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score: 8.5/10 |
Remember Me Remember Me is an action packed beat-em’-up that takes its cues from the likes of God of War and Batman: Arkham Asylum. The story follows the exploits of Errorist agent Nilin as she travels across Neo-Paris in search of answers to explain her situation. Nilin is part of a resistance movement against a company called “Memorize”, a mega-corporation that stores memories through a device called the “Sensen”. Nilin begins her journey in a prison cell with all her memories wiped clean, extracted from her brain and stored in a massive computer system. The player must guide Nilin through a highly linear story (a highly linear game in all actuality) to uncover why she has had her memory wiped and who is responsible, following directives given by a mysterious figured named Edge. The game’s visuals are sleek and stylish; the graphics showcase how much effort went into creating this game and the art direction is rock solid. The world of Remember Me is constructed with a laser focus and everything you see is a futurists dream. Neon lights cover everything, the color palette is vivid with bright oranges and yellows highlighting points of interest or interaction against stark white and black walls, and augmented reality overlays pop up as the player guides Nilin past store fronts and construction sites. The amazing graphics can’t cover up some of the major design flaws of this game however. Combat is frantic but frustrating with a sloppy combo system that makes everything harder than it has to be and controls that feel loose and unresponsive. The story is well written and the voice actors do an excellent job of conveying emotion, but with the narrative presented in separate chapters it can feel disjointed and stilted at some points. The tale that’s woven also feels like it gets lost in itself sometimes and it’s not always clear why Nilin is guided to perform certain actions. Even with the glaring problems Remember Me is a good game, though you’ll wish it was a great one. The game suffers from a lack of deep mechanics and too many gameplay elements are tossed into the blend with nothing ever feeling fully realized. Remember Me tries to be too many things at once and its lack of commitment to any one aspect leaves the game feeling unfinished, reaching high for a potential that it never quite meets. Overall, Remember Me is an enjoyable game with a clear focus on narrative, design, and graphics, but the messy implementation of all the parts it tries to incorporate leaves me feeling like it never quite reaches its full ability. If you’re looking for a fantastic story, graphics that knock you off your seat, and a rich sound track then Remember Me is a game you should certainly invest time into. Just don’t be disappointed by the bitter taste the lackluster controls leave behind and the overly structured and linear gameplay that never gives the player the right to explore.
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PROS:
Amazing graphics and world design Fantastic sound effects and music Satisfying story with a terrific ending |
CONS:
Lousy controls A really crappy combo-based combat system Gameplay is too linear |
graphics
Remember Me is a graphics powerhouse. Lines are crisp and smooth with fluid animations that are impressively dynamic. Textures are sharp if grainy; part of this is a filter that adds a real sense of grit and realism, the other part, I suspect, is hardware limitations of the PlayStation 3. Short comings of the console aside, Remember Me has impressive graphics that are nearly flawless and not once did I detect any graphical tearing or clipping issues. The PlayStation 3 rarely stumbles even when the screen is filled to the brim with these gorgeous images.
The game takes place in Neo-Paris, a city built on the ruins of the former metropolis. Neon lights and towering structures are abundant with clean, angular lines that give way to more classical architecture. This is a city that feels organic, an outgrowth of the narrative that pervades the entire game. As you progress, the story becomes clearer and hidden notes fill in the backstory of how Paris fell and was reborn in this ultra-high tech state. Sadly, this world is nearly empty creating a sterile environment. You will see smatterings of people in certain sectors but you’re unable to interact with anyone. The few inhabited sections remind you that people actually live here but overall the game world looks and feels devoid of any humanity. Since war is basically being waged in the streets the game halfway explains this away but not very convincingly.
