A Memoir Blue Reviews
However, while A Memoir Blue has all the characteristics of a low-key hit–and certainly offers enough for a lot of players who like interaction-light experiences–the sum of its parts doesn’t quite match its intriguing concept, and you may leave it feeling a little empty, with few memories of the memoir.
A Memoir Blue has a beautiful, varied visual style, emotionally resonant music, and a sincere — if not terribly deep — narrative. The changing and mysterious relationship of parents and children is relatable. It’s a wonderful story to experience, told via haunting, surreal images. Where A Memoir Blue collapses is in its arbitrary and often unnecessary game mechanics. I get that the main character is trying to make sense of her puzzle-like memories. Pixel hunting and awkward object manipulation don’t make me feel invested or immersed. I’d argue they work against it. A Memoir Blue could and should have been a touching short animated film.
Overall, even with these limitations A Memoir Blue excels at its core purpose. Its poetic story choices and at times beautiful combination of visual and sound design elements make it an intoxicating blend for players who want something a little more cerebral. It's not the most taxing game for those after an interactive experience, and its short run time may leave some players a little disappointed that it's over so fast, but it successfully completes the goals that it aims for.
A Memoir Blue is over before you know it, so it doesn't quite earn a gold medal. However, for a debut effort, this is a solid outing for Cloisters Interactive, one worth dipping your toes in.
Like most art, A Memoir Blue has its fair share of flaws. However, like art, it has you thinking about its strengths and intentions instead of its mechanics. A Memoir Blue succeeds more than it falters, and everyone needs to give this game their time.
A Memoir Blue is a strange video game. A story closely linked to the aquatic element that wants to tell the memory of a unique relationship as it can be what there is between mother and daughter, deep as the sea and stormy as the stormy ocean.
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A Memoir Blue gave me time to think and reconnect with something I thought maybe I’d forgotten how to engage with. It also gave me the chance to reassess what I think of when I think of poetry. It’s also incredibly short. If this review reaches you on a quiet night in, this is the perfect way to spend a handful of pensive hours.
A Memoir Blue is an interesting, emotional journey with a great atmosphere to go alongside it. Even though the story demands a little more time, the journey is worth it.
I’ve been impressed so far this year that story-driven games on the Switch have continued to show up in force, but most of all that we’ve had a few that have been so touching without the need for any dialogue at all...
Ultimately, A Memoir Blue isn’t necessarily going to revolutionize video game storytelling. It is a fairly simple story of mother-daughter reconciliation, after all. However, it tells that story with an extremely thoughtful blend of 3D and 2D visuals that are densely packed with additional meaning. A Memoir Blue is in every sense a finely crafted piece of art, and that’s a pretty good way to start a new game studio.
A Memoir Blue blends contrasting visuals in dazzling fashion while supporting an emotionally impactful narrative with purpose. While the gameplay fails to deliver on that same notion, Cloisters Interactive’s debut is an aesthetically creative showstopper.
Like a calm ocean wave on a foggy day, A Memoir Blue is a tranquil experience clouded by a mundane narrative. Treading a fine line between being an interactive point-and-click game and an animated short film, Cloisters Interactive has created a title that is short, sweet, and will only leave those expecting more sour.
A Memoir Blue is a memorable narrative adventure that takes players on a very personal journey through time. Its combination of 3D models, with hand-drawn animations, creates a fascinating world rich with dense atmosphere and touching moments. The lack of gameplay variety is disappointing, but enough interactivity keeps you engaged through its short runtime. Miriam’s relationship with her child-self, and mother is explored beautifully without any need for dialogue or exposition.