Desta: The Memories Between (2022)

Desta: The Memories Between uses tactical dodgeball matches to address reflections on complex themes. The clashes are intuitive and varied, being very fun to make complex plays with the ball bouncing through obstacles or opponents. Skills and different allies offer tactical options, and additional modes challenge us with more complex stages. Troublesome relationships, regrets and self-reflection are some of the subjects discussed by the game through great characters and dialogues. Additionally, there's a meditative air to the experience with the use of soft colors and a light, engaging soundtrack. However, as a game, sometimes the simplicity of the mechanics bothers you. Interesting reflections and surreal confrontations await those who decide to delve into the dreams of Desta: The Memories Between. The combination is far from perfect, but engaging nonetheless.

Desta: The Memories Between provides a difficult narrative filled with grief and regret. However, through its meditative, albeit unintuitive gameplay, it provides a safe and reflective journey into Desta's heart. An experience that may have the player remembering back on their own life and relationships. With this relatable and emotionally driven narrative, the game provides a safe space for the player to examine themselves and all it asks is to throw a ball. This all makes Desta: The Memories Between stand out as a great game and an incredible exploration of healing.

Desta: The Memories Between is a perfect example of Ustwo Games' flare for poignant storytelling and inventive gameplay.

With charm and polish and great respect for the player's time and ability, Desta: The Memories Between manages to land a clever and touching concept. The story and voice acting keep the levels ticking by and elevate what could have been a very rote affair. The dodgeball gameplay does let the story do the heavy lifting after about halfway, becoming rather repetitive, but it also provides a realistic touch of conflict and aggression whenever the dialogue leans into super-niceness, and the roguelike strategy plays smoothly enough to be a pleasant delivery mechanism for the tale of Desta unpacking and coming to terms with their emotional conflicts.

Desta: The Memories Between can't quite figure out how to make the most of its odd genre mashup. Though the individual elements are solid, a lack of commitment to roguelike randomization in the single mode available at launch means the systems don't really mesh together how you'd expect, and the replay value suffers as a result.