Combat is fast and fluid and it’s spectacular to watch Nilin flit across the screen as she engages in hand to hand combat. If you leave out the clunky controls, the combat system is engaging and a visual masterpiece. Cinematic slow down effects add a sense of drama to the fighting and enemies are detailed and substantial. Even though everything is smeared in a thick coating of high-technology there’s just enough realism to make it all believable. Character models are detailed even down to the texture and roughness of the skin. Unfortunately, the sometimes wonky camera is always pulled a tad too far back to really appreciate the fine details, but all-in-all your eyes will nearly pop out of their sockets from the barrage of high fidelity graphics splattered across your screen. The different enemies you encounter are equally well represented. Body armor is comprised of multiple fabrics and textures, robots are slick and shiny, and the environmental textures used are sharp and clear. These really are some impressive graphics and they won’t disappoint even the most jaded gamer.
Anyone who plays Remember Me will simply be blown away by the graphics. Everything seems to come down to a science within the visuals. Giant robots are shiny and colorful and there are servant robots everywhere with creepy white humanoid faces. The Seraphim are a notable mechanical enemy type with their strange wings and serene faces that are a weird juxtaposition since they’re trying to murder Nilin. The Leapers, the husks of humans addicted to memory manipulation, are withered and creepy with jerky movements and the ability to skitter up walls. The time and effort that went into creating the graphics and world design for Remember Me have certainly paid off in spades. Everything you see is lustrous and fascinating; Neo-Paris is a place your eyes will get lost in and I found myself on many occasions just taking in the scenery, feasting on the nuance and small details. This is a game you must see to believe so this reviewer won’t ruin the diverse and luscious environments the game takes you through.
The game takes place in Neo-Paris, a city built on the ruins of the former metropolis. Neon lights and towering structures are abundant with clean, angular lines that give way to more classical architecture. This is a city that feels organic, an outgrowth of the narrative that pervades the entire game. As you progress, the story becomes clearer and hidden notes fill in the backstory of how Paris fell and was reborn in this ultra-high tech state. Sadly, this world is nearly empty creating a sterile environment. You will see smatterings of people in certain sectors but you’re unable to interact with anyone. The few inhabited sections remind you that people actually live here but overall the game world looks and feels devoid of any humanity. Since war is basically being waged in the streets the game halfway explains this away but not very convincingly.
Combat is fast and fluid and it’s spectacular to watch Nilin flit across the screen as she engages in hand to hand combat. If you leave out the clunky controls, the combat system is engaging and a visual masterpiece. Cinematic slow down effects add a sense of drama to the fighting and enemies are detailed and substantial. Even though everything is smeared in a thick coating of high-technology there’s just enough realism to make it all believable. Character models are detailed even down to the texture and roughness of the skin. Unfortunately, the sometimes wonky camera is always pulled a tad too far back to really appreciate the fine details, but all-in-all your eyes will nearly pop out of their sockets from the barrage of high fidelity graphics splattered across your screen. The different enemies you encounter are equally well represented. Body armor is comprised of multiple fabrics and textures, robots are slick and shiny, and the environmental textures used are sharp and clear. These really are some impressive graphics and they won’t disappoint even the most jaded gamer.
Anyone who plays Remember Me will simply be blown away by the graphics. Everything seems to come down to a science within the visuals. Giant robots are shiny and colorful and there are servant robots everywhere with creepy white humanoid faces. The Seraphim are a notable mechanical enemy type with their strange wings and serene faces that are a weird juxtaposition since they’re trying to murder Nilin. The Leapers, the husks of humans addicted to memory manipulation, are withered and creepy with jerky movements and the ability to skitter up walls. The time and effort that went into creating the graphics and world design for Remember Me have certainly paid off in spades. Everything you see is lustrous and fascinating; Neo-Paris is a place your eyes will get lost in and I found myself on many occasions just taking in the scenery, feasting on the nuance and small details. This is a game you must see to believe so this reviewer won’t ruin the diverse and luscious environments the game takes you through.
Sound
The soundtrack to Remember Me is just as crisp and sharp as the graphics. The opening music is fantastic, a churning, glitchy electronic score that slithers and coils. It really sets the mood each time you load the game up and compliments the stark black and white menu screen that glitches and distorts well. Even the music in this game feels high tech and glossy and the sound effects and voice acting are also well recorded and leveled perfectly.
