Memory Lost Steam Review (PC)
Summary: Memory Lost Steam has the Cyberpunk potential but has a few stumbles upon the way.
3.5
Potential
Memory Lost arrives on Steam (reviewed) and the Epic Games Store for PC that while it bears the weight cyberpunk expectations, it attempts to carve out a distinct niche, however its a journey marked by both exhilarating highs and at times frustrating stumbles. This top-down, action-oriented game throws players into Detraxis, a neon-drenched dystopia where corporate control and technological augmentation have blurred the lines of humanity. It’s a dystopian cyber nightmare of epic proportions as you play an AI, created by the RedSky Corporation who is now trying to overthrow its creators.
In Memory Lost, the game’s central mechanic is the ability to “shift” consciousness into enemy bodies which is its most compelling feature. This isn’t just a gimmick but it’s the core of the gameplay loop. Each possessed body offers unique abilities, weapons, and perspectives, forcing players to adapt and strategize on the fly. This creates a dynamic and often chaotic combat experience, where split-second decisions can mean the difference between survival and digital oblivion. The sheer variety of potential combat scenarios is impressive, with a vast arsenal of weapons and enemy types providing ample opportunity for experimentation.
Memory Lost isn’t without its flaws as the narrative, while steeped in classic cyberpunk tropes, can feel convoluted and at times, poorly delivered as the dialogue often feels clunky, and the exposition-heavy approach can bog down the pacing. While the world-building is commendable, the story struggles to maintain a consistent sense of urgency.
Gameplay balance can also be an issue. The “shifting” mechanic, while innovative, can sometimes lead to frustrating moments where the player feels overwhelmed by enemy numbers or hindered by inconsistent enemy abilities. Furthermore, some of the puzzles and environmental challenges feel poorly designed, leading to moments of unnecessary frustration. The camera follows the player well, but the controls are clunky, especially when the enemies come hard and fast, even on the easiest level which is “easy”, whereas nightmare is ridiculously tough.
Visually, the game delivers a striking cyberpunk aesthetic. The neon-lit cityscapes, the gritty urban environments, and the detailed character models all contribute to a sense of immersion. However, some visual inconsistencies and occasional performance hiccups can detract from the overall experience. The audio design, on the other hand, is a standout feature. The pulsating electronic soundtrack and the atmospheric sound effects create a palpable sense of tension and unease, perfectly complementing the game’s dystopian setting.
Final Thoughts?
Memory Lost is a game with a lot of potential. Its innovative gameplay mechanics and atmospheric world make it a worthwhile experience for cyberpunk fans. However, its narrative shortcomings and technical imperfections prevent it from reaching its full potential. While it may not be a perfect cyberpunk experience, Memory Lost offers a unique and often thrilling ride through a dystopian world if you can put up with the control mechanics.
Trailer
Memory Lost available now on PC via Steam and Epic Games Store. The game will be made available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch at a later date
Features
- New body, new gameplay: There are 60 unique enemies in the game, each with their own characteristics and skills that you can take over to affect the battle’s outcome!
- Powerful bosses: There are 10 boss encounters with a variety of mechanics and challenges to overcome.
- Endless configurations: Having five skill trees gives you the opportunity to try different combinations of strengths and find the one best suited to your playstyle.
- Relocation is the basis of survival: If you don’t want to run around in a half-dead state, look for a healthy body! Are the weapons out of ammo? Move into enemies with full ammunition and higher health!
- Copy enemies’ memories: Capturing consciousness is impossible without capturing memories. With each new migration, the Neural Network, the main character of Memory Lost, will collect more and more material to develop its own independent personality, after which it will process the knowledge gained and reap the benefits of its actions at the Mind-Map hub location.
- Karma in a top-down shooter: The neural network is also shaped by your interaction with the surrounding world. Kill for the common good or kill for mercy. Your actions will unlock one of three possible endings. Play again with new tactics to see how Karma reacts!
- An immersive cybernetic world: 3D cinematics, animated cutscenes, and a deep plot with three possible endings will take you deep into the world of Memory Lost, and allow you to shape who you will become on your warpath to freedom.
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