Terra Memoria | A PS5 Review

You wouldn't be out of place if you dared to compare Dear Villagers' "Terra Memoria" to other RPGs in the genre. Visually, and thematically it showcases some obvious inspiration. Whether it's the technologically driven side of society contained within, or the one side of it fueled by crystals this familiar feel good story featuring a mashup of 2D sprites and 3D environments will take you on a fantastical journey weaving into tale it's own mythology based on a kingdom of animal-like humanoids who are both community and resource driven. 

It is through chance meeting that 7 characters' paths will cross, and in doing so help to solve everyone's predicament over the span of the experience. Facing off against the menacing machinations of mechanized carcasses, and enemies of otherworldly types these heroes and heroines will utilize their unique class based abilities to overcome the odds and save Terra.

Starting off with the introduction of a Constance Mage named Moshang we find the overarching plot point to be that of a world in desperate need of crystals to power their city infrastructures. Like the real world, resources are finite and crystals equally as so. As such trying to find a workaround is part and partial of the collective goals of each of the party members that are to join in due time. These party members include, but are not limited to a summoner name Syl, and a Bard named Alto. Utilizing elemental attacks, and party support actions these party members can beat the invading carcasses or anything that would stand between them and their quest fulfillment.

It is the questing system, itself, that is the driving force for storytelling in "Terra Memoria". Through punch cards with required tasks you complete the story, and learn of Terra's inhabitants through the process. Earning money, and items for the tasks rendered. The questing system is both region based, subject based, and timing based depending upon it's place in the given plot. The main menu lists these quests with their requirement details in their respective tabs. As you go about fulfilling your obligations in these mini-quest lines you'll complete your party, and earn the things necessary for progress sake.

Outside of plot point progress, and quest card fulfillment you'll find that combat is also a mainstay feature of the 'Terra Memoria' experience. It is a turn based affair wherein the left most character takes their turn before being set back to the right for the amount of turns that an ability costs. It's a back and forth battle between enemies, and party members. Enabling the player to carefully manage each turn in accordance to the limitation that is HP. Health in the game is the end all be all, and should your party expire it's back to the last save point. 

Thankfully the combat options are not wholly dependent upon MP or any other limited resource, and instead are target based and aligned with an elemental effectiveness wheel. Making some stronger or weaker against enemies depending upon their place on said effectiveness wheel. Some abilities will additionally target multiple enemies or players while others will target only single targets. 

In some instances, such as the case with support characters like Alto, these base ability options can be further expanded upon and joined together to greatly effect things like damage output and party healing. Knowing when to have which party member target an enemy or an ally is ultimately the key to success. Your reward being that of currency, crafting/cooking items, and stocked XP that will be applied at inns or campfires.

Speaking of inns and campfires ... These are the places in which you can get behind the scenes character conversations that add to the character building as well as offer up the opportunity to cook a meal from a learned recipe. Recipes come from community brochures as well as talks with specific NPCs. Each cooked meal will have an effect on leveling up a character's attributes. Gifting the things like bonus health. Something normally attributed to XP earnings in other JRPGs. Outside of the cooking you'll also be crafting using key materials farmed in the same manner you obtain the cooking ingredients, and that is through combat or collecting. All for the city-building aspect of gameplay.

Separating itself from the classics, 'Terra Memoria' also dabbles in the previously mentioned city-building. It is a means with which to craft, and complete your own thriving community outside of city confines. Using gathered materials, and the in menu crafting system you can piece together a city, and enhance it's features. 

Equipment-wise, characters in your party can learn new spells through campfire XP upgrades, and can apply animal faced pins that will add passive effects to party synergy/performance. These pins are usually either earned through questing, by talking to NPCs, or by opening chests. Only three can be equipped per main character, not the supporting members. Beyond that there's not much else to character loadouts. Only the class based abilities differ, and allow for creative yet complimentary combat solutions. 

The Presentation ...

Visually, "Terra Memoria" is a bright and bold throwback to retro RPGs like Suikoden. It's 2D sprites with 3D environments really makes the game pop, and helps to add a sort of modern day visual flair outside of the given inspiration as seen in some recent Square Enix releases. The visual mashup truly is stunning, and the character sprites both detailed, articulate, and charming. 

Leaving the soundtrack to be the usual whimsical fantasy thoroughfare you'd hear from the classic JRPGs of yesteryear. Not included though are voice-overs. You get the usual typing sounds associated with the text bubble conversations with a quirky little twist that can be toggled on or off via the options menu, but that's about it.

The Verdict ...

If you are looking for something more casual in the RPG genre I think it's safe to say Dear Villagers has your back with "Terra Memoria". It's a lighthearted community driven tale about the consequences of dependency on finite resources. It's also about how technology can be a civilization's worst enemy if left unchecked. There definitely is an underlying moral to it, and it is likely steeped in political/social satire through character conversations. If any of this sounds good to you do note that this game has been out for a while now. You may even be able to get it at a discount somewhere. All I know is it's a fun little indie RPG with a lot of heart!