All the characters you meet in the game are voiced by some impressive chops. Nilin’s light British accent is distinctive and sets her apart from the other players and pawns she comes across throughout the game. Nilin fits in well considering the game is supposed to take place in Paris, but some other characters feel out of place vocally with their rough American accents. It’s not inconceivable to have Americans living in another country but here it just feels weird. Also noteworthy is that very few people seem to actually have a French accent making Neo-Paris feel, well, not very French. However, the script is read with vigor and conviction regardless of accent, a nice touch when you consider how few games actually hit the mark when it comes to expressing resounding emotions.
The sound effects are also top notch with combat sounding weighty and heavy. Punches and kicks land with a satisfying “thunk”, and the grunts and groans of those on the receiving end of Nilin’s fist make the combat that much more satisfying. Even the non-human opponents are recorded well. Robots speak in an almost human voice with a thankful lack of the “bleeps” and “bloops” that usually accompany mechanical contrivances. Everything here is bombastic and sleek and nothing comes off feeling artificial or hokey. This world looks and sounds like the real deal and it creates an atmosphere that really hauls the player into a believable place.
All the characters you meet in the game are voiced by some impressive chops. Nilin’s light British accent is distinctive and sets her apart from the other players and pawns she comes across throughout the game. Nilin fits in well considering the game is supposed to take place in Paris, but some other characters feel out of place vocally with their rough American accents. It’s not inconceivable to have Americans living in another country but here it just feels weird. Also noteworthy is that very few people seem to actually have a French accent making Neo-Paris feel, well, not very French. However, the script is read with vigor and conviction regardless of accent, a nice touch when you consider how few games actually hit the mark when it comes to expressing resounding emotions.
The sound effects are also top notch with combat sounding weighty and heavy. Punches and kicks land with a satisfying “thunk”, and the grunts and groans of those on the receiving end of Nilin’s fist make the combat that much more satisfying. Even the non-human opponents are recorded well. Robots speak in an almost human voice with a thankful lack of the “bleeps” and “bloops” that usually accompany mechanical contrivances. Everything here is bombastic and sleek and nothing comes off feeling artificial or hokey. This world looks and sounds like the real deal and it creates an atmosphere that really hauls the player into a believable place.
GamePLay
While the graphics and sound construct a game that appears top notch, the gameplay is what grinds the whole experience to a pulp. Everything is prescribed and linear. This certainly helps the narrative which itself is basically a plot from point A to point B, but this game just begs to be opened up. Every set piece is nothing more than a corridor romp leading Nilin from one objective to the next. There are a few hidden places to discover but they only contain power-ups. There’s no branching story or side missions to follow making the game feel stifled and closed off. You’ll naturally want to head off the permitted path but the game will gently remind you that most of what you see if off limits. You won’t hit many invisible walls and non-accessible areas are generally blocked off with piles of rubble or other environmental objects. Even when you get dismayed that so much of the world has no access you’ll at least give the game props for doing it tastefully.
The controls of this game are god awful. Out of combat Nilin feels jittery especially in tight spaces. It seems there’s a delay in input and you’ll run into walls often, and the flighty movements mean you’ll be turned around frequently. In combat Nilin responds well to the controls but the combo system is such a nightmare it’s hard to enjoy this aspect of gameplay. Nilin can only take on one enemy at a time and this becomes a problem when you have ten enemies vying to kill you. Combos are chained up according to predetermined meters that you simply fill in with unlocked triggers. It’s simple and only mapped to the square and triangle button so it’s basically just hitting two buttons in the correct sequence. You chain up buttons that heal Nilin, cool down her special moves faster, multiply the effects of the preceding moves in the chain, or cause extra damage. If it sounds strange it is and you’ll just have to play the game to figure it all out. Timing is everything when performing combo moves but the way combat flows this is easier said than done. A challenging, rich, and complex system would be a thrill here but what you get is superficial and blunted. It’s amazing how only two buttons can create a system that’s so flawed. Nilin’s ridiculously named “S-Pressens”, special moves that are powered up while in combat, will help her keep control of the fighting but it all feels poorly implemented and cheap. For a game that is basically one combat situation after another, this really brings the whole experience down. The fighting all comes down to perfect timing and dodging, but the system isn't deceptively simple; it’s far too simple and poorly executed. The controls are loose and sloppy when they should be tight and responsive.
