My Memory of Us is from October 2018 and was by Polish indie developers Juggler Games. This just had its official, if belated, launch on Nintendo Switch. It’s also available on Steam, PS4, and Xbox One.

It’s a curious but memorable little 2D platformer and an allegory of World War II. Sir Patrick Stewarts narrates the fairy tale of two friends trapped in a world occupied by Nazi robot maniacs. Indeed.

Robotic Melancholia in My Memory of Us

Video games can tackle the subject of war intelligently, so long as you ignore the likes of Call of Duty. Ubisoft Montreal did this in 2014 with the quietly excellent Valiant Hearts.

My Memory of Us is it’s a fairy tale on WWII (Ubisoft’s title is about WWI). Otherwise, and interestingly (for us anyway), both titles have a 2D platformer style.

What plays out here is a story of bravery and friendship. It’s a very narrative driven affair, so don’t come in expecting loads and loads of intense platforming action. It’s not that type of game (try out something like Teslagrad: Remastered if you want something similar, but tougher).

Instead, what you get is a sad yet heart-warming story as narrated by Sir Patrick Stewart. Intrigued? Well, here’s the first 30 minutes in action.

Right, so it’s kind of based in a 1930s version of Europe. Robot Nazis then turn up to ruin everything, with the two friends left to see their former lives fall apart.

Whilst that narrative side is delivered very well and with compassion and clarity, we must note the control system is on the flawed side of things. Not to the extent it lets everything down, but it’s a bit wonky.

Plus, the puzzle element to the game aren’t exactly outstanding. They seem more an afterthought onto what is, really, more of a visual gaming novel than anything else.

So, it’s just as well the story delivers on its promise. When you’ve got Sir Patrick Stewart on board, you know you’re onto a winner.

There’s a fine score to go with My Memory of Us, which was provided by composer Patryk Scelina. Seriously, it’s very good! Have a listen.

The best piece of the lot is arguably Stealing a Cake. Well worth a listen if you have seven minutes spare, sonny Jim.

Good stuff, then! This is very much a 7/10 type of game. Full marks for effort, though, as it delivers a significant gut punch with its beautifully realised narrative.

It just also seems to forget, from time to time, it’s also a video game.