tropes, which may not be for everyone, and there are minor bugs and accessibility issues. Recommended DLCs (as explained in the last section) expand the story and add new content but are not required to fully enjoy the game. If you're into metroidvanias and/or bullet hells, this game is a hidden gem worth checking out.

Rabi-Ribi, developed by CreSpirit and GemaYue, is one of those rare indie titles that hides extraordinary depth beneath a deceptively cute exterior. At first glance, it appears to be a lighthearted platformer about a bunny-turned-human named Erina exploring a colorful world filled with equally adorable characters. However, a few minutes into the game make it clear that this is much more than a simple cute adventure—it’s a highly refined fusion of Metroidvania exploration and bullet-hell intensity. The combination of tight platforming, fast-paced combat, and overwhelming on-screen chaos gives the game an identity that feels both nostalgic and unique, successfully blending two genres that rarely coexist with such harmony.
The foundation of Rabi-Ribi lies in its intricate world design. The game presents a vast, interconnected map full of secret rooms, collectibles, upgrades, and optional challenges. Like the best Metroidvanias, progress depends on acquiring new abilities that allow Erina to traverse previously inaccessible areas—double jumps, wall climbs, and dashes all come into play as the player gradually learns to navigate every corner of the island. Exploration is highly rewarding, as there’s always a hidden power-up or shortcut waiting to be discovered. Yet, unlike many games of its kind, Rabi-Ribi adds a layer of intensity through its boss encounters, which transform the traditional platforming experience into a barrage of flashing lights, homing bullets, and intricate attack patterns. These moments demand focus and precision, pushing players to learn timing, positioning, and adaptability.
The combat system is deceptively deep for a 2D platformer. Erina’s close-range hammer strikes are complemented by Ribbon’s ranged magical attacks, and together they create a combat flow that balances aggression and evasion. The player must manage spacing carefully, switching between direct hits and ranged bursts while dodging complex bullet formations. Each boss fight becomes a dance of endurance and precision, especially on higher difficulties where the screen fills with deadly patterns reminiscent of classic arcade shooters. What’s remarkable is how the game manages to make these fights feel fair despite their chaos—each projectile follows a predictable rhythm, rewarding observation and practice. The result is a gameplay experience that feels equal parts skill-based and exhilarating, encouraging replay and mastery.
Visually, Rabi-Ribi excels in creating a vibrant world that contrasts its intensity with charm. The pixel art is beautifully detailed, featuring fluid animations, expressive character portraits, and imaginative backgrounds that shift from lush forests to eerie caverns to mechanical labyrinths. The cheerful art style and lively character designs lend a sense of whimsy that never undermines the difficulty, creating a striking tonal balance. The soundtrack deserves particular praise—it’s fast-paced, energetic, and infectious, elevating every boss encounter and exploration sequence. Each track fits the mood of its area perfectly, contributing to the game’s rhythm and reinforcing its sense of momentum.
While Rabi-Ribi succeeds on nearly every mechanical level, its narrative is less pronounced. The story revolves around Erina’s search for her lost master and her gradual understanding of her transformation, accompanied by a growing cast of quirky, friendly, and occasionally eccentric characters. The dialogue is filled with humor and references to anime tropes, giving the game a light and comedic tone. However, the sheer number of side characters and the fast pace of interactions can sometimes make the plot feel secondary to the gameplay. For many players, this won’t be an issue—the story is charming enough to provide context without intruding on the experience—but those looking for a strong emotional narrative may find it somewhat superficial. Still, its playful tone fits perfectly within the game’s energetic spirit and gives personality to its world.
The challenge level in Rabi-Ribi is significant, and that’s part of its appeal. Even at normal difficulty, boss fights can be punishing, requiring patience and pattern recognition to survive. The higher difficulty modes, meanwhile, are designed for veterans who want to test their reflexes to the limit, introducing denser bullet patterns and tougher timing. Yet the game remains accessible due to its fair design—failure feels like a learning opportunity rather than punishment. Players who persevere are rewarded with a deep sense of satisfaction, as each victory feels earned through skill rather than luck. The game also includes post-game content, additional modes, and multiple endings, adding considerable replay value for those who become engrossed in its mechanics.
Despite its many strengths, Rabi-Ribi is not without flaws. The map system can feel cumbersome at times, offering little clarity when it comes to unexplored areas or hidden passages. Navigation can become disorienting, especially for newcomers unfamiliar with the genre. Some players may also find the art style misleading—its pastel visuals and cute characters might give the impression of a casual experience, only to be met with a level of difficulty that rivals hardcore bullet-hell shooters. The contrast between aesthetic charm and mechanical brutality can be jarring for those expecting something simple. However, for those who embrace its challenge, that very contrast becomes one of the game’s defining strengths.
In the end, Rabi-Ribi is a masterful hybrid that defies easy categorization. It’s a game that looks like a cheerful side-scroller but plays like a precision-based challenge of skill and strategy. Its combination of exploration, customization, and frenetic combat makes it a standout in both the Metroidvania and bullet-hell genres, offering something few games dare to attempt. Beneath its bright visuals and playful humor lies a deeply satisfying gameplay loop that rewards patience, mastery, and curiosity. Rabi-Ribi is a testament to how indie developers can blend disparate influences into something cohesive, challenging, and unforgettable—a game that proves that beneath the softest of exteriors can beat the heart of a true hardcore adventure.
Rating: 9/10

