For those who find late-night drives on a rainy highway already unsettling, the upcoming horror driving game Drive In The Rain injects a supernatural twist to heighten the fear. Crafted by Yayoi Kaihatsu (the alias of Distillate G.K. founder Fumio Yamamori), this immersive title combines authentic driving mechanics with modern horror elements.
Players assume the role of an unnamed driver taking on a part-time gig to transport Kumiko Asaki, a peculiar “haunting specialist,” and a weary young girl through a 100km highway during a stormy night. Kumiko claims the girl is plagued by paranormal occurrences stemming from harmful social media rumors. Your mission is to safely deliver them to their destination while navigating the perils of night driving and potential supernatural events.
What sets this game apart is its intricate driving mechanics. Unlike typical game vehicles, the controls mirror real-world driving with greater accuracy. For instance, reversing the car involves shifting gears, and changing lanes safely demands checking mirrors and using turn signals. Mastering these actions not only prevents fatal accidents but also wards off paranormal negativity. Players seeking a more relaxed experience can opt for simplified controls that require minimal steering input.
Drive In The Rain features a paranormal system linked to your driving behavior. To alleviate the girl’s suffering, the entire journey is livestreamed for public viewing. Normally, you’d avoid attracting curses, but drawing attention to absorb the malice directed at the girl necessitates risky maneuvers like speeding, improper lane changes, and driving against traffic. While your intentions are good, these actions can trigger negative effects such as hallucinations. Alternatively, if you prefer a curse-free ride, you can drive cautiously to prevent supernatural occurrences (though your young passenger might not be pleased).
In addition to rain and paranormal activity, players must contend with hazards like slick roads, traffic, and ongoing construction.
The developers have confirmed that generative AI is utilized for code generation, tool operations, and text translations within the game and on its Steam page.
Drive In The Rain is scheduled for release in 2027 on Windows (Steam).
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