Remember Me (Preview)

May 2013
PC, PS3, Xbox 360

Developed by Dontnod Entertainment
Published by Capcom

Remember Me looks to have the moves to match its lofty science-fiction concept.

Last month I came across 10 minutes of gameplay for "Remember Me" (above). At the time,  I had never heard of this upcoming title (the first release from Dontnod Entertainment), but the name intrigued me and I was willing to surprise myself.  I'm glad I did because "Remember Me" looks pretty fine and is on my radar now. "Remember Me"? Yes, I think I will.

While the game is still a ways off (Q2 2013) the level on display looks remarkably polished. The majority of the 10 minutes has Nilin, a memory hunter, escaping aerial fire across the rooftops of Neo-Paris circa 2084. Imagine a third-person "Mirror's Edge" (with red pipes to shimmy and all) with a heavier dose of sci-fi and more room for melee combat. This might be the most bullets ever fired at someone who never takes a hit as she runs, jumps, climbs and grapples her way along a linear route, but that's what action adventures are allowed occasionally - especially if the "cool factor" is met. Watch the way Nilin totally dismantles a pair of guards she meets in the hallway. And whatever is she doing with their heads as a finishing move? Something regarding their memories, which leads into the story of this futuristic action game (with hopefully little-to-none gunfire).

Run for you life in a fluid chase sequence! Remember Me (2013)

There is something special about "chase levels" in games. Yes, they can be infuriating trial-and-error exercises, but when you pull it all off in a single go there are few moments quite as satisfying. While we eagerly hope for a sequel to "Mirror's Edge" we might find the next best thing in "Remember Me." In addition, the high concepts from the likes of "Inception" seem to be on display here. Those are two fine influences to cite, but "Remember Me" also looks to bring plenty of its own style and substance to the party.

Words by J.S. Lewis