The recently announced rogue-like from Ustwo Games, Desta: The Memories Between, is now available via Netflix on both iOS and Android.
The mobile development outfit is best known for developing Monument Valley, a critically-acclaimed puzzle game with an inspiring story. They have created several games since, including a Monument Valley sequel.
The studio’s newest project will be character-driven with an immersive story and “strategic turn-based tactics,” the developer’s own description. Premise-wise, the narrative involves Desta entering her own personal memory-filled dream world every night. In this world, she possesses “glowing orbs” that allow her to change the course of events.
One of the core in-game mechanics of Desta: The Memories Between is her use of the ball (orb). To progress, players will need to master trick shots and other ball mechanics to solve puzzles. Since the game is a rogue-like, it’s likely the player’s skill with the ball will be the difference between the success and failure of each run.
A point of note is that Desta is a non-binary character, an underrepresented gender identity in gaming. Accordingly, the game deals with themes of “gender identity, sexuality and queer friendships/relationships.” Ustwo describes the subject matter as difficult but with positive takeaways.
Ustwo has called Desta the studio’s “deepest and most ambitious game yet”, a big statement considering the legacy of Monument Valley. Studio chief creative officer Danny Gray shared his ambitions for the game, saying “This is an exciting new avenue for us, giving players the opportunity to grow and engage with Desta in a meaningful way over the coming months. We look forward to taking players even further into Desta’s dreams.”
Ustwo plans to add several more features post-launch, including weekly challenges, hard mode, new in-game content, new characters and new chapters. A roadmap for console and PC releases is also planned to be announced in the coming months.
Desta: The Memories Between is out now on Netflix and 3 per cent of the profit generated by the game will be donated to youth organisations, according to Ustwo.
