Anima: Gate of Memories

 PlayStation 4
User Score
7.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 56 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 56
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 56
  3. Negative: 11 out of 56
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  1. BadBenBad
    Nov 27, 2016
    8
    Anima: Gate Of Memories would have been considered a "Triple A" game in the PS2 era what with it's "action platformer" style gameplay, rpg skill-trees, and frentic DMC-esque combat system. (My favorite combos that include starting with launchers to send enemies airborne then following that up with a chain of several more hits) For many this may come off as a nostalgic romp but it also hasAnima: Gate Of Memories would have been considered a "Triple A" game in the PS2 era what with it's "action platformer" style gameplay, rpg skill-trees, and frentic DMC-esque combat system. (My favorite combos that include starting with launchers to send enemies airborne then following that up with a chain of several more hits) For many this may come off as a nostalgic romp but it also has other trappings of older games that may not go over quite so well. The game's platforming/trap/boss/puzzle segments can be punishingly difficult. Nothing I would call "unfair" but there is certainly very little hand holding throughout. If you're like me and remember the era in gaming when not everything was on rails and there were no shiny icons to tell you EXACTLY what to do, Anima Gate Of Memories will be a breath of fresh air. However, if you hate falling to your death constantly and spending a few rounds in utter defeat until you FINALLY figure out a boss's patterns then yeah,you might find yourself gnashing your teeth instead.

    Regardless,being this is an indie title you cannot help but to be impressed by the beautiful environments and how everything is interconnected in such a way you can revisit old vistas with new powers to find even more helpful gear and other hidden routes. Anima: GOM ended up being far less linear than I thought it would be and that is a good thing in my opinion. (You definitely get bang for your buck,this game is not short by any means,even if you try to blaze thru it at a breakneck pace!)

    The story starts out rather simple. As a type of "Hunter of supernatural monsters" you set forth to find out why your old teacher stole an artifact from the holy order. Along for the ride is a cursed book containing a demon/monster/bad-boy-toy who was bonded to you in a pact. The results of this are "temporal body shifting" in which players can switch between the nameless female protagonist and Ergo (Her perverted wisecracking demonic cohort) with a mere press of a button! Fortunately the plot explains "why" the main heroine cannot remember her past and it has much to do with her strange relationship with her other-wordly partner.

    Some people took issue with the voice acting but I don't expect indie game studios to be able to hire the likes of Troy Baker,Tara Strong, or Laura Bailey without the game production values themselves taking a major hit. Frankly I'm glad Anima:GOM concerns itself more with being a fun Metroidvania action rpg instead of a minimalist "movie" walking simulator with an all star VA cast. For the record, I became fond of Ergo's cheesy innuendo-laced quips but of course we presently find ourselves in a generation offended by everything so mileage may vary. (The voice of the game's heroine is "nice" too. Not "remarkable" but her delivery certainly did not grate on my ears!)

    Sometimes the camera will spin around wildly and work against you but luckily throughout most of the game you can easily adjust the viewing angle to a more advantageous perspective. (Assuming you're using a controller,this is done with the right analogue stick)

    Anima GOM certainly is not "perfect" but it may scratch an itch for people who want another decent action adventure romp in the same vein as Darksiders,DMC,Nier,and Castlevania:LOS 2.    … Expand
  2. alandrade21
    Sep 10, 2022
    3
    The game starts well, but that impression quickly collapses for one of the worst games ever made.

    First, the camera and the controls are clunky when you have to jump, and this game has some platform parts that are simply infuriating. Camera and controls are the responsible for the majority of your deaths. It is frustating. Secound, the bosses. From the middle of the game, the bosses    The game starts well, but that impression quickly collapses for one of the worst games ever made.

    First, the camera and the controls are clunky when you have to jump, and this game has some platform parts that are simply infuriating. Camera and controls are the responsible for the majority of your deaths. It is frustating.

    Secound, the bosses. From the middle of the game, the bosses are simply very poorly designed, and the battles go from being fun to just frustrating.

    Third, the story. It is shallow but acceptable. But due to the previous two factors, it simply fails to give you a reason to continue playing.

