RemiLore: Lost Girl in the Lands of Lore Game Sample - PS4
19"RemiLore" is a well-to-do rogue-lite indie title that is a joint collaboration between "REMIMORY" (Dev.), "Pixellore Inc." (Co-Dev.) and "Nicalis" (Pub.). If you know about these groups, then you already know that this is, by all accounts, a rather ambitious title for them. Nicalis is a fairly low-profile developer and publisher who is best known for "Cave Story", "The Binding of Isaac" and "Blade Strangers" and has methodically released games over the past decade or so (mainly indies) while this constitutes REMIMORY and Pixellore's second official title. Individually, RM released "D.N.Age", a collecting/breeding simulation RPG with basic waifu customization, and PL released the well-received and dark "Subterrain" - a sci-fi survival simulation with a good bit of depth. Departing from the realm of 2D, this 3D game can be perceived as "Diablo III Lite" (for a modern reference) with a colorful anime-inspired skin due to its level structure, loot system, and ability upgrades, though it's not nearly as sophisticated.
The customization is so light that it feels more like a hack and slash with minor RPG elements than any of the great games of the genre like "Diablo", "Champions of Norrath", etc., though there is nothing inherently wrong with that. With co-op play, over 200 weapons to collect, smallish-levels and a basic story/chit-chat from characters, the game was released for PS4/X1/Switch/Steam, though it is most suited for Nintendo's grab and go platform. It's cute and repetitive with rather nice visuals and sound (especially relative to its small download size) and those who don't mind a slog fest will find something to like here, but there are some glaring problems that hurt its lasting appeal.
First and foremost, the large weapon variety gives the illusion of great customization - they are divided by rank, differ in appearance, possess different stats, buffs, and spells (which can be upgraded twice), but the spells and buffs are very limited, the strength of the weapons of the same ranks are almost always negligible in the grand scheme of things, and weapons can only hold one spell and two buffs at a time and are random. Mana Drain / Beserker buffs are waaaay OP while Slow/Freeze spells make you almost invincible, especially when maxed out. Most other abilities just offer a self-imposed challenge to the player. Even if you had a favorite weapon based on appearance or inherent traits, you can't upgrade its stats so you'll quickly discard it for a more powerful weapon... no enchantments here, friends.
Getting items/stats are also based on skills and luck, as sometimes your stats can be decreased or weapon swapped for something you don't want (you can manipulate this RNG by keeping a spare weapon on the field, swapping it out and then grabbing said mystery item... don't like it, go grab your old weapon back... Gaming 101). Getting treasure is also based on how well you do in rooms to increase rank... kill enemies, ignore obstacles until done, repeat.
Another baffling design decision includes having only one save file for story OR co-op. Started co-op and wanna play alone? Tough luck, gotta erase your other file first... what isn't mentioned is you could start a separate file on a different profile on your device, but you don't keep any of your upgrades/unlocks (naturally), so it kinda defeats the purpose. Another issue is that it is very difficult to distinguish enemy fire in large frays, though this isn't much of an issue with the right skills. The story is nothing to write home about either... girl gets sucked into another world by book, chatters about wanting to go home while having no real qualms destroying robots, characters show up sporadically to reveal plot that is deliberately withheld from the onset, etc. It's there, but you won't pay it any mind.
Still, it reminds of simpler times and I do enjoy it in small doses. I don't mind the repetition, the script is translated well, and it's a safe bet if you can pick it up for cheap... which brings me to my last point: the game is way too expensive. The game can be cleared in its entirety in about 3-4 hours (clearing all scenarios) and a little longer if you're collecting all weapons and achievement hunting... but it's $40. There are PLENTY of quality indies for half that, but I'm interested in seeing more from these devs. I wager most will pick it up on a heavy sale... if you like what you see, then by all means. You can get the game at:
https://store.playstation.com/en-us/product/UP2103-CUSA12895_00-REMILORELOSTGIRL
https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/remilore-switch
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/remilore-lost-girl-in-the-lands-of-lore/9p6wl40nhj9r?activetab=pivot:overviewtab
https://store.steampowered.com/app/995240/RemiLore_Lost_Girl_in_the_Lands_of_Lore/
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