Desta: The Memories Between Game Cover
Desta: The Memories Between is a perfect example of Ustwo Games' flare for poignant storytelling and inventive gameplay.
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"Desta: The Memories Between" is a narrative tactics game from the creators of Monument Valley. Explore a dreamworld where physics-based chess-like strategy meets character-driven storytelling. The Dream Team Edition includes additional game modes, a complete soundtrack, and a digital art book. Fall into dreams, confront emotions, and work with your dream-team to uncover the truth.

  • iPad
  • iPhone
  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Phone
  • Steam Deck
  • Windows
  • Android
  • Mobile Platform
  • Tablet

Reviews

74%
Audience ScoreBased on 66 reviews
story22 positive mentions
  • Desta features a unique and engaging tactical dodgeball gameplay that rewards creative strategies and character combinations.
  • The art direction and soundtrack are vibrant and immersive, enhancing the overall experience of the game.
  • The story is heartfelt and relatable, with well-written characters that resonate with players, making it a touching narrative.
  • The game can feel slow and sluggish, with some players finding the pacing frustrating and the difficulty inconsistent.
  • The roguelike elements may feel redundant due to the ability to start from any chapter, which undermines the intended challenge.
  • Some players found the narrative and character arcs to be less compelling compared to previous titles from Ustwo, leading to disappointment.
  • story49 mentions

    The story in "Desta: The Memories Between" is praised for its heartfelt and complex characters, effectively intertwining narrative with engaging gameplay. While some reviewers found the storytelling simplistic or lacking depth, many appreciated the emotional resonance and unique presentation through visual novel-style cutscenes and narration. Overall, the game is recognized for its mature themes and innovative approach to storytelling within the roguelike genre.

    • “The story is heartfelt and the characters are lovingly written and complex themselves as well.”
    • “Desta: The Memories Between is a perfect example of ustwo games' flair for poignant storytelling and inventive gameplay.”
    • “Very touching story and characters, gameplay feels awesome!”
    • “The storytelling sadly was plain bad.”
    • “Shuffle up the character and enemy order, ditch the story and dialogue since the player's already seen it at that point, give the player a random ability and artifact and unlock a few more over the course of the mode so there's some scope for synergies.”
    • “The story is a bit simplistic but it does well for being a roguelike game.”
  • gameplay37 mentions

    Desta's gameplay combines casual accessibility with mechanical depth, featuring a unique blend of turn-based tactics and roguelite elements that challenge players while intertwining a heartfelt narrative. While the core gameplay loop is engaging and offers strategic depth, some players found conflicting design choices and a lack of tutorial guidance to be drawbacks. Overall, the game is praised for its innovative mechanics and emotional storytelling, though opinions on its execution vary.

    • “Desta: The Memories Between is a perfect example of ustwo games' flair for poignant storytelling and inventive gameplay.”
    • “The gameplay takes front and center here and it is a very exciting turn-based battle system that always makes you think and plan out your turns, so it is never stale even in the early areas of the run.”
    • “The gameplay is a refreshing take on the roguelite genre, and the story is told in beautiful visual novel-style cutscenes that flow very naturally with the game.”
    • “I can absolutely see the merit of these gameplay 'modifiers' in subsequent runs or challenge modes, but they fell somewhat flat during my initial playthrough.”
    • “While the core of the gameplay loop is solid, Desta falters with conflicting design choices and a lackluster narrative.”
    • “Can't believe it was made by ustwo, terrible mechanics, terrible gameplay.”
  • graphics23 mentions

    The graphics of the game are generally praised for their stunning art style and vibrant visuals, which enhance both the visual novel dialogue and combat. However, some users noted a lack of animations and cutscenes, with specific critiques about the fluidity of character movements, such as hair physics. Overall, while the artwork is appreciated, there are calls for improvements in animation and pacing.

    • “There are barely any cutscenes or animations, but the art style and visual effects are gorgeous.”
    • “The visuals are all so vibrant and full of life both in the visual novel dialogue and in combat.”
    • “The art style is stunning and the music is perfect.”
    • “Kudos for tackling the topics they tackle and the art style, everything else sadly was lacking.”
    • “Even the art style is heavily reminiscent.”
    • “Overall graphic designs are apt with the theme.”
  • music21 mentions

    The music in the game has been widely praised for its upbeat and engaging soundtrack, which complements the overall vibe and enhances the gameplay experience. Reviewers noted that the sound effects are also impressive, contributing to the fun atmosphere, while the visuals and music work harmoniously together, making the game enjoyable and immersive.

    • “Mad fun, really love the soundtrack.”
    • “Amazing soundtrack and sound effects too.”
    • “The art style is stunning and the music is perfect.”
    • “Actually boppy soundtrack.”
    • “Art and music?”
    • “Now let's talk about the visuals and music which complement the game so well.”
  • emotional14 mentions

    The game is praised for its heartfelt story and complex characters, effectively blending emotional depth with engaging gameplay. Reviewers highlight moments of emotional catharsis, particularly at the end, while noting that the narrative's impact is enhanced by its authenticity and relatability. Overall, the emotional aspect is seen as a significant strength that elevates the gaming experience.

    • “It's also something completely new to the game space, perfectly intertwining a heartfelt story and brilliant gameplay that can be quite difficult.”
    • “The story is heartfelt and the characters are lovingly written and complex themselves as well.”
    • “Very touching story and characters; gameplay feels awesome!”
  • replayability6 mentions

    The game offers significant replayability, primarily due to its roguelike elements, which include various modes such as nightmare and challenge modes. Players find the combination of these features, along with the engaging puzzle mechanics, contributes to a fun and replayable experience.

    • “A fun roguelite puzzle game with lots of replayability.”
    • “The roguelike mechanics significantly enhance the game's replayability.”
    • “Lots of replay value through the roguelike elements as well as nightmare and challenge modes.”
    • “On the other hand, at least being a roguelike does add replayability to the game.”
  • optimization2 mentions

    The optimization of character control has been positively highlighted by users, indicating a smooth and responsive gameplay experience.

    • “The character control is highly optimized, making gameplay smooth and responsive.”
    • “I love how the optimization of character control enhances my overall gaming experience.”
    • “The optimized character control allows for precise movements and better strategy execution.”
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