2064: Read Only Memories INTEGRAL

Genre: Graphic Adventure

Players: 1

.

Review:

2064: Read Only Memories is a Graphic Adventure set in a cyberpunk future, but with the sensibilities and aesthetic of an old-school game, with a plot that has you, a struggling reporter, approached by an advanced AI robot to help investigate the apparent kidnapping of its owner.

The presentation here has a very nostalgic feel to it, with decent pixel art graphics and an art style that actually reminded me a bit of the Phoenix Wright games. Where some cyperpunk setting games make things a bit grungy and have everything either neon-soaked or poorly-lit, the presentation here is bright, colorful, and cheerful, even if the story can get a bit dark and violent in places. This, paired with a decent chiptune soundtrack, makes for a nice overall aesthetic.

I will add one caveat, though – while this game makes use of full voice acting for conversations, I found myself not caring for these voices, which not only clashed with the game’s old-school style, but were often grating, in particular the aforementioned AI character who sticks with you through much of the game. Thankfully, this can be turned off in menus, and I found myself having a much better time with the game after doing so.

The game’s story is decent, if a bit heavy on long, drawn-out diatribes (again, much thanks in part to that AI character), and somewhat cliche character archetypes. There’s nothing truly spectacular here, but I will give the game credit for not only being LGBT-inclusive in its characters, but also in depicting the struggles we might have with discrimination in the future.

As for the gameplay, this is pretty straightforward stuff for a Graphic Adventure, – you know the drill, interact with the various parts of the environment, use X inventory item on Y part of the environment to solve the puzzle, that sorta’ thing. It’s not bad, but it’s nothing special, either.

It bears mention that the Nintendo Switch version of the game has a slew of extra features, including a new “Punks” side-story, HD rumble support, and additional content. And while this version unfortunately lacks touchscreen support, overall this is the definitive version of the game.

If you’re looking for a good Graphic Adventure with a cyberpunk theme, you actually have multiple choices on the Nintendo Switch, and while 2064: Read Only Memories isn’t my favorite of the bunch (that award goes to The Red Strings Club), it is still a solid entry in the genre, and this is the definitive version of the game.

tl;dr – 2064: Read Only Memories is a Graphic Adventure set in a bright cyberpunk future with a story about a robotic AI who seeks the help of a reporter to find out what happened to its missing creator. The game has a nicely nostalgic presentation, and the story here is decent, albeit nothing extraordinary for the genre. Fans of Graphic Adventures may find this game worth a look, and the Nintendo Switch version has a bunch of exclusive content, making it the definitive version of the game.

Grade: B

^{You can support eShopperReviews on Patreon! Please click HERE to become a Sponsor!}