First of all, let's start by putting some order in the different versions of the "saga". Bright Memory Infinite is not Bright Memory, which, on the other hand, is also known as Bright Memory: Episode 1. Some players refer to this first draft as a demo of Bright Memory Infinite, while others consider it to be two consecutive games. The truth is a bit of a mix of all that, and it's not for nothing that Bright Memory Infinite isn't called Bright Memory: Episode 2 after all. Both titles use the same main characters, more or less the same enemies. , and two very similar combat systems, but the levels and the scenario are totally different. This is good news for everyone, since those who already have Bright Memory will not suffer any repetition, while the others will be able to begin their journey with this "second part" (which is not really one, so ) without feeling like you're jumping on the bandwagon. For all intents and purposes, let's remind them that Bright Memory completes in thirty to forty-five minutes (yes, you read that right), and that they don't miss much anyway. Bright Memory Infinite's scenario is all the more self-sufficient as it fits on a postage stamp and the universe is never delved into by the developer. You play as Shelia Tan, a member of the SRO (which you only learn via a loading screen that it is a "Supernatural Science Research Organization"). A mysterious storm has broken out near your city, you go to the scene, and then find that a gigantic black hole has appeared and that soldiers belonging to a competing organization (of which we will never know anything) are already there. A partner, a superior and an antagonist more or less make their appearance in cutscenes, but all of this does not provide any concrete information. In short, the scenario is a vague pretext for the castagne, and nothing more.
SHADOW WARRIOR
This screenplay lightness could be a big flaw elsewhere, but it goes pretty well here. The game gives priority to action and clearly claims the lineage of fast FPS. The gameplay is particularly reminiscent of the recent Shadow Warrior, since our heroine wields guns as well as the katana. Called lumi-blade, the latter allows him to both parry attacks, slash enemies on contact and project sharp lights. Its exo-arm is used to swing electromagnetic pulses and attract enemies towards it. And the four weapons available focus on the fundamentals (pistol, machine gun, shotgun, sniper rifle) while offering several types of special ammunition. Add to that a small technique improvement system, and you get a nervous and very enjoyable gameplay. Dodge quickly (this is essential against bosses), throw enemies in the air, levitate by kicking them with katana blows, run along certain walls or propel yourself towards a few predefined anchor points with a grappling hook are all possible moves. The game perfectly masters its subject, and it is only when it moves away from this core gameplay that things get tough. Fortunately, this is confined to two specific sequences: a level dedicated to basic infiltration, and a short sequence in the car with questionable handling. On the other hand, do not count on us to reproach the game for its linearity, which is nevertheless very real. More open levels would certainly have harmed the pace, which here is frantic and devoid of any dead time. Not to mention that, we can never repeat it enough, a single developer is at the helm! Zeng Xiancheng was assisted by musicians and actors for the sound aspect, but everything concerning the design and the programming is solely his doing.
VISUALLY UNREAL
Therefore, one wonders how the bugger managed to release such advanced graphics. The answer is: using assets from the Unreal Market. But this does not detract from the final quality of the product. The next-gen effect is definitely there, supported by realistic photogrammetric textures, vegetation that never stops swaying under the gusts of wind, and raytracing reflections that are far from being anecdotal since the Most of the settings feature bodies of water. The soldiers' armor shines like a whistle, the drops of water stick to the screen, the sky is both charged and bright, and many special effects (deformations, slow motion, particles, etc.) reinforce all this . In short, we take full eyes. And if the techno-futuristic artistic direction can be quite generic at times, it still avoids really falling into this trap, thanks to the Chinese influence found in the sets (inspired by the provinces of Guizhou and Guangxi ) and the design of certain enemies (ancient soldiers, living statues, masked creatures…). The icing on the cake, the developer has had fun creating a sexy heroine, who can be equipped with light outfits in the options menu and who is sometimes revealed to us through "well-chosen" camera angles. At a time when political correctness has invaded most video game productions, this little uninhibited side is quite refreshing. As an indie game offering solid gameplay and graphics worthy of AAA, Bright Memory Infinite would it be a good surprise? Alas no, because it bears its name rather badly. By way of infinity, you have to be satisfied with a lifespan of about two hours! This is obviously too little, even at the official price of 20€...
