Perhaps my favorite game at PAX this year was My Memory of Us by Juggler Games. Taking place under Nazi occupation, the player takes the controls as a tag team little boy and girl. In spite of possessing the adult themes of the Holocaust, My Memory of Us manages to make this game that is suitable for almost all ages. By replacing actual Nazis with “Bad Robots” they create an adventure puzzler that is worthy of representing the open curiosity of children. Almost everything about this game left with wanting to play more than the demo allowed me. When I finished my time with this game, it was nought five minutes before I walked back and handed out my first Writer’s choice award of this year. As such, there are many aspects of this game that are worth checking out.
One of these aspects come from the way the game is played. As hinted at previously the controls of this game operate as a kind of tag team. Meaning, that each character has their own unique abilities or actions that they are best at. Additionally, they are able to run together and are able to swap forward and back to best solve a certain puzzle. While they are running, they hold hands and can take turns being the leader. When they run together they move faster than if they were separate, and can perform other unique abilities. However, there are still circumstances that call for them to separate. Ultimately, the game plays like puzzle solving duo adventure.
With that being noted, another important aspect to keep in mind, is that of how the game is presented. Artistically, it is a beautiful game, albeit steampunk in nature. When I first encountered this game, my immediate reaction was of it being vaguely reminiscent to Cuphead. Not in style or tone, mind you, rather, it took on some of the artistic qualities that lent itself to Cuphead’s art. Still, it is completely it’s own. The hints of steampunk come with the Nazis portrayal by robots. As such there are many mechanical aspects that come with the puzzles and the antagonists themselves.
No matter what ground the player traverses, however, there is always something that catches the eye. Moreover, the puzzles that are laden within this game are almost childish, yet still utterly enjoyable. They range from finding the code to the door hidden in a book in the attic, to bribing a homeless man with booze to secure passage aboard the train.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this game is the way it delves into the tragedy and loss that is the Holocaust. One would not expect such a weighted theme to drag this game into the sad world of adults. However, this game manages to subtly address this dark theme without drowning the player in depression. My Memory of Us mixes a grotesque tale with bittersweet humor to create a story that is compelling yet not overwhelming. The sharp reality of the Holocaust is dulled by a persistent theme of friendship that appears in the protagonists.
This does not mean that they do not address the Holocaust at all however, far from it. When I talked with the developer he readily shared how he knew someone who was a part of that time. Thus, that was his passion for creating this game. He wanted to be able to tell the powerful story that was apart of his history. Additionally, the coloring of the girl in this game is a direct homage to the girl in the red dress that appears in the film Schindler’s List. Even the grey scale that paints the rest of the game, is intentionally done to better represent its source material.
This game creates something that is as equally compelling as it is well done. It is a game that is definitely worth checking out. You can do so on their website, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
