Nintendo Switch Review Code Provided by Annapurna Interactive
Most games that are released today aim to challenge the player in one way or another, but it is nice to sometimes just enjoy a calm game with a decent narrative. The latest game to bring this experience is A Memoir Blue from publisher Annapurna Interactive and developer Cloisters Interactive. Providing a silent narrative that is told through visuals, metaphoric representations, and experiences, this is a short title that aims to pull at your heartstrings.
Story
Given that the game is experienced completely unspoken, the story is left up to be somewhat interpreted. From my playthrough of the story, this is what I understood of the main plot (explained spoiler-free, of course).
Athletic medalist reflects on her life and dives into her memories in order to find what keeps her striving for more trophies but never truly filling a void feeling that lingers within. This journey through her memories takes her to understand the life she had, the opportunities she was given, and ultimately what it is that she longs for - to make her mother proud.
Gameplay
The majority of the game is watching the story play out, but when you do get to interact with the game it is in the form of a point-and-click adventure. You will be able to interact with various parts of scenes where you must uncover and activate something that gives our protagonist a sense of director or a bit of information she was looking for. Nothing of what you are to do in each scene is provided or told to you, so part of the fun is figuring it all out. But the answer to every problem you face will be fairly obvious.
Audio and Visual
Providing a cartoonistic art style was the best way to go about this game as you can tell the between our protagonist and her memory by the cartoon’s art style. They managed to make two conflicting art styles coexist in a way that aided in telling the story.
Music choice for this game was pretty good and always subtle. They use soothing tones for darker areas and brighter tones for uplifting areas, all pushing the narrative forward.
Replayability
Given the direct path this narrative takes, there isn’t a reason to replay it. I would suggest just taking your time in your playthrough.
What It Could Have Done Better
This game honestly felt TOO laid back. The gameplay felt in it felt like it was just put there so they could call this a game, but this whole experience could have been a short movie on YouTube and had the same impact. I was hoping to have more of an interactive experience with the narrative, but it just felt like watching a movie with “hey, you gotta handle something” moments in between different parts. Give the player more to do because it is a game, after all.
Verdict
A Memoir Blue is a nice narrative tale that is definitely touching, but it isn’t much of a game. This title takes the experience aspect of a narrative game a bit too direct and just takes the player along for a ride. While I can say that I enjoyed it and that it is a fair enough title for its price, I just wish there was more to actually do in the game. Even when I tried exploring in areas that gave a little bit of wiggle room, there was nothing to find.
A Memoir Blue is now available on PC via Steam, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch for $7.99 USD.