    From it's middle forward, this game fails to be fun. A pity.    … Expand
  3. SWERY_51
    Jun 5, 2016
    6
    Anima is a fine indie game inspired by Nier and Drakenguard. The story looks great, the soundtrack is nice, and the gameplay is good in this APRG. Sometimes it can be a little frustrating and it's not visually astonishing but it's running pretty smoothly (60fps) and i think it worth the try for 20$ if you enjoy ARPG.
  4. Anthor
    Jun 8, 2016
    6
    Material Indie español con un muy buen diseño artístico y con gran intención pero que no sabe culminar y se antoja vacío. Interiores muy cuadrados y poco inspirados hacen de su exploración una experiencia no muy gratificante, la cual, con un poco más de dedicación y detalle, mejor conectividad entre zonas y sobretodo menos cargas cortarollos en plena caminata, hubiera sido mejor enMaterial Indie español con un muy buen diseño artístico y con gran intención pero que no sabe culminar y se antoja vacío. Interiores muy cuadrados y poco inspirados hacen de su exploración una experiencia no muy gratificante, la cual, con un poco más de dedicación y detalle, mejor conectividad entre zonas y sobretodo menos cargas cortarollos en plena caminata, hubiera sido mejor en conjunto, pues su arte y su robustez de programa son de calidad, roando lo preciosista en algunos exteriores y sin exagerar, gran trabajo artístico sin duda, pero le ha falta un mejor Game Design y una mejor planificación en diseño de niveles y objetivos, ofreciendo sobretodo por un lado esa coherencia de conexión entre niveles para incentivar la exploración y por otro no recurrir a los típicos puzles de siempre, mil veces vistos ya.

    A nivel de mecánica de combate, comentar que si bien el control cumple, el sistema no es impactante ni contundente, es como estar pegando a los enemigos con una espada de papel, los cuales parece que no noten nada, mientras ellos siguen a lo suyo y andas recuperándote del abusivo recovery de tus más bien inútiles dashes. No satisface en combate, le falta garra, velocidad, contundencia y precisión Arcade, aunque de nuevo, la intención es buena.

    Finalmente comentar sobre la estructura general del juego, que abusa demasiado de diálogos e intros constantes para todo. Más de una vez las pasaras rápido por el simple hecho de querer seguir jugando y que el juego no te dé la chapa con otra charla u otra cinemática. Por suerte se ha apostado bastante por meter bastantes Bosses y eso es siempre de agradecer, sin embargo es un producto que de un 6 pelao no pasa. Está bien pero no mata. Pretende abarcar mucho pero se queda a medias y en parte es normal, viene de un equipo pequeño, pero creo sinceramente que el talento artístico y técnico como tienen los chicos de Anima Project, mejor liderado y con un mejor Game Design sobre la mesa, este título hubiera ganado enteros.

    NOTA: 6/10    … Expand
  5. Kvk
    Jun 3, 2016
    8
    Buen RPG de acción en tercera persona. Gráficos algo desfasados para ser un juegos de PS4 o PC pero está un precio imbatible. Además, es un proyecto que se financió gracias a Kickstarter, tiene un gran mérito
  6. Ryushiro
    Jun 14, 2016
    8
    The game art style is unique and the story is intriguing. The characters are charimsatics and well portrayed. The gameplay has flaws but its a very enjoyable game.
  7. pig_soldier
    Jun 23, 2016
    10
    It was a refreshing and incredible adventure, the best indie game I have played in a lot of time. 5 finals, a lot of secrets, incredible ost, playability...
  8. Diabolini
    Jun 17, 2016
    9
    Magnífico juego desarrollado con mucha pasión y devoción por el género. Tiene un mérito tremendo que con un equipo tan pequeño hayan puclicado un juego de esta calidad
  9. Letiste-Gaming
    Jun 8, 2016
    8
    Ya quisieran muchos de los AAA del mercado siquiera estar la mitad de cuidados que este título.
    Jugando al título enseguida se nos vendrán a la mente grandes sleepers de su generación, como fueron NieR o El Shaddai, sin duda grandes fuentes de inspiración que encajan perfectamente en el mundo de Anima.
  10. Lightness
    Jun 25, 2016
    10
    Gran juego de rol. Maravillosa trama. Un estilo de juego que recuerda al DMC o Bayonetta. Conseguir todo esto con un equipo tan reducido dice mucho de la pasión y entrega que han dado a este juego.

    Great RPG. Wonderful plot. A style of play reminiscent of the DMC or Bayonetta . Getting all this with such a small team says a lot of passion and commitment that have given this game.
  11. WotsaWonder
    Aug 6, 2016
    8
    First got this game today opened minded to what i'll expect, This isn't quite the beutifull awesome graphics you'll find in a top title like the last of us or uncharted, but the gameplay is really fun the battles are great storyline is fun, It's great if you just want to get into the game without all the wishy washy of long beginnings, The user score speaks for itself! no complicationsFirst got this game today opened minded to what i'll expect, This isn't quite the beutifull awesome graphics you'll find in a top title like the last of us or uncharted, but the gameplay is really fun the battles are great storyline is fun, It's great if you just want to get into the game without all the wishy washy of long beginnings, The user score speaks for itself! no complications just a good fun all round game that's worth having in a collection, i'm enjoying this game very much! not millions spent on it but a damn fine game all the same!!… Expand
  12. DeadsFortune
    Feb 3, 2020
    6
    EDITED: Original review posted Mar 31, 2017

    Anima: Gate of Memories Pros, in between and cons: Pros: Good voice acting. Good music. You can customize combat. Lore is fascinating. On the fly character swapping. In between: Decent story, but it doesn't open up until the end. Has replay ability with NG+, but I didn't feel like going through it again because my first    EDITED: Original review posted Mar 31, 2017

    Anima: Gate of Memories Pros, in between and cons:

    Pros:

    Good voice acting.
    Good music.
    You can customize combat.
    Lore is fascinating.
    On the fly character swapping.

