Memory Eater

Memory Eater is a unique puzzle-platformer with a lot of problems, especially when it comes to navigation. This would be a negative review if the game was a bit more expensive, but for only $2 you get a platformer with beautiful art style and a decent amount of content, so I think I can overlook the technical problems to some extent. I really love the mysterious settings, monster design, and backgrounds; it has a very unusual look, slightly reminds me of [i] Mirage of Dragon[/i]. As the title would suggest, you play as a memory eater that has to collect memories in order to complete the level. Unfortunately, navigating the map is a pain in the butt, there are many fake walls that should not be on it. It has a decent amount of stages, and the game constantly adds new puzzle elements. I wouldn't recommend it for platforming gameplay, but if you looking for something artistic (in a creepy way), I think it has some intriguing qualities. Welcome to the paragraph where I describe how to play the game because someone has to. When you select the stages, you can actually access the tutorial by clicking the button on the left, it kinda looked like part of the background at first. During each stage, you have a simple goal to collect memories that are represented by items (you can see the counter in the corner). You can press Q to open the map, and you also have a compass that points toward the closest memory. When you collect all memories the compass will point toward the exit. Sometimes you can find keys which as far as I can tell are for optional objectives, there are some items hidden behind the doors. Your character has in inventory in the right corner that holds active items, including a bear that can float to scout the area, and pick up blue access orbs. [h1] Pros: [/h1] + cool art style, very diabolic + decent amount of content + nice atmosphere + interesting puzzle progression [h1] Cons: [/h1] [u] Navigation [/u] - the maps are horrible and very hard to follow, and the cryptic level design does not help. I would like to see more hints for the important spots. Maybe the doors and orb locations should be put on the map (forever) after you found them once. That way if you die, you can still figure out where you went last time. [u] Lack of Polish [/u] - there are many small things that annoy the crap out of me. Some of the enemies need adjustments, especially those flying face wyrms that spam too many projectiles. Sometimes the visuals can be confusing, for example, the foreground might look like a solid wall. In general, platforming and gameplay are not all that intuitive. [u]Technical Notes[/u] - sometimes the game lingers on as the background process (maybe it does not like if you leave it with alt+4). I actually can't remove it from the task manager so I have to restart PC. Also, it would be nice to have controller support. [b] Overall Thoughts: 6/10 [/b] If you read the whole thing, it probably sounds like a really awful game. The thing is, I think this could have been a fantastic experience if the game was a bit more linear (like Limbo), but they went with a really annoying level design. Something about the art style and atmosphere here is very captivating, but I don't know, it can be a chore to play with all of the design and technical issues. [code]Review By: http://store.steampowered.com/curator/31294838-Hidden-Gem-Discovery/ [/code]