Hi everyone! Today, we’re exploring one of Anomalistic Revolution’s key features—the Memory System. This mechanic not only strengthens your character but also lets you uncover Saye’s story piece by piece, adding depth to the game.
The Idea: Telling a Story Through Memories
Initially, we thought about using cutscenes or dialogue to tell the story. But those felt too passive. Instead, we created Memory Cards—a system where players discover the narrative while impacting gameplay, making it an active and rewarding experience.
Soul Points and Memory Cards
You earn Soul Points by defeating monsters and completing quests. These points unlock Memory Cards, which reveal pieces of Saye’s past and provide gameplay bonuses. Each card opens a new layer of the story, blending narrative and progression.
Redesigning the System
Our early concept was more experimental—we wanted players to extract memories from a sketch collage and categorize them by emotions like happy or dark. Unlocking dark memories even involved going into debt, affecting mental health.
We’ve since reimagined the system. The Memory Card screen is being completely redesigned with fresh layouts, visuals, and a more immersive feel.
Art and Story
Each Memory Card features unique, anime-inspired artwork and delivers small but impactful details about Saye’s past. These cards invite players to connect the dots and uncover the bigger picture.
The Challenges
Balancing the Memory System wasn’t easy. Since Saye gains most abilities through dialogue choices, we had to ensure the cards felt optional yet rewarding. We also worked hard to maintain freedom for players while encouraging them to explore this system.
What Do You Think?
We’d love to hear your thoughts! Have a favorite card idea or a theory about the story? Let us know!
See you in the next devlog! 😊