Subversive Memories – Review
Disclaimer: I received a free review key for Subversive Memories from the developer. This does not affect my opinions, all thoughts and impressions in this review are my own. Charming is a word that comes to mind when describing the graphics of Subversive Memories, but do not be fooled by the surface level. At its core, the game explores a period of Brazil’s history during which 434 people were killed or disappeared for political reasons between 1946 and 1988, something I knew nothing about before playing. There are many communist and religious references throughout the story. While I could not fully relate to it, there is clearly a great deal of passion in the storytelling, and I feel that I learned something by the time the credits rolled. Players follow Renata as she explores an abandoned research facility in search of answers, uncovering disturbing truths along the way. In terms of the overall gameplay loop, the best way to describe it is a 2D isometric take on Resident Evil. It uses a classic hub and spoke level design, with well thought out shortcuts and the familiar “this door is locked from the other side” moments that you unlock later as shortcuts. It felt remarkably similar to the Spencer Mansion, not in terms of visuals, but in how well the rooms are interconnected. The placement of rooms and puzzles feels deliberate and meaningful throughout. It can be difficult to spot some of the doors, which is partly down to the nature of 2D games. It is not always easy to see entrances at the edge of the screen. I probably should have paid more attention to the map, which, while on the subject, is excellent. I would have been lost without it. It shows your current location, which doors are open or locked, and where key puzzles are found. A big part of survival horror is navigating maze-like environments, so maps are an essential tool in helping players find their way. I am glad indie games have continued this tradition, especially because they take a lot of effort to get working properly. At times, it can be a bit hard to know what to do next, but I really like that the game does not hold your hand. There is no yellow paint here. You have to pay attention to your environment, as anything could be a clue. A lot of hints are found in notes, posters, and collectibles. In some cases, you need to remember things from earlier in the game, but it is made easier by being able to go back to save rooms and read through everything you have picked up. The combat mechanics feel very similar to Heartworm, but instead of using a camera flash, Subversive Memories has you using a dual-drive flashlight to deal with enemies. However, this is a limited resource, as using the flash drains your battery, which then needs to be replaced. I’m not entirely sure if there are enough batteries to deal with every enemy. I did not want to take any chances, so I mostly avoided them where possible, luring them to one side of the screen and using furniture to move around them. Enemies are fairly sparse in the early game, as the focus is more on setting up the story, introducing the main character, and helping you get used to the menus and controls. That said, there is an encounter at the start that catches you off guard, almost like a jump scare, and your best option is usually to run rather than fight. Towards the end of the game, encounters become much more frequent. Without giving too much away, things take a darker turn and your torch becomes vital. The endgame feels like the kind of panicked escape you would see in early Resident Evil games. Parts of the research facility become inaccessible, and areas you were once familiar with now feel harder to navigate, with unexpected enemies at every turn. Some of the puzzles are on the harder side compared to recent survival horror games I have played. They do require some thought and patience, but that means when you finally solve one, there is a real eureka moment, which makes it one of the more satisfying parts of the game. The game features alternative endings, I played for around four hours and ended up getting the “void” ending. There were a few puzzles I did not solve, so if puzzle games are your thing, there is a reward for dedicated players. If you’re looking for a 2D survival horror experience, Subversive Memories is absolutely worth your time and it’s available now on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2821110/Subversive_Memories/