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
- The game features a unique and engaging tactical dodgeball mechanic that rewards creative play and strategic thinking.
- The art style and music are vibrant and well-executed, enhancing the overall experience and immersion.
- The story is heartfelt and relatable, with well-written characters that add depth to the gameplay.
- The game can feel slow and sluggish, with some players finding the pacing frustrating, especially during level transitions.
- The difficulty curve is inconsistent, leading to moments where the game feels either too easy or suddenly challenging without a proper balance.
- Some players feel that the roguelike elements are unnecessary or poorly implemented, detracting from the overall experience.
- story24 mentions
- 46 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The story in Desta: The Memories Between is generally well-received, praised for its heartfelt narrative and complex characters, particularly within the context of a roguelike game. While some reviewers found the storytelling simplistic, many appreciated its emotional depth and the unique integration of gameplay with visual novel-style cutscenes. Overall, the game offers a refreshing take on storytelling in the genre, combining engaging mechanics with a touching narrative about communication and healing.
“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.”
“Desta: The Memories Between is a tactics-based dodgeball game with a they/them melanated protagonist, and it is a story about communication and healing.”
“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.”
- gameplay18 mentions
- 22 % positive mentions
- 72 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Desta" is a unique blend of roguelite mechanics and turn-based strategy, offering both casual accessibility and deeper tactical challenges. While the core gameplay loop is engaging and features innovative mechanics, some players found certain design choices and a lack of tutorial guidance to be frustrating. Overall, the game successfully intertwines a heartfelt narrative with creative gameplay, though opinions on its execution vary.
“Ustwo's games are designed to be for casual gamers, but Desta's gameplay still manages to bring a good amount of mechanical depth to the table.”
“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, featuring 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.”
“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.”
- graphics11 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally praised for their stunning art style and vibrant visuals that enhance both the narrative and combat experiences. 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 appreciated, there are calls for improvements in animation fluidity 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.”
“Even the art style is heavily reminiscent.”
“Kudos for tackling the topics they tackle and the art style; everything else, sadly, was lacking.”
“Overall, the graphic designs are apt with the theme.”
- music10 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its upbeat and engaging soundtrack, which enhances the overall experience and complements the visuals effectively. Players enjoy the fun and lively tunes that accompany gameplay, with many noting how the music adds to the enjoyment of defeating enemies. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout feature that aligns well with the game's vibe.
“Mad fun, really love the soundtrack.”
“Amazing soundtrack and sound effects too.”
“Now let's talk about the visuals and music which complement the game so well.”
“The music is in tune with the general vibe.”
“Now let's talk about the visuals and music, which complement the game so well.”
“Art and music?”
- emotional7 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its heartfelt story and complex characters, which resonate deeply with players. Reviewers note that the emotional beats are well-integrated with gameplay, creating moments of genuine catharsis, particularly towards the end. Overall, the game's emotional depth enhances the experience, making it a standout in the gaming space.
“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!”
- replayability3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 0 % 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.
“Being a roguelike adds significant replayability to the game.”
“There is a lot of replay value through the roguelike elements, as well as nightmare and challenge modes.”
“A fun roguelite puzzle game with plenty 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
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers highlight that the game features well-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 optimized character control allows for precise movements and better strategy execution.”