---{ Graphics }---
☐ You forget what reality is
☐ Beautiful
☑ Good
☐ Decent
☐ Bad
☐ Don‘t look too long at it
☐ MS-DOS
---{ Gameplay }---
☐ Very good
☑ Good
☐ It's just gameplay
☐ Mehh
☐ Watch paint dry instead
☐ Just don't
---{ Audio }---
☐ Eargasm
☐ Very good
☑ Good
☐ Not too bad
☐ Bad
☐ I'm now deaf
---{ Audience }---
☐ Kids
☑ Teens
☑ Adults
☐ Grandma
---{ PC Requirements }---
☐ Check if you can run paint
☑ Potato
☐ Decent
☐ Fast
☐ Rich boi
☐ Ask NASA if they have a spare computer
---{ Game Size }---
☐ Floppy Disk
☑ Old Fashioned
☐ Workable
☐ Big
☐ Will eat 10% of your 1TB hard drive
☐ You will want an entire hard drive to hold it
☐ You will need to invest in a black hole to hold all the data
---{ Difficulty }---
☐ Just press 'W'
☐ Easy
☐ Easy to learn / Hard to master
☑ Significant brain usage
☐ Difficult
☐ Dark Souls
---{ Grind }---
☐ Nothing to grind
☐ Only if u care about leaderboards/ranks
☑ Isn't necessary to progress
☐ Average grind level
☐ Too much grind
☐ You'll need a second life for grinding
---{ Story }---
☐ No Story
☐ Some lore
☑ Average
☐ Good
☐ Lovely
☐ It'll replace your life
---{ Game Time }---
☐ Long enough for a cup of coffee
☐ Short
☑ Average
☐ Long
☐ To infinity and beyond
---{ Price }---
☐ It's free!
☑ Worth the price
☐ If it's on sale
☐ If u have some spare money left
☐ Not recommended
☐ You could also just burn your money
---{ Bugs }---
☑ Never heard of
☐ Minor bugs
☐ Can get annoying
☐ ARK: Survival Evolved
☐ The game itself is a big terrarium for bugs
---{ ? / 10 }---
☐ 1
☐ 2
☐ 3
☐ 4
☐ 5
☐ 6
☑ 7
☐ 8
☐ 9
☐ 10

First played this in 2018, loved it.
Replayed it in 2025, still love it. Still tons of fun & tons of replayability. DLC helps enhance the experience, but aside from one DLC - it's all entirely optional to purchase.
This game is genuinely worth your time & your money. Especially if you're not one of those people who gets immediately turned away from it because of the outfits in this game. I think the soundtrack alone should be a reason you should get this game, it's absolutely fantastic. Oddly enough, this game's OST also works incredibly well as Terraria background music too.
Side-note: I think the "Is the order a DLC?" DLC is pretty much mandatory to get the "full story" of the whole game. I'm still not happy that they effectively locked behind the true ending of the game behind DLC.
Not to say that the base game's lacking or anything, far from it. Base game Rabi-Ribi is fantastic as its own standalone package, including the story. But without the DLC, some things ring a little thin. So I'd recommend getting both the game & that DLC I linked above. You'll thank me later.

Rabi-Ribi is a bullet hell metroidvania game that was gifted to me years ago by somebody who presumed it was a "Hentai" game.
Only recently have I had the pleasure of beating the main game on hard mode, and through my raging about a boss being "annoying" because of that one attack I just could not get the pattern of down, I enjoyed the game. The "story" and characters are goofy, the gameplay is solid, and I have fun playing it on my Steam Deck during down time at College.
As mentioned, it's a bullet hell and a metroidvania. You explore the world, gradually unlocking movement upgrades that let you traverse to new areas, as well as passive upgrades that increase your stats or badges that are much stronger, however can be equipped gradually over time as you gain more PP (Yes, you can laugh at your immature humour) to equip them. While it might sound silly, games I would compare it to are the Hollow Knight, and some of the original Sonic and Mega man games.
It is certainly a game I can see myself returning to so that I can indulge my masochistic pleasures and play on higher difficulties to the point where my whole neighbourhood is politely "notified" that I have been defeated by Pharoah or Ashuri.

The game has some phenomenal boss fights and great vibe with the music, characters and scenery. The only gripe I have against it is the slightly degenerate parts. Can't recommend it enough though, most fun I've had in a while.