Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

On a Rainy Day centers its gameplay around the peculiar premise of controlling a tree comprised of animated hands. Each hand acts as an individual manipulator you use to grab umbrellas, shielding delicate paper boats as they drift along the bottom of the screen. The challenge lies in managing multiple free hands at once, deciding which to extend for optimal coverage and when to right-click and discard an umbrella that’s no longer needed.

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The control scheme is deceptively simple: click and drag any available hand to position it under the falling umbrellas. As you successfully guide five boats to safety, new hands and umbrellas descend from the cloudy sky, ramping up the complexity. Red bonus boats punctuate the gameplay with generous rewards, supplying a cascade of extra hands and umbrellas that can send you on a frantic juggling spree.

Strategic depth emerges as you balance the branching tree’s growth with the increasing rain intensity. Every time you extend a branch far enough, you gain new reach, but longer branches mean more hands to manage. Once your tree reaches the top of the screen—tracked by a subtle meter on the left—the rain ceases, the hands break into wild applause, and the boats glide endlessly without threat. This satisfying crescendo rewards focused play and careful multitasking.

Graphics

On a Rainy Day embraces a minimalistic, surrealist art direction that feels both whimsical and slightly uncanny. The game’s color palette is dominated by soft blues and grays for the rainy backdrop, offset by the stark white of the paper boats and the muted earth tones of the tree’s hands. Umbrellas pop in gentle pastel hues, adding visual contrast that both guides the player’s eye and reinforces the dreamlike atmosphere.

Animations are fluid and expressive, especially in the way each hand stretches, bends, and claps with childlike enthusiasm. Raindrops ripple as they hit the screen, while the paper boats bob realistically on a subtle water texture. There’s a handcrafted quality to every detail, from the gentle sway of branches to the flourish when the hands finally celebrate your success.

Despite its freeware status and small file size, the visual polish rivals many indie titles. Background elements remain unobtrusive, ensuring you never lose sight of the core gameplay, yet they contribute to a cohesive world that feels alive. The overall effect is charmingly surreal—an invitation to lose yourself in its gentle oddity.

Story

On a Rainy Day forgoes a traditional narrative in favor of abstract storytelling through its mechanics and visual cues. The tree of hands stands as both protagonist and tool, symbolizing growth, protection, and cooperation. Each new branch you extend feels like a chapter added to an evolving allegory about reaching toward the light despite the storm.

The paper boats function as vulnerable travelers, inviting you to become a guardian against the relentless rain. Their silent journey imbues the game with a meditative quality, while the occasional red bonus boat adds a spark of urgency and surprise. Through these simple interactions, the game crafts an unspoken narrative about hope, resilience, and the quiet triumph of providing shelter.

Reaching the top of the screen and witnessing the hands’ exuberant applause serves as a narrative payoff. It’s a moment of collective celebration that feels earned, even though no words are ever spoken. In this way, the story in On a Rainy Day is less about plot and more about the emotional arc you experience through play.

Overall Experience

As a freeware title, On a Rainy Day delivers an unexpectedly deep and polished experience. Its blend of simple controls, emergent strategy, and surreal visuals makes it accessible to players of all skill levels while still offering layers of complexity for those who wish to master every branch extension and umbrella drop.

The game’s pacing encourages short, satisfying sessions—you can jump in for five minutes of focused play or settle in for a longer run to conquer higher challenges. The absence of timers or harsh penalties fosters a relaxed environment, perfect for players seeking a calming yet engaging diversion. It also pairs well with lo-fi music or ambient playlists for a truly soothing vibe.

Ultimately, On a Rainy Day stands out as a creative gem in the freeware scene. Its unique premise, graceful visuals, and emotional resonance combine to form an experience that’s both memorable and replayable. Whether you’re drawn to experimental art games or simply looking for a fresh twist on puzzle/strategy gameplay, this little tree of hands has plenty to offer.

Retro Replay Score

null/10