Read Only Memories: NEURODIVER
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Critic Reviews for Read Only Memories: NEURODIVER
Read Only Memories: NEURODIVER is a wonderful sci-fi romp with a story that has to be experienced to be believed.
Read Only Memories: Neurodiver is a game that wears it's influences on it's sleeve, from corny 90s anime dubs to slick sci-fi and even Mexican culture. It's all worn and shown off so proudly that the resulting mix is loud, proud, and unforgettable. I just wish that it was so much longer, because I already miss my time in Neo-San Francisco.
Despite the snags I’ve mentioned, I’m still thinking about Read Only Memories: Neurodiver well after I finished the story. It’s such a pitch-perfect execution on its premise, mixing the worlds of modern cyberpunk with ancient PC technology and western anime fandom. I had a blast spending several hours with these characters and the world they inhabit, and would gladly have spent several hours more. A little more narrative depth and some puzzle guardrails and we’d have a true all-timer on our hands. But as it is, Neurodiver still stands out as a dope slice of niche gaming in a month stupidly crowded with that kind of thing.
Fans of 2064: Read Only Memories already have this game purchased. For everyone else, Read Only Memories: Neurodiver is a fantastic slice of pixelated cyberpunk world building, characters, and storyline. Some control choices don't translate as well to controller as they could, but that doesn't stand in the way of the good time that Neurodiver offers.
One gets the sense that adding that little bit of extra context might’ve made Neurodiver feel more Phoenix Wright than the folks at MiniBoss intended. But that wouldn’t have necessarily been a bad thing given that the game always feels as if wants for, well, more context. It’s a testament to the work that was done by MidBoss that the game’s characters, their history with the various conflicts of the world, and the specific psychic damage being done to the Golden Butterfly’s victims that Neurodiver will leave players wanting more. There are just far too many moments where wanting to know more crosses the line into “the game isn’t providing enough.”
Read Only Memories: NEURODIVER revisits the world of Neo San Francisco, presenting new characters and an interesting story to unravel. The voice work and graphics are lovely, though the run time is a little on the short side. If you enjoyed 2064, you'll likely enjoy this stripped-down experience; just be aware that there's less to this outing than its predecessor.
A beautiful picture book with an intriguing mechanic that devolves into flavourless surface-level commentary of consent, character, and childlike curiosities. (Review Policy)