The story serves the game well and keeps Nilin moving from one objective to the next at a wonderful pace. The environments are intriguing but it’s a shame that there’s no exploration available. If the game doesn't tell you that you can jump or climb onto something no amount of button smashing will change that. The game feels confined and shuttered, each area serving as another plot device to keep the player moving forward. This does wonders for the story which is relatively well written, following Nilin’s journey from prisoner to savior of the world. Remember Me’s premise is that memories can be stored and altered; things that are too painful to remember are stored away in giant computer servers. Those who become addicted to memory manipulation become Leapers, physically twisted and crazed by years of altered memories. Nilin begins her journey in a state of amnesia in a facility designed to scrub away all memories in order to rehabilitate and reintroduce criminals into society. The end of the story is kept neat and tidy, though the characters Nilin meets along the way typically only appear once and are then forgotten for the rest of the game. Each chapter is a vignette that starts with a cut scene of Nilin recalling the previous chapter then commenting on what she will be doing next. The story works but it’s short and truncated, being too linear for its own good. There are many avenues that feel unexplored and the only character that receives any real attention in the story is Nilin; everyone else only serves a small purpose.
Most of Remember Me focuses on the clunky combat system, but where the game shines is in “Memory Remixes”. Nilin uses a special glove to access the glowing “Sensen” unit on the back of every citizen’s neck, the port which connects the brain to the computer for memory alteration. Nilin can enter into a specific memory and alter the environment to achieve the desired outcome. Unfortunately, this aspect of the game isn't used often and it’s more of a guessing game into the correct sequence of events and does nothing to give the player any sense of real manipulation or control. The memory is played out exceptionally and the graphics really make it look remarkable. Once the memory is played in full you use the analog stick to rewind the scene, keeping your eyes peeled for graphical glitches signifying something can be changed. The camera zooms in to show the effect of the change and how it alters the event. Add up the pieces in the right order and the desired outcome is achieved, including driving someone to suicide. These “Memory Remixes” are the best part of the game but, tragically, there are far too few of them. A larger cast of characters with more opportunities for these sequences would have been fantastic.
Remember Me could have been great if the controls were tighter and more responsive and the “Memory Remix” sequences were more frequent. The horrid combo system is simply a mess and the combat suffers immeasurably from it. There is the hint of parkour but it’s not nearly as satisfying as, say, what is found in Infamous. Only certain ledges and handholds can be climbed upon while everything else is just eye candy. The graphics and sound are of such high quality that the shameful controls and the lack of commitment to any one gameplay element stifles Remember Me and keeps it from being elevated into the upper echelon of the action genre.
The controls of this game are god awful. Out of combat Nilin feels jittery especially in tight spaces. It seems there’s a delay in input and you’ll run into walls often, and the flighty movements mean you’ll be turned around frequently. In combat Nilin responds well to the controls but the combo system is such a nightmare it’s hard to enjoy this aspect of gameplay. Nilin can only take on one enemy at a time and this becomes a problem when you have ten enemies vying to kill you. Combos are chained up according to predetermined meters that you simply fill in with unlocked triggers. It’s simple and only mapped to the square and triangle button so it’s basically just hitting two buttons in the correct sequence. You chain up buttons that heal Nilin, cool down her special moves faster, multiply the effects of the preceding moves in the chain, or cause extra damage. If it sounds strange it is and you’ll just have to play the game to figure it all out. Timing is everything when performing combo moves but the way combat flows this is easier said than done. A challenging, rich, and complex system would be a thrill here but what you get is superficial and blunted. It’s amazing how only two buttons can create a system that’s so flawed. Nilin’s ridiculously named “S-Pressens”, special moves that are powered up while in combat, will help her keep control of the fighting but it all feels poorly implemented and cheap. For a game that is basically one combat situation after another, this really brings the whole experience down. The fighting all comes down to perfect timing and dodging, but the system isn't deceptively simple; it’s far too simple and poorly executed. The controls are loose and sloppy when they should be tight and responsive.
