[Review] RemiLore: Lost Girl in the Lands of Lore – Nintendo Switch

RemiLore: Lost Girl in the Lands of Lore
Nintendo Switch

Developed By: Nicalis, Inc.
Published By: Nicalis, Inc.
Category: Adventure, Action, Multiplayer
Release Date: 02.26.19

RogueLore, RemiLite, RogueLite RemiLore!

No matter what the industry across the world, there are buzzwords. Defined as: a word or phrase, often an item of jargon, that is fashionable at a particular time or in a particular context, buzzwords will always be around. The game industry is no different, and one which is here to stay is ‘roguelike.’ Whilst it’s roots are firmly planted in the 80’s and 90’s, it feels as though there has been a recent resurgence. Although this is not the case, with games history demonstrating that they have stood the test of time, it definitely seems as though there are more and more of them these days. This is ever more apparent with the introduction of ‘rogue-lite,’ typified as a roguelike that offers better visuals and less strategy.

Usually, safe in the knowledge that a game includes roguelike elements, I enjoy them. It offers grand opportunities for replayability, and can keep interest and intrigue high. I imagine this is why Nicalis, Inc. have chosen to employ this strategy for their latest action adventure title, RemiLore: an anime-style adventure set in a colorful fantasy world where players hack-and-slash their way through an army of mechanical monsters.

Master of magic

When I review a game, I often take the time to research it first. On this occasion I did very little, as the art style itself lured me in. I completed the tutorial and opening Act, in which you are introduced to the protagonist, Remi, who is awakened by Lore, a talking book. Identifying as the ‘master of magic’, Lore and Remi, or Remi and Lore, embark on a magical adventure through the fictional world of Ragnoah. This world has been infested with ‘mecha-monsters’ and it is your job to defeat them and make it back home. These monsters vary in the level of challenge they present, and it was only when I encountered some rather tricky monsters did I realize the game was in fact a rogue-lite, and makes use of procedurally generated levels across its four worlds.

I was disappointed. Although short-lived, that moment of disappointment led me to reflect on the merits of rogue-lite titles, as well as their pitfalls. My death had taught me a valuable lesson and I was looking forward to using the strategy I had crafted in my mind to overcome the obstacle the second time around, however I could not. As I made my way around the procedurally generated rooms and bridges, it was beautiful if a little more reactive rather than proactive. Fortunately, the game does seek to reward your efforts, and throughout the game you can make use of loot. In these boxes, you can find a number of different weapons ranging from the mental to the sublime. Hockey sticks, cricket bats, golf clubs, brushes…you name it!

The game consists of two options, a single-player experience and two-player co-op. Both include full Japanese voice acting which will be pleasing for some fans, and customizable upgrades including spells and bonus traits. Alongside this, you can unlock ‘alternative costumes, 200+ collectible weapons, New Game+ modes, and more!’

Unique selling point…

On the surface, there is a lot to get your teeth into with RemiLore. It tries hard to hold its own against its hack and slash counterparts, and the inclusion of procedural generation is a unique selling point which may divide opinion, but does ensure that the game stays more relevant and interesting.

The aforementioned graphical content is worthy of a mention here, with vibrant, alluring and detailed environments filling the screen either in docked or handheld. It was impressive when I saw the screenshots advertised on the Nintendo eShop, and they surely delivered. Although nothing groundbreaking, they are inviting enough and great to spend time in. For all it does well graphically, I found the monsters to be a little lacklustre and repetitive, which is a shame for a game trying not to be.

On the subject of lacklustre, I found the characterization of Remi to be lacking too. I wanted to like her, but the odd storyline and equally odd conversations between character and book meant she was more annoying than anything else. She oftentimes mentions dessert, which is what she collects along the way to level up, and this only serves to compound the silliness of the title.

I did find that RemiLore is well-suited to the Switch, and quick blasts of the game is a good way to play. I rarely found myself having an extended playthrough as it didn’t engage me enough, but I found the simplicity of the combat to be satisfying and the inclusion of a magic bar to conduct spells was great.

Concluding statement

In conclusion, RemiLore looks better than it is. It has the makings of a great rogue-lite title, and with a little more thought and a little less gimmick, I think Nicalis, Inc. would have been on to a winner. That being said, I do think there is an audience for this title and would implore you to take a look – maybe when it goes on sale, as there are many other titles offering more bang for your buck at this price point.