Forlorn Memories Is a JRPG that Promises complex and deep Social Mechanics and lots of Freedom.
Lately, I’ve been focusing on JRPGs, and I recently compiled a list of 20 of the most promising Japanese Role-Playing Games set to be released in the coming months and years. The game I’m presenting you today wasn’t included in that article simply because it was discovered a few days later, but everything that Forlorn Memories has to offer is truly amazing.
Forlorn Memories is a fantasy JRPG packed with numerous features that go beyond the typical conventions of this genre. The first thing that stands out is the impressive graphic style, which is notable considering it’s the work of an indie studio, or rather, a solo developer named Forlorn Alex. Characters are in a chibi style during exploration and appear normal during combat and everything around it’s just impressive.
From what I could gather from the screens, the combat involves a behind-the-character perspective and showcases various moves in a cinematic style. There also seems to be a system of strengths and weaknesses to exploit.
Outside of combat, there is an extensive and complex exploration dynamic. Players can roam the game world in numerous ways, such as riding different creatures or even using their own robots. This robot can be upgraded by discovering and collecting resources within the game world.
There’s also the option to develop a private garden or focus on crafting and alchemy, everything accompanied by profound social mechanics that allow the 20 playable characters to form relationships with each other or with numerous NPCs, potentially even leading to marriage.
The work of this solo developer is truly impressive. Thanks to the collaboration with notable industry professionals, this project is one we will certainly hear more about in the future, and we will be closely monitoring its progress. Initially planned for PC, there’s also a desire to bring the project to Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox, though no release date has been announced. For now, you can enjoy some screenshots and the Steam overview.
ABOUT THIS GAME
Forlorn Memories is a story-rich steampunk fantasy retro inspired RPG with monster catching, life/dating sim elements, contemporary storytelling and QoL improvements to create an RPG experience that feels both nostalgic and modern at the same time.
The story revolves around a group of heroes who have little in common except their shared quest to recover their lost memories.“Memories are fleeting – what are you willing to sacrifice to remember?”
Characters
Explore the world of Forlorn Memories as one of over 20 different playable characters, each with their own unique abilities, classes and backstory. Once a party member decides to join you on your journey, you can switch between them at any time. (Each character can be renamed and visually customized.)
Two Art Styles
Forlorn Memories uses two different graphic styles, the anime-inspired Chibi style (SD) used for the exploration part and a more detailed, non-chibi-style (SD) graphic style for the game’s battle scenarios and story sequences designed by talents such as Yoshitomo Ikawa (Mistwalker).
Tactical Combat
When words fall flat and a conflict escalates into combat, experience the accessible yet deep combat system where you identify and exploit your enemies’ weaknesses.
Friend or Foe
Detailed interactions and relationships between playable characters and NPCs. This can even optionally lead to friendships, romantic relationships, marriages and other peaceful couple activities. (Yes, same-gender relationships are possible).
Explore the World
Embark on a dynamic journey where you can run, dash, swim, dive, grind on rails, set sail, fly, drive, and ride across an expansive fantasy realm. Forlorn Memories offers a number of versatile movement options that will help you traverse a vast world, teeming with captivating events and stories.
Crafting & Gathering
Mix potions and medicines, dig for buried treasure, craft armour, clothing and weapons, catch bugs, mine ores, go fishing, cook various foods and create and repair your own automata. How you achieve your goals is up to you.
Give abandoned pets a new home
Adopt pets like cats, dogs, horses and more. (Yes, you can pet them and name them!)
Gardening
Grow different types of plants. Gift them to NPCs, sell them, use them as a crafting ingredient or use some of them in battle. Or you can grow tiny sprout spirit creatures that can help you on your journey and evolve over time to learn new skills.
Minigames
Conquer the skies with your own airship and destroy enemies with your mech in the game’s fully optional Shoot ’em up and Top-down Shooter sections.
Full Voice acting
Starring Caitlin Glass, Alan Lee, Xanthe Huynh, Lindsey Vega, Deneen Melody, A.J. Beckles, Kristen McGuire, June Yoon, Rachael Messer, Vanille Velasquez, Anairis Quinones, Chris Okawa, Sarah Anne Williams, Griffin Puatu and many more.
Original soundtrack
Composed by Alec Shea, Bryan Valenzuela, Morgan Cosseron, Jeremiah George, Raúl Sangonzalo, Dale North and more with vocals performed by Emi Evans (NieR, Terra Battle, Dark Souls) on the opening theme.