    In between:

    Decent story, but it doesn't open up until the end.
    Has replay ability with NG+, but I didn't feel like going through it again because my first playthrough left a sour taste in my mouth.

    Cons:

    The shop is located in one area.
    Unbalanced enemies.
    Enemies spam projectiles even in close range.
    Unbalanced bosses (there's a few exceptions.)
    Some fighting sections of boss battles are too long and feel like filler (e.i it might take about 10-15 minutes to defeat certain bosses even with the best items.)
    Platforming that will make you tier your f989ing hair out.
    Some levels don't feel play tested.

    Anima Gate of Memories is an ambitious game offering combat customization and cool stylish moves. But the unbalanced enemies and atrocious platforming really do hold it back from being greater. I hope to see more games like this from Anima Project but with all the problems this game suffered with ironed out.

    In my original review, I did come off playing Nier Automata so I did hold this game to an unfair standard after hearing there's similarities between the two games.

    I criticized the graphics then, which now aren't really bad for an indie game that puts more focus on combat. The game has a good variety of locations to visit: from a Resident Evil-esk mansion, to grassy plains, and snowy terrain to name a few. You'll always see something different as you progress through the game.

    However, I do stick by calling the platforming atrocious and certain enemies/bosses unbalanced.

    I still hope to see another Anima game from the studio that created this. A game that keeps the stylish approach to combat but also has more emphasis on enemy juggling would be awesome.    … Expand
  13. Kingdomhear
    Dec 5, 2020
    7
    Originale e divertente...non capisco tutte queste critiche ...tutto sommato é un buon gioco....consigliato!
  14. DataVeinGaming
    Nov 1, 2019
    7
    Anima has great voice acting, an interesting story, great art style and includes platforming elements well. However when I first picked it up I wondered if the controls were meant to feel purposefully akward / restrictive for the same reasons as the Souls series has, to make it hard intentionally. However after about 15+ hours into the game I couldn't decide if that was true or not.Anima has great voice acting, an interesting story, great art style and includes platforming elements well. However when I first picked it up I wondered if the controls were meant to feel purposefully akward / restrictive for the same reasons as the Souls series has, to make it hard intentionally. However after about 15+ hours into the game I couldn't decide if that was true or not. Combo's can be strung together DMC-esque style but it doesn't feel as satisfying as it does a struggle, with less of a reward at the end. The two character switch at the touch of a button feature is well implemented and is just another example of the great ideas that went into this title. Had the handling and movement been a little smoother and feel like less of a hassle, it could have been something we talk about as an example of just how ambitious 'indies' can be. Just falls short of the mark.… Expand
  15. NoIdeaName
    Oct 16, 2020
    9
    This game is a challenging (but rewarding) action RPG that features a lot combats and a lot platform jumping with some puzzles.
    The story is very good, with nice jokes, nice characters and good surprises.
    The environments are diverse varying from terror to adventurous (makes sense in the story context).
    The gameplay is also diverse with combat on different camera angles and different enemies.
  16. Luizera313
    Apr 24, 2022
    8
    JOGABILIDADE MANEIRA, JOGO MUITO BOM, UMA BOA DIVERSIDADE DE GOLPES...
    FALTOU SÓ LEGENDA EM PT BR !!!
  17. squarefenix00
    May 13, 2023
    7
    ¿¿¿3 personas hicieron esto??? Un gran aplauso. Juego que se nota que está hecho con mucho cariño. Visualmente nada mal, muy entretenido y con una historia interesante. Duración de unas 10 horas si no eres explorador. Una dificultad algo por encima de la media. Definitivamente merece una oportunidad.
  18. aaronnmp96
    Feb 1, 2023
    10
    an indie game with many endings, good graphics and a very good story, charismatic characters and very good gameplay, you couldn't ask for more

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
52

Mixed or average reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 13
  3. Negative: 7 out of 13
  1. GameCritics
    Jul 5, 2016
    30
    When a title shows off obvious influences one hopes that it will rise above them, but Anima: Gate of Memories isn’t fit to shine its influences’ shoes. Its fundamentals are shoddy, and its characters and narrative are a bore. Anima never executes anywhere near the level its considerable ambitions demand.
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  2. GameGrin
    Jun 30, 2016
    35
    Anima: Gate Of Memories is probably one of the worst experiences I’ve had on PS4 so far. Boring combat mixed with unlikable and frankly sexist characters, give me no real reason to recommend this game to anyone. Avoid.
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  3. PSNStores
    Jun 22, 2016
    60
    On the gameplay side, the camera can be tough to maneuver, and platforming sections can be frustrating. However, the game works as a third-person action RPG with the skill trees, items and secrets.
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