RiftMode
You wake up to the morning feeling heavy on your shoulders, even before the sun is fully up. The air is warm and thick, like it’s telling you to slow down. Every town wakes up in its own way – some are quiet, some are breezy, and some are crisp. You ride your bike through them, and it wobbles a bit, but that’s okay. People smile when they see you coming, and they wave or call out. They’re often carrying things like groceries or tools, but they always seem to understand you, even when you don’t say much. It’s nice to feel like you’re understood, even when you don’t have the right words. You ride your BMX, and it makes a bit of noise, but that’s part of its charm. People like it when you come by, and they always seem to know what you mean, even if you just give them a little wave or a smile. It’s strange, but it’s nice to feel like you can communicate without needing to say a lot. The towns are all different, but they all have their own rhythm, and you like riding through them, feeling the warm air and seeing the people. Sometimes you’ll see someone working on a craft, and they’ll show you what they’re making, and you’ll smile and nod, and they’ll know you like it. It’s a nice feeling, being able to connect with people like that. You don’t need to say much, and that’s okay. The morning is a slow and quiet time, and you like riding through the towns, feeling the warmth and seeing the people. It’s a simple thing, but it’s nice.
Every time you make a delivery, it’s like solving a little puzzle. You have to fit all these weirdly shaped packages into your bag, but that’s not all – each stop tells you something new about the person waiting for you. Like the fisherman who leaves you some fresh fish “just because”, or the kid who loves baseball and wants you to try swinging a bat before you leave. Then there’s the sushi chef who teaches you how to make the perfect rice, all soft and just right. These little quirks become part of your daily routine, and you start to notice how your visits affect their days in small ways. Like how the shy florist stands up a little straighter when you arrive, or how the old carpenter’s eyes light up when you ask him about the history of the shrine. And the karaoke hostess – she always laughs when you do a dramatic bow before accepting her invitation. It’s amazing how these little moments can bring people joy, and how your presence can make a difference in their day. You start to feel like you’re not just delivering packages, but bringing a little bit of happiness to each person you meet.
The old shrine stands alone at the edge of town, its worn face a reminder of better days. Yet, despite the cracks and fading colors, it still holds its head high, as if waiting for someone to recall its former glory. Every time you walk by, you feel a pang in your chest – a mix of guilt and determination. The broken ema stand, the chipped water basin, and the faded decorations all seem to whisper stories of neglect, but also of possibilities. The people in town seem to sense this too, and instead of criticizing, they offer a helping hand. They lend you tools, share their expertise, or simply keep you company when the task feels too big. Their kindness seeps into your soul like warm sunlight on a cold stone, and you start to realize that fixing the shrine is not just about fixing broken things – it’s about finding your place in the community again. It’s about weaving yourself back into the fabric of the town, and making it home once more. As you work, the shrine begins to feel like a part of you, a symbol of your connection to the people and the place. And with each passing day, you feel a sense of belonging growing, like a garden blooming in the warmth of the sun.
Features include:
- Deliver packages – BMX your way into the hearts of all the townsfolk as a mail delivery Tanuki! You’ve got one month to save up enough to restore the shrine for the Great Tanuki Festival. Deliver packages and complete other jobs around the village as a part-time mailman.
- Activities – As you build up friendship and loyalty with the inhabitants, they’ll invite you to a wide range of sports and activities: baseball, work in a bar, fishing, sumo-wrestling, bug catching. Take part to unlock items and rewards that will help with the shrine’s restoration.
- Restore the shrine to former glory – Build, upgrade, and decorate the shrine with the money and items you earn through deliveries and activities. Get the shrine ready for the festival at the end of summer!
- Enjoy your summer in Japan – Lovingly inspired by Kyoto, Aomori, Sapporo, and Beppu. Each with its own quests and objectives.
When the summer sun rises over the four towns, which hidden detail quietly reveals how the world responds to the character’s presence? As friendships form through shared tasks and gentle gestures, what interaction reveals the character’s growing trust in others? When a challenge arises during a summer activity, which action exposes the character’s determination to keep moving forward? Find out when TANUKI: Pon’s Summer comes to PC via Steam soon.
Enjoy the trailer — until the Rift opens again, know that you’re appreciated.
