Core Awaken ~Rusu~

**Core Awaken ~Machine Princess Rusu;~** *(機核覚醒 ～機工姫ルース～, Kikaku Kakusei ~Kikouki Rusu~)*, is an R-18 action game for the PC, released via DLsite on April 19, 2015. It is currently available there and also through DMM Games.

## Gameplay

The game is a 2D platformer with 3D-rendered character models and dungeons, incorporating the aforementioned action style with RPG elements in a system dubbed *"Metroidvania"* by some gamers.

Rusu's primary weapon is a beam sword, which she uses for combination attacks. She can learn new skills after being sent program data developed by Dr. Wellie or through data chips scattered throughout the levels. These skills are installed and improved at the Maintenance Space, which doubles as a save point as well as a gallery area.

Aside from her basic combat functions, Rusu also has special programmed moves called Burning Attacks. As the name implies, usage of these techniques increases her internal frame temperature. If it hits 100%, they will be temporarily be disabled and the intense heat will inflict slight uniform damage. Rusu's radiator system constantly works to regulate it at the expense of liquid coolant. Heatsink items and coolant packs can be found in dungeons or picked up from defeated enemies.

Enemy data requires a couple of steps to complete: First by defeating a set number of one type, then obtaining a hidden data packet for the same type that the lab can process. This is important not only for displaying their level and HP info, but also for some special features that can be viewed at the Maintenance Space.

Rusu's uniform is actually a 2-stage Barrier. Enemy attacks slowly chip away at the shield's power, and upon hitting zero, one stage will break, with her clothes tearing to match. If all stages break, Rusu completely loses her uniform and enemies will start attempting to sexually assault her. All Rusu will have left afterward is her frame HP, which if fully depleted results in a game over.

Rusu's built-in transceiver is not only for communication: She can also send out a signal for the development team to mobilize Support Units that aid her in combat or for dealing with various obstacles. Some areas are subject to transmission blocking, making Support Unit usage impossible. To solve this, Rusu has to locate and destroy the jamming device.

A subsequent update added a special dungeon called the Kakin Tower, which becomes accessible after clearing the game once. Rusu will be navigating randomly-generated dungeon floors with varying handicaps and conditions.

## Plot

"*Objective... commencement... impossible... but... the secondary objective... buying... Dr. Wellie's... dinner... I want to complete it.*"—**Rusu**, *Core Awaken ~Rusu~*

Rusu is a prototype autonomous android created for a government-sponsored robotics development project. She was concluding a routine patrol mission in the capital, which seemed unusually quiet for some reason. Rusu soon spots a group of monsters in the city, and is commanded by her guardian Dr. Wellie to engage them in combat. Though successful in exterminating the creatures including an octopus-shaped giant slime, it turned out to be an elaborate trap set by Rusu's original creator, Dr. Jayuu.

The android is abducted and taken into a strange laboratory. Said facility and all the surrounding areas have been fashioned like a labyrinth, and the overall environment stirs up a feeling of *"desire"* that Rusu has never experienced before. Since robots are not programmed to *"want"* something, she initially dismisses it as a bug in her system.

Dr. Wellie and the project staff were eventually able to guide Rusu to an escape route, but the prototype android could not get over the nagging feeling of *"wanting"* to uncover the truth behind her abduction and decides to venture further into the lab. Little does she know that the desires awakening within her were just a part of something much bigger...

## Notes & Trivia

* The game's language settings *(Japanese and Chinese)* can only be toggled using the C+ launcher found in the program's base folder. This setup will become a standard in the latter games as well.
* These is a minor bug where the game cannot save progress in the beginning. To remedy this, a subfolder with the file name "Save" *(with a capital S)* has to be created manually in the game's root folder *(where the BioLab1 application file and other game components are located)*.