Memoirium, an upcoming action RPG from solo developer GoldenGratus, is poised to bring a unique blend of psychological thriller aesthetics and familiar Soulslike gameplay to Steam on August 13. The game draws inspiration from the fluid, dreamlike environments of Inception and the unsettling, liminal spaces reminiscent of the Backrooms, all wrapped in a retro, PS1-era graphical style.
Players step into the role of the Dreamer, navigating a bizarre and interconnected dream world. The game's environments are intentionally varied, shifting between disparate themes such as graveyards, rustic castles, and modern classrooms, a design choice enabled by the game's dreamlike premise. This thematic fluidity allows for abrupt transitions from sci-fi to medieval fantasy and contemporary settings, contributing to the game's surreal atmosphere. The deliberate use of retro graphics enhances this unease, creating locations that feel 'off' and unfinished, a characteristic that may appeal to fans of liminal horror.
At its core, Memoirium features distinct Soulslike mechanics. Players will need to manage stamina, master attack timings with light and heavy strikes, and utilize blocking and dodging effectively. The game includes eight unique dungeons to explore, offering a variety of weapons, spells, and equipment to collect. Passive buffs are provided through Keepsakes, which, unlike typical consumable items, replenish at specific in-game points.
A unique element separating Memoirium from many Soulslikes is "Your Room," a customizable hub area offering a respite from the game's challenges. Players can collect mementos during their explorations to decorate this personal space, with items like a desktop computer and a desk contributing to the personalized experience. The game's Steam description highlights this feature with the tagline "Dream, Defy, Decorate."
Memoirium is receiving support from Outersloth, an indie game fund established by Innersloth, the creators of Among Us. This backing, coupled with the past success of other Outersloth-funded titles, suggests potential for Memoirium to become a notable indie release.