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LTTP: Read Only Memories

J

jacob armitage

Banned
So having finally gotten around to playing Gone Home this past week and having a very positive experience with it i was inspired to check out more narrative focused games that i've been meaning to play. I picked up this weeks Humble Bundle with Her Story, Read Only Memories and a few other titles. I also have the first act of Kentucky Route Zero in my backlog.

So i booted up Read Only Memories last night, played for a few hours and it was fairly slow going, the music and art were very nice but the story didn't really grab me. This morning i decided to continue, just from the end of act 3 and something really clicked, the story become not only interesting but pretty damn gripping, i didn't put it down until finishing it about an hour ago. I ended up feeling really attached to every single character in the main cast, and while the plot is fairly predictable i loved watching it all play out and i honestly think it will rank fairly high on my best of all time adventure games, though i admit to being a bit of a sucker for its progressive cyberpunk film noir themes. I very much appreciated its puzzles being less of a focus and all, with one funny exception, being very logical. It certainly skirts closer to visual novel than classic inventory based adventure game, in a very good way. It takes some queues from Snatcher too, not just thematically but mechanically.

If anyone is a fan of the genre, i'd really recommend it. Especially as its on sale for so cheap at the moment, and of course its Humble Bundle so some proceeds can go to charity. Just know it can be a little slow to get going.

Gone Home and Read Only Memories have really reignited my love for gaming. These past few years this medium has always just been a bit of a hobby to pass the time, i'd always listen to a podcast or have some background noise on and never really immerse myself in the game. Playing only one of the Dark Souls/Bloodborne games or dabbling in whatever was popular just to stay current. Read Only Memories and Gone Home have really given me a strong drive to play more of this genre of games that i may have missed out on, and its really nice to feel passionate about gaming again. I'm very thankful for both of these experiences

I'm just not sure if i should play Kentucky Route Zero or Her Story next, either way, i'm excited. Quite awhile since I've felt that.

If you've played Read Only Memories, please, let me know your feelings on it, i'm eager to discuss it more. Lets tag any potential spoilers too, just in case.
 
Man I got stuck in the beginning at some shitty park and never looked up the answer. I swear I tried everything.
 
Vince McMahon said:
Man I got stuck in the beginning at some shitty park and never looked up the answer. I swear I tried everything.
Click to expand...

Oh man that's unfortunate, one thing i really appreciated when playing through it was that i never felt the need to look anything up and it seemed like there were quite a few extra items to have multiple solutions to some scenarios. I know adventure games can sometimes get the better of you in silly ways though.

Grim Patron said:
I love it a lot. I'm going to buy it on every platform it releases on. Street action is my favourite song from it - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRNjj8cvy6s
Click to expand...

MIght be my Noir love but Distant Scenery is definitely mine. I did really enjoy the entire soundtrack.
 
jacob armitage said:
Oh man that's unfortunate, one thing i really appreciated when playing through it was that i never felt the need to look anything up and it seemed like there were quite a few extra items to have multiple solutions to some scenarios. I know adventure games can sometimes get the better of you in silly ways though.
Click to expand...

I know it's something stupid. I just know it. I just KNOW it.
 
I have only played a bit of it, but it's charming as hell. I did not expect to hear Rydeen when I clicked on the YMO poster on the first screen, lol.
 
sixteen-bit said:
I have only played a bit of it, but it's charming as hell. I did not expect to hear Rydeen when I clicked on the YMO poster on the first screen, lol.
Click to expand...

The Yellow Magic Orchestra track was great, but there were a few other references and throw backs that fell a little flat, certainly not enough to detract though.
 
jacob armitage said:
The Yellow Magic Orchestra track was great, but there were a few other references and throw backs that fell a little flat, certainly not enough to detract though.
Click to expand...

Odd I clicked on that poster and nothing happened. Rydeen is awesome though.

I posted this in the OT today, missed this thread:

Just started this, it's ok, so far, couple of things are making it kinda rough to get going. First, I have no idea who my character is, or the context of him/her in the world I know I am a journalist, but that's about it. No voice acting doesn't bother me, but I am having trouble identifying with the main character.

Second is the graphics, it really is a weird style, it's like half between VGA and EGA. it feels like a low res 8-bit game but with more colors available. Graphics feel closer to Portopia or Deja Vu than Snatcher to me. The font is also kinda a strain on the eyes. I understand why it is as it is.

I don't want to come off as too negative though, I'll be going back to it, though I might wait for the DX version, will that be a free upgrade if you already own it on PC?
Click to expand...

Jacob said to keep going, I'll give it a shot. I just wonder if having at least some VA will help me feel attached to the characters. Still, curious to see where it goes.
 
jacob armitage said:
I'm just not sure if i should play Kentucky Route Zero or Her Story next, either way, i'm excited. Quite awhile since I've felt that.
Click to expand...

Oh man, someone getting to play Kentucky Route Zero for the first time? It's so special. Oh so special. It's mindblowing.

transition_by_alo81-d6esr7s.gif
 
Messofanego said:
Oh man, someone getting to play Kentucky Route Zero for the first time? It's so special. Oh so special. It's mindblowing.
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I finished the first act already and was absolutely amazed by the entire experience, especially its audio design.

Turning the light off on the tram in the mines and seeing the shadows watching and following you genuinely gave me the creeps all day.

I'd honestly heard so little about it other that it having a minimalist art style, i'm very glad i went in so blind.
 
jacob armitage said:
I finished the first act already and was absolutely amazed by the entire experience, especially its audio design.

Turning the light off on the tram in the mines and seeing the shadows watching and following you genuinely gave me the creeps all day.

