RUBATO Preview: A Physics-Based Collect-a-Thon Where You Lick Your Way to Victory
RUBATO launches March 20 on PS5, Switch, and PC. The physics-based collect-a-thon from solo dev dconn and publisher Headcannon lets you lick your way through Metroidvania-style areas as a frog fixing the solar system.
March 14, 2026 · 2 min read
Ex-competitive player turned writer. If a game has a ranked mode, I've probably grinded it. I write about what's worth your sweat.
Sometimes the best game pitches are the weirdest ones. RUBATO, launching March 20 on PS5, Switch, and PC, is a 2D physics-based collect-a-thon where you play as a frog fixing the solar system after it explodes. Your primary tool? A tongue that licks enemies and objects to navigate Metroidvania-style areas. If that sounds absurd, good. That's the point.
What Is RUBATO?
Solo developer dconn built RUBATO as an experimental take on the collect-a-thon genre. Set in the year 12,012, the solar system has been destroyed by unknown forces. A megacorporation called GSSAI CO. has controlled the universe for centuries, and now a weapons development program is progressing while the world's inhabitants disappear. The solution to this cosmic crisis? One frog with a very useful tongue.
Players collect "Planet Bits" scattered across five densely packed areas, using their tongue to lick their way through obstacles and enemies. The areas range from a sprawling bakery to what the developer describes as "the world's most poorly planned city." Each zone hides secrets and shortcuts, rewarding exploration.
Published by Headcannon
RUBATO is published by Headcannon, the studio best known for Sonic Mania. Their involvement signals confidence in dconn's experimental approach. The physics-based movement and collect-a-thon structure echo the creativity that made Mania a standout, applied here to something entirely original.
Demo Available Now
An hour-long demo is currently available on PS5, Switch, and PC via Steam. For a game this unconventional, trying before buying makes sense. The demo offers a substantial look at the core mechanics and tone.
Humor With Heart
The developer promises a "strange, funny plot with a deep focus on humour and character writing." The Steam description hints at tonal shifts: "It gets silly. It gets serious. Really concerningly serious." That blend of absurdist comedy and unexpected emotional depth suggests RUBATO has more on its mind than just platforming challenges.
Release Details
- Release Date: March 20, 2026
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC (Steam), Xbox Series X|S, Linux, Mac
- Developer: dconn
- Publisher: Headcannon
- Demo: Available now on all platforms
RUBATO drops next week. If you're in the mood for something that doesn't take itself seriously while still delivering tight platforming, the demo is waiting.