The story serves the game well and keeps Nilin moving from one objective to the next at a wonderful pace. The environments are intriguing but it’s a shame that there’s no exploration available. If the game doesn't tell you that you can jump or climb onto something no amount of button smashing will change that. The game feels confined and shuttered, each area serving as another plot device to keep the player moving forward. This does wonders for the story which is relatively well written, following Nilin’s journey from prisoner to savior of the world. Remember Me’s premise is that memories can be stored and altered; things that are too painful to remember are stored away in giant computer servers. Those who become addicted to memory manipulation become Leapers, physically twisted and crazed by years of altered memories. Nilin begins her journey in a state of amnesia in a facility designed to scrub away all memories in order to rehabilitate and reintroduce criminals into society. The end of the story is kept neat and tidy, though the characters Nilin meets along the way typically only appear once and are then forgotten for the rest of the game. Each chapter is a vignette that starts with a cut scene of Nilin recalling the previous chapter then commenting on what she will be doing next. The story works but it’s short and truncated, being too linear for its own good. There are many avenues that feel unexplored and the only character that receives any real attention in the story is Nilin; everyone else only serves a small purpose.
Most of Remember Me focuses on the clunky combat system, but where the game shines is in “Memory Remixes”. Nilin uses a special glove to access the glowing “Sensen” unit on the back of every citizen’s neck, the port which connects the brain to the computer for memory alteration. Nilin can enter into a specific memory and alter the environment to achieve the desired outcome. Unfortunately, this aspect of the game isn't used often and it’s more of a guessing game into the correct sequence of events and does nothing to give the player any sense of real manipulation or control. The memory is played out exceptionally and the graphics really make it look remarkable. Once the memory is played in full you use the analog stick to rewind the scene, keeping your eyes peeled for graphical glitches signifying something can be changed. The camera zooms in to show the effect of the change and how it alters the event. Add up the pieces in the right order and the desired outcome is achieved, including driving someone to suicide. These “Memory Remixes” are the best part of the game but, tragically, there are far too few of them. A larger cast of characters with more opportunities for these sequences would have been fantastic.
Remember Me could have been great if the controls were tighter and more responsive and the “Memory Remix” sequences were more frequent. The horrid combo system is simply a mess and the combat suffers immeasurably from it. There is the hint of parkour but it’s not nearly as satisfying as, say, what is found in Infamous. Only certain ledges and handholds can be climbed upon while everything else is just eye candy. The graphics and sound are of such high quality that the shameful controls and the lack of commitment to any one gameplay element stifles Remember Me and keeps it from being elevated into the upper echelon of the action genre.
Final Thoughts
Remember Me is a game that you should certainly play, just don’t anticipate a huge, open world to tromp through. The story serves its purpose well enough even if it feels like huge chunks are missing from the narrative. The characters you meet are interesting, though not rounded out, and their cameo appearances leave a lot to be desired. The sound and graphics are outstanding and really elevate this game above many others in those aspects. The crap combo system, frustrating combat, and ultra-linear everything holds this game back.
In an age where open world gameplay lends itself to some strange fictions that get far too complicated far too quickly, it’s nice to play a game where things are kept arranged and orderly and gameplay elements are handed to the player rather than randomly encountered. But the overreliance on linearity is exactly what keeps Remember Me from being something truly great. It’s constructed in such a way to keep you playing and you can tell the developers really put a lot of thought into how this game works. But it almost seems like it’s too edited and controlled, and we’ve been conditioned now to want to take control over our games. Remember Me feels more like an expository piece of fiction than a video game, but what you get is presented with such alacrity that most of its faults can be overlooked. Something that also deserves comment is Nilin herself; a sexy, suave main character that’s tough as nails but not overdone because she’s a woman. Rather, her being a woman feels more of an afterthought than being forced upon the player for acceptance or pity. She’s tough and smart and worthy of her role as protagonist simply because she feels qualified.