I'd honestly heard so little about it other that it having a minimalist art style, i'm very glad i went in so blind.
Click to expand...

YES that moment is amazing. Episode 2 with the forest and Episode 3 with the music are something else. Ugh the wait is excruciating!

2710397-5617674780-iD9gU.gif
 
The sprite work was so fun in that game. All the little Turing animations and just a ton of other small details they paid attention to. One of those obvious "labour of love" kind of games, which really makes it so endearing.

P3p37yB.gif


Grim Patron said:
I love it a lot. I'm going to buy it on every platform it releases on. Street action is my favourite song from it - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRNjj8cvy6s
Click to expand...
Awesome credits song as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdnxjP9t_tM

2Mello really hit that whole soundtrack out of the park.
 
Don't forget to play it again in a couple months, once ROM: DX hits as a free update! Script is being rejigged, Puzzles made much more fun, Endless Xmas post-game DLC, and FULL VOICE ACTING WHAAAT

(Also it's coming to Vita and consoles)
 
I am so disappointed with this game. I bought it because it was said to be similar to Snatcher but in no way it is.

First of all, the characters. I hate all of them and I do not even remember their names. They were unfunny (try to use those dialogue options where your character just wants to tease a bit… all the characters act as if you have said something really mean). Specially that robot with his/her/its/zis/whatever manners. Always they had to say how awesome it is and how intelligent it is. IF THAT WAS NOT CLEAR FROM THE VERY FIRST DIALOGUE. And they are oh so nice and good people… And I forgot her, but that otaku girl was also one of the worst from the bunch. Ugh.

Also, the character you play as is basically useless. You keep investigating thanks to the help of the rest. Oh, I do not know what to do, I will ask to this pair of young guys to help me out (or find out what to do for that matter) because I can't do anything on my own. EVERY TIME. The story of the game unravels always like that, you do not find a clue even if it was in front of you.
So I quickly lost interest in the story. And the world built around it was not really believable IMO.

I kept playing it thinking that it could change and I could actually see something interesting (like that scene when you get inside an apartment). But nope, the game went downhill from the beginning. I understand that they were not going for the decadent cyberpunk approach, but I disliked basically everything and it is hard for me to fin a redeeming aspect apart from the sprites (which were sometimes a hit or a miss in terms of style).
 
I really wanna play this game. I bought it recently in the humble bundle, but I'm kinda holding off for a Limited Run Games physical version on Vita. If that's off the cards then I'll play it.
 
Muskieratboi said:
Don't forget to play it again in a couple months, once ROM: DX hits as a free update! Script is being rejigged, Puzzles made much more fun, Endless Xmas post-game DLC, and FULL VOICE ACTING WHAAAT

(Also it's coming to Vita and consoles)
Click to expand...

I'll double dip on PS4 for sure, the script could certainly be a little tighter and new post game content is very appealing! I really do want to know what happens to the characters next, even if its just a little more to the epilogue.

Jacqli said:
And they are oh so nice and good people… And I forgot her, but that otaku girl was also one of the worst from the bunch. Ugh.
Click to expand...

I did find Ramona's character to be pretty cringy, especially initially. Though that did seem to be very intentional and the point of that character. I did warm up to her after her interactions with Oli though, who was probably my fav character.
 
Jacqli said:
I am so disappointed with this game. I bought it because it was said to be similar to Snatcher but in no way it is.

First of all, the characters. I hate all of them and I do not even remember their names. They were unfunny (try to use those dialogue options where your character just wants to tease a bit… all the characters act as if you have said something really mean). Specially that robot with his/her/its/zis/whatever manners. Always they had to say how awesome it is and how intelligent it is. IF THAT WAS NOT CLEAR FROM THE VERY FIRST DIALOGUE. And they are oh so nice and good people… And I forgot her, but that otaku girl was also one of the worst from the bunch. Ugh.

Also, the character you play as is basically useless. You keep investigating thanks to the help of the rest. Oh, I do not know what to do, I will ask to this pair of young guys to help me out (or find out what to do for that matter) because I can't do anything on my own. EVERY TIME. The story of the game unravels always like that, you do not find a clue even if it was in front of you.
So I quickly lost interest in the story. And the world built around it was not really believable IMO.

I kept playing it thinking that it could change and I could actually see something interesting (like that scene when you get inside an apartment). But nope, the game went downhill from the beginning. I understand that they were not going for the decadent cyberpunk approach, but I disliked basically everything and it is hard for me to fin a redeeming aspect apart from the sprites (which were sometimes a hit or a miss in terms of style).
Click to expand...

If you want a game that's truly similar to Snatcher, Policenauts. Or Sega CD's Shadowrun(JP only for now).
 
Muskieratboi said:
Don't forget to play it again in a couple months, once ROM: DX hits as a free update! Script is being rejigged, Puzzles made much more fun, Endless Xmas post-game DLC, and FULL VOICE ACTING WHAAAT

(Also it's coming to Vita and consoles)
Click to expand...

So should I wait for this DX update to play it or should I just start it now? I got it in the humble bundle recently.
 
Catvoca said:
So should I wait for this DX update to play it or should I just start it now? I got it in the humble bundle recently.
Click to expand...

I'd say play now, and play it again once the DX version drops. It seems like the DX upgrade is free, and the game can play out a few different ways with a few endings and its certainly worth a second play through. Though i'll likely wait a few months to do my second run.
 
jacob armitage said:
I'd say play now, and play it again once the DX version drops It seems like the DX upgrade is free, and the game can play out a few different ways with a few endings and its certainly worth a second play through. Though i'll likely wait a few months to do my second run.
Click to expand...

Oh, I didn't realise there was multiple endings and stuff. Guess I'll give it a try soon!
 
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