Rubato

About Rubato

Rubato is a quirky indie adventure RPG where you play as a frog named Rubato tasked with rebuilding the solar system after it explodes. Developed by dconn and released March 20, 2026, it blends platforming, puzzle-solving, and collectathon mechanics across PC, consoles, and Mac. The story’s absurdity is its charm: a pool game gone wrong (with cursed billiard balls as planets) forces you to gather fragments of the cosmos while evading a dystopian corporation’s enforcers. It’s a lighthearted romp with a retro aesthetic, targeting players who enjoy whimsical narratives and exploration-driven gameplay.

Gameplay

You spend most of the game jumping between floating debris, collecting planetary pieces, and solving physics-based puzzles to restore the solar system. Controls are tight, with light platforming challenges and a companion character who handles combat with makeshift weapons. The Space Police periodically interrupt your tasks, requiring quick escapes or stealthy takedowns. Each level introduces new mechanics, like manipulating gravity or using collected items to bridge gaps, keeping the pace brisk. The frog’s limited inventory forces strategic choices, and the game’s humor pops up in dialogue and environmental gags (e.g., billiard balls exploding into Saturn’s rings). Sessions rarely drag, balancing exploration with short bursts of action.

What Players Think

Rubato holds a 4.2/5 on PlayPile with a 87% critic score. Players average 12 hours to complete, with 58% finishing 100% of content. Community moods lean adventurous (68%) and humorous (75%), reflecting the game’s tone. One review notes, “The absurd plot and charm make up for occasional platforming frustration.” Achievement completion is 72% for 35 total trophies, with “Collect All Planetary Fragments” being the hardest. While praised for creativity and polish, some critics cite repetitive late-game puzzles. It’s a cult hit with dedicated fans, but not everyone clears the 20-hour mark.

PlayPile's Take

Rubato is a $29.99 indie gem for fans of offbeat adventures and puzzle-platformers. It excels in charm and creativity, though its 12-hour average playtime and 35 achievements may feel light for some. The $30 price tag justifies the quality, especially if you enjoy absurd humor and exploration. Skip if you crave deep RPG systems or linear challenges. Otherwise, it’s a quick, quirky trip worth taking for its inventive world and lighthearted vibe.

Storyline

The year is 12,012. A tyrannical, universe-dominating corporation simply known as "The Company" has been in power of the entire universe for centuries after a world-ending bioweapon was unleashed onto the masses. And now? The solar system has been destroyed by unknown celestial forces. Wait. Turns out I'm very, very wrong. Silly me. I should really double-check my sources. Seems like some guys blew it up by accident while they were playing 8-ball pool. There was a frog there too, but he was in the bathroom whilst it all happened. And it also turns out the pool balls are like voodoo-doll versions of the planets? How's that meant to work? What an illogical, silly plot. As RUBATO, you and your friends must fix the solar system piece by piece, whilst under the persecution of "The Company" and their security force, the Space Police!