The real problem with Remember Me is that the game doesn't fully commit itself to what it tosses at the player and everything is exceptionally controlled and prearranged. The combo system isn't complex enough to be anything more than a passing interest and a halfway working mechanic. I suspect only a few players will take the time to really study it and unlock its potential. I personally just slapped whatever pieces I had unlocked together and called it a day, and this worked well enough for me to finish the game. There may be some depth here but I never invested enough to figure it out. The story is well written and the script is acted with robustness but it seems like it could have been so much more than what’s presented. The world is gorgeous and the graphics detailed and complex, but the player can only see what the developers want him or her to. If they had opened up the world more instead of keeping everything under a vice grip the game would probably have become the full realization of its potential. Would it have turned into an Infamous clone? Probably, but that wouldn't have been such a bad thing here.
I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent playing Remember Me and it’s certainly a game you should give your time to as well, just don’t go in expecting anything ground breaking save the “Memory Remix” scenes. The opening sequence is intriguing; a commercial for the Sensen memory storage and sharing implant. It’s so eloquent that your attention is immediately captured. From there, though, the game is a linear experience as you cart Nilin through an exceedingly measured and straightforward experience. Where you do get to go is stylish and fantastically created, but you’ll feel let down that this world offers no degree of exploration. As a piece of fiction Remember Me is a wonderful representation of video games as a narrative tool. As video game however, Remember Me tosses too much into the brew without really exploring the possibilities of what’s feasible in interactive media. Too many gameplay elements feel poorly executed and nothing is dug deeper into. What’s left is a superficial experience but the story, graphics, and sound are so highly honed and polished that you’ll continue this journey even after you feel that everything else has gone stale.
In an age where open world gameplay lends itself to some strange fictions that get far too complicated far too quickly, it’s nice to play a game where things are kept arranged and orderly and gameplay elements are handed to the player rather than randomly encountered. But the overreliance on linearity is exactly what keeps Remember Me from being something truly great. It’s constructed in such a way to keep you playing and you can tell the developers really put a lot of thought into how this game works. But it almost seems like it’s too edited and controlled, and we’ve been conditioned now to want to take control over our games. Remember Me feels more like an expository piece of fiction than a video game, but what you get is presented with such alacrity that most of its faults can be overlooked. Something that also deserves comment is Nilin herself; a sexy, suave main character that’s tough as nails but not overdone because she’s a woman. Rather, her being a woman feels more of an afterthought than being forced upon the player for acceptance or pity. She’s tough and smart and worthy of her role as protagonist simply because she feels qualified.
The real problem with Remember Me is that the game doesn't fully commit itself to what it tosses at the player and everything is exceptionally controlled and prearranged. The combo system isn't complex enough to be anything more than a passing interest and a halfway working mechanic. I suspect only a few players will take the time to really study it and unlock its potential. I personally just slapped whatever pieces I had unlocked together and called it a day, and this worked well enough for me to finish the game. There may be some depth here but I never invested enough to figure it out. The story is well written and the script is acted with robustness but it seems like it could have been so much more than what’s presented. The world is gorgeous and the graphics detailed and complex, but the player can only see what the developers want him or her to. If they had opened up the world more instead of keeping everything under a vice grip the game would probably have become the full realization of its potential. Would it have turned into an Infamous clone? Probably, but that wouldn't have been such a bad thing here.
I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent playing Remember Me and it’s certainly a game you should give your time to as well, just don’t go in expecting anything ground breaking save the “Memory Remix” scenes. The opening sequence is intriguing; a commercial for the Sensen memory storage and sharing implant. It’s so eloquent that your attention is immediately captured. From there, though, the game is a linear experience as you cart Nilin through an exceedingly measured and straightforward experience. Where you do get to go is stylish and fantastically created, but you’ll feel let down that this world offers no degree of exploration. As a piece of fiction Remember Me is a wonderful representation of video games as a narrative tool. As video game however, Remember Me tosses too much into the brew without really exploring the possibilities of what’s feasible in interactive media. Too many gameplay elements feel poorly executed and nothing is dug deeper into. What’s left is a superficial experience but the story, graphics, and sound are so highly honed and polished that you’ll continue this journey even after you feel that everything else has gone stale.