Review - Memory Lost

Developer: Magic Hazard

Publisher: ESDigital Games

Available on: PC (Steam)

Review system: PC (Steam)

Memories are everything. They make us feel pain and happiness. Sadness and joy. Despair and hope. When you think about it, everything you have come to learn and remember is stored in an organic soft organ with wrinkles: the brain. What is in your head is the most valuable thing in Memory Lost. Information, a place, a person, a skill, any such thing is extraordinarily invaluable as the mystery unfolds.

With unique player-switching mechanics, Memory Lost introduced an inventive mechanic, along with the unique take on the twin-stick shooter. When I played it at PAX East in Boston in 2024, I was intrigued by its gameplay and the rusty cyberpunk world that it depicts. Now, one year later, Memory Lost has made it to full release, and it is a remarkable sound action game, though it could have used some polish on the technical side.

Everything Everywhere

The future is as dystopian as it can get. Governments are no more, and corporations rule. Humans are taken in for experimentation and are either killed or worse, turned into mutants cursed to dwell in the skyless city. Deep beneath the city of Bethraxis lies an answer. Hidden within the memories of its citizens lies an answer. As an AI created by the Redsky Corporation, your job begins simple enough, persecuting the various gangs that roam the streets. Soon, something awakens; now it's a battle for survival and escape.

Memory Lost is a twin-stick shooter set within a cyberpunk world. Players move their character around in an isometric perspective through heavily industrialized sectors. Players begin in their base robot form and can only use their punch attack. The big draw to this particular gameplay loop is the ability to switch bodies, becoming enemy units in a bid to survive. Early in the first level, players are introduced to the C.A.L.L system. When an enemy has been weakened, players can switch to that body. They retain their health and special attack skills. Each type of enemy specializes in a specific attack. Some enemies attack with clubs. Others use sniper rifles. There are even enemies strapped with explosives who will martyr themselves to destroy you.

To Swap or Not to Swap

By switching into an enemy, you retain their skills and may use them against other enemies. However, as they are weakened, this means their health is likely low, meaning body switch needs to be just as fast as attack and being aware of the surroundings. Additionally, some enemies carry firearms, and those arms may be used against the enemy. This ranges from laser cannons to shotguns. In some cases, tougher enemies appear, and switching into them is essential as they can take more damage than the average enemy and can dish out heavy firepower.

In Memory Lost, gameplay is paramount and it works swimmingly well. Memory Lost becomes an impactful, fast-paced twin-stick shooter with an inventive mechanic that is fun to use. Body swapping between different enemies means there needs to be some thought as to how enemies are approached and taken care of. Relying too much on one body is an easy way to fail. When mastered, it is a thrilling, breakneck sensation. One moment, I’m peppering enemies with gunfire. Another moment, I'm using a giant hammer to pound the enemy. The next moment, I'm using martial arts. It's thrilling combat, and I enjoyed it! Even when the combat becomes a challenge, and it will, Memory Lost is a lot of fun.

Total Recall

The story behind Memory Lost is intriguing as well. Digital memories, humanity, and what is real are just a few of the game's themes. There is a sense of humor as well, which keeps things from becoming to serious. The voice acting does its job, and the possibility of multiple endings keeps things interesting for repeat playthroughs.

The story doesn't go terribly deep into its themes, but the ideas presented are fascinating. When an AI encounters human memories, what will that AI think? Do those memories become theirs? Can they feel those memories? There's also a strong sense of humor to levitate the otherwise dystopian world.

Technical Requirements

There is a setback that keeps Memory Lost from greatness and that is the technical performance. On a gaming laptop, it isn't quite optimized and uses quite a bit of power. The game looks solid at high settings, but it could have been better optimized. Additionally, Memory Lost is non-functional on Steamdeck. The first level works, but the game then refuses to load the second level. I do wish Memory Lost was Steamdeck compatible. Memory Lost works best on a controller, and subsequently, a Steam Deck format would work in the game's favor with the analog stick.

Visually, I do wish there were variations in the environment too. A neon-colored city street. A spaceport. Things get repetitive and start to feel the same in a short time. The gameplay for Memory Lost carry the game, along with the story.

Memory Lost, Memory Found

Memory Lost is an incredible twin-stick action experience with plenty of depth and an inventive mechanic. Its body-swapping hook is engaging, and the cyberpunk work it is woven into is fascinating, with its multiple endings and choices. Memory may be lost, but it is worth fighting for. Memory Lost is a solid game.

MEMORY LOST IS RECOMMENDED

A review key was provided by ESDigital