Video Game Mini-Review: Terra Memoria

Developer: Sunset Visitor

Publisher: Plug In Digital

Genre: RPG

Reviewed For: Nintendo Switch

Also Available On PlayStation, Xbox, PC

With its charming pixelated characters, lovely environments, and a story centered around a group of heroes investigating missing world-powering crystals, Terra Memoria has all of the pieces needed for a great retro RPG. Throw in a solid combat system and cozy town-building, and you have a nice experience for both new and veteran players. Terra Memoria falls short in a few ways, but it remains a welcome addition to the genre.

Terra Memoria introduces players to a diverse cast of six characters. Each character feels unique, even if they aren’t all original, and most rely on familiar tropes. Still, they are charming enough to overcome any issues with originality, especially since the game leans so heavily on nostalgia. In Terra Memoria, the world’s crystals are mysteriously vanishing, and mechanical beings are rising. The party must uncover the reason behind these disappearances. While the narrative has its moments, it loses momentum due to limited character development. The game does succeed in creating an intriguing world where magic and politics intersect, though the world-building feels underserved by the incomplete story.

Combat in Terra Memoria is accessible, featuring a turn-based system that relies on exploiting elemental weaknesses. Each enemy has a set number of shields, which can be broken faster by hitting them with their weakness. This mechanic encourages players to plan out their moves and create a well-rounded party with a range of elemental abilities. While this system adds adequate strategy, the difficulty remains forgiving. This can make battles feel predictable after a while, as there’s little need to change tactics when players find something that works. It can get repetitive, but it never gets downright awful. 

Outside of combat, Terra Memoria offers crafting and town-building elements. Crafting boosts character stats, but there isn’t anything innovative here, as it comes down to simply being new equipment. The town-building lets players customize a bare town, adding new structures and decorating the space. The system doesn’t exist for much more than ey-candy, as it doesn’t fundamentally change combat or character building. For players who enjoy customizing spaces, this feature can be fun, but those looking for deeper interaction may neglect it.

Terra Memoria looks great with its pixelated aesthetic that feels both nostalgic and fresh. The use of 3D graphics to create a 2D effect gives the game a unique look, allowing characters and spells to pop throughout the game. The world is vibrant, filled with detailed environments that blend effortlessly with the pixel art. The attention to detail and excellent character designs make Terra Memoria one of the more visually striking indie RPGs out there. The music in Terra Memoria is captivating, featuring a soundtrack that beautifully complements the game’s magical world. The score mixes various genres and influences, enhancing the atmosphere and giving players jams that will be stuck in their heads after turning off their Switch. 

Terra Memoria may not break new ground, but its nostalgic charm and engaging elements make it a solid choice for RPG fans. While it stumbles in storytelling and depth, the visuals, music, and atmosphere create a satisfying experience worth exploring. Hardcore fans of the genre will find plenty to love here.