Read Only Memories: Neurodiver

Read Only Memories: Neurodiver
Developer(s)MidBoss
Publisher(s)Chorus Worldwide
Platform(s)
Release
  • WW: May 16, 2024
Genre(s)Adventure, visual novel
Mode(s)Single-player

Read Only Memories: Neurodiver is a 2024 visual novel developed by MidBoss and published by Chorus Worldwide. It is the sequel to 2064: Read Only Memories. Players control a person with extrasensory perception in a cyberpunk story with adventure game elements.

Gameplay

Players control a psychic detective named Luna who can use a creature called a neurodiver to experience someone's memories. Players investigate a fellow psychic who has been causing damage to people's memories.[1] Players mostly read text, as in visual novels, though there are some adventure game elements where players must solve puzzles. It uses retro-style pixel art.[2]

Development

Developer MidBoss is based in Berkeley, California.[3] Chorus Worldwide released Read Only Memories: Neurodiver for Linux, macOS, Windows, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series X/S, and Switch on May 16, 2024.[1]

Reception

On Metacritic, Read Only Memories: Neurodiver received positive reviews for Windows and Switch, but the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S versions received mixed reviews.[4] Rock Paper Shotgun called it stylish and occasionally endearing, but the reviewer became exhausted with all the pop culture references and metahumor.[2] Slant Magazine felt that it failed to live up to the promise of its Scanners-style premise.[5] RPGFan said they enjoyed Neurodiver but felt conflicted because the story was so short that it left them feeling unsatisfied.[6] Shacknews praised the world and characters but criticized the writing for being simple.[7] Digitally Downloaded called it "a phenomenal psychic mystery game" and said it can be enjoyed on a breezy or a deeper philosophical level.[8]

References

  1. ^ a b "Read Only Memories: Neurodiver ". Gamepressure. 2024-03-14. Retrieved 2024-09-09.
  2. ^ a b Caldwell, Brendan (2024-05-15). "Read Only Memories: Neurodiver review - a bright cyberpunk noir overdosing on easter eggs". Rock Paper Shotgun. Retrieved 2024-09-09.
  3. ^ "Home". MidBoss. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
  4. ^ "Read Only Memories: NEURODIVER". Metacritic. Retrieved 2024-09-09.
  5. ^ Clark, Justin (2024-05-15). "Read Only Memories: Neurodiver Review: Operation Mindcrime". Slant Magazine.
  6. ^ Chandran, Neal (2024-05-15). "Read Only Memories: NEURODIVER". RPGFan.
  7. ^ White, Lucas (2024-05-15). "Read Only Memories: Neurodiver review: Existential Bubblegum Crises". Shacknews. Retrieved 2024-09-09.
  8. ^ Mayhew, Lindsay (2024-05-16). "Review: Read Only Memories: Neurodiver (Nintendo Switch)". Digitally Downloaded. Retrieved 2024-09-09.