Desta: The Memories Between
- April 25, 2023
- ustwo games
Desta: The Memories Between is a perfect example of Ustwo Games' flare for poignant storytelling and inventive gameplay.
Get on Steam"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.
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Reviews
- Desta combines heartfelt storytelling with engaging tactical gameplay, making it a unique and enjoyable experience.
- The art style and music are vibrant and immersive, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the game.
- The game offers a good balance of challenge and accessibility, allowing players to enjoy the story without feeling overwhelmed.
- The gameplay can feel repetitive and lacks depth, leading to a sense of monotony in encounters.
- The roguelike elements may feel unnecessary or poorly implemented, as players can easily progress without engaging with them meaningfully.
- Some players found the narrative and character development to be underwhelming compared to previous titles from the developer.
- story28 mentions
- 39 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The game's story is generally described as simple yet effective, with many players appreciating its heartfelt themes and character development. While some critiques mention the storytelling as plain or simplistic, others highlight its emotional depth and the innovative integration of narrative within the gameplay, particularly through visual novel-style cutscenes. Overall, the story is seen as a touching exploration of communication and healing, resonating well with the game's mechanics.
“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.”
“Very touching story and characters, gameplay feels awesome!”
“The story is heartfelt and the characters are lovingly written and complex themselves as well.”
“The storytelling sadly was plain bad.”
“The story is a bit simplistic but it does well for being a roguelike game.”
“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.”
- gameplay24 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 58 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Desta is characterized by its simple yet effective mechanics, appealing to casual gamers while offering enough depth for more experienced players. It features a unique blend of turn-based tactics and roguelite elements, providing a refreshing challenge, though some players noted a lack of clarity in certain mechanics. Overall, the gameplay is praised for its engaging design and integration with a heartfelt narrative, though it may not satisfy those seeking a high level of difficulty.
“Voice acting is very good, the music is tremendous, the gameplay reminds me of Tactical Breach Wizards in the best way, and overall I'm just very happy with this one!”
“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.”
“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 turn(s) so it is never stale even in the early areas of the run.”
“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.”
- music12 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with many users praising its upbeat and engaging soundtrack that enhances the overall gameplay experience. While some found the music to be calm and subtle, others highlighted its ability to complement the game's visuals and create an enjoyable atmosphere. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout feature that adds to the fun and immersive nature of the game.
“Amazing soundtrack and sound effects too.”
“The music is calm and subtle.”
“Now let's talk about the visuals and music which complement the game so well.”
“Art and music?”
- graphics12 mentions
- 42 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally praised for their stunning and vibrant art style, which complements the game's themes effectively. However, some users noted a lack of animations and cutscenes, with specific critiques on technical aspects like character hair movement. Overall, while the visuals are attractive and unique, there are areas where improvements could enhance the experience.
“There are barely any cutscenes or animations, but the art style and visual effects are gorgeous.”
“The art style is very attractive and unique.”
“The visuals are all so vibrant and full of life both in the visual novel dialogue and in combat.”
“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.”
- emotional8 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highly praised, with players noting its heartfelt story and complex characters that evoke strong feelings, often leading to moments of near tears. The integration of emotional depth with gameplay is seen as innovative, and the narrative's resolution provides a satisfying emotional catharsis. Overall, the game successfully balances emotional storytelling with engaging mechanics, enhancing the overall experience.
“Good game, pretty heartfelt and I almost cried a couple of times.”
“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.”
- replayability3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -67 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The game offers significant replayability, primarily due to its roguelike elements, which include various modes such as nightmare and challenge modes. Players appreciate the fun and engaging nature of the roguelite puzzle mechanics that encourage multiple playthroughs.
“The roguelike elements add significant replayability to the game.”
“There is plenty of replay value thanks to the roguelike features, as well as the nightmare and challenge modes.”
“A fun roguelite puzzle game that offers a lot of replayability.”
“On the other hand, at least being a roguelike does add replayability to the game.”
“There is lots of replay value through the roguelike elements, as well as nightmare and challenge modes.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players have noted that the game features optimized character control, enhancing the overall gameplay experience and responsiveness.
“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 game's optimization allows for precise character movements, which is crucial for mastering complex challenges.”
