Although Anima: Gate of Memories may not be as catchy a name across the gaming universe as, say, Final Fantasy, it’s certainly earned its due. The series got its start across a series of memorable RPG table-top books, before eventually coming to video games with Anima: Gate of Memories. Since then, the series has flourished (particularly with The Nameless Chronicles), and the fanbase has certainly grown. Which is all the more reason for a release like Anima Gate of Memories IU & II Remastered, celebrating both games.
The games give you control of a pair of unlikely heroes, who find their fates intertwined by a potential war. You’ll engage in both close-range and long-range combat against a number of enemies, while discovering new storylines, in which there are plenty.
Both games have a lot going for it in terms of storytelling, and the visuals have never looked better than they do here. That said, the combat does tend to get repetitive, with very little balance between short and long range. Also, it can be confusing finding your next objective in some spots, particularly with larger stages. Like…where do we go? Oh, heck, let’s find out.
So, no, Anima: Gate of Memories I & II Remaster isn’t the perfect comeback. But those seeking a familiar RPG setting with great stories and some interesting combat shouldn’t be disappointed. I just wish a little more effort went into certain elements to make the journey more welcoming.
Anima: Gate of Memories Is Back With a…Vengeance?
As I’ve stated, this package includes two games – the original Gate of Memories and The Nameless Chronicles. In them, you play two entirely different characters across the spectrum, trying to prevent a forthcoming war. I could go into more detail about each of their stories, but they’re so in-depth it’d be like writing a novel. Let’s just say there’s plenty of narrative to explore here, and it’s fascinating.
In fact, the story is the best part about Gate of Memories, with plenty of new arcs to visit and characters to meet with. This lore is definitely rich, and ideal for those seeking a new (or familiar) RPG adventure.
That said, there are some aspects that could’ve been worked out better. The combat is pretty good, with both short-range and long-range attacks to take on enemies with. However, it gets repetitive way too quickly, with not nearly enough stylish combos or powerful moves to unlock. Plus it’s weird that you’ll either stick with the short range or long range, without the ability to really combine the two to greater effect. Still, for some, it’s more than sufficient.
I was also a little bothered that navigation wasn’t easier in either game. You can eventually stumble across whatever objectives are on your plate. However, getting there isn’t as enjoyable as it should be. That’s not to say you can’t progress – you eventually do – but it would’ve saved a lot of time to have at least a hint of where you were going in some cases. “Okay, so it’s through this rock way that I wouldn’t have recognized otherwise. Great, got it. Wait, what?”
Anima: Gate of Memories I & II Remaster has some great moments across its two adventures, but I just wish it wasn’t such a chore to get to them. If the game had easier navigation and a little more mix in its combat, it could’ve been the stuff of legend. As it stands, it’s pretty good, but in a growing field of games of this type, that may not be enough for some.
How Is Anima: Gate of Memories’ Presentation
The graphics in this Remaster collection are off and on, really. There are some textures that look absolutely outstanding, especially with some of the detailed animation. But some of the stages are definitely too large (hence the navigation problem), and there are some glitches here and there. Overall, again, it’s pretty good, but could’ve been great with just a hint more effort.
As for the sound, it’s better. Some of the music could use a little sprucing up, but the voice acting is well done and the sound effects during combat scenarios really crackle. This is one game where you’ll get the most out of using headphones.
So yeah, not bad. Have I seen better remasters? Sure. But I’ve also seen far worse. Fans should be fine with it.
Is Anima: Gate of Memories Worth the Revisit?
I’m on the fence about Anima: Gate of Memories I & II Remaster. There’s so much to recommend here, particularly with the awesome narrative and some of the combat elements. But there’s also repetition and a lack of genuine guidance, which can lead to frustration in some cases. It’s as if certain elements of the game didn’t age that well.
I’ll still give it a recommendation if you’re a curious RPG action fan looking for something to dive into. But I can’t help but think with just a “little more,” as it were, this Gate could’ve swung wide open to a much bigger audience. Maybe with a patch or two, we can see that happen. Fingers crossed.
GAMERHUB RATING: 3 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
Many thanks to Anima Gate for providing us with a review code! Anima: Gate of Memories I & II Remaster is available now for Steam/PC/Steam Deck, Xbox and PlayStation!
Need more adventure in your life? Check out our review of Pragmata!
