In this VA-11 Hall-A inspired dystopian visual novel, your goal is to “destroy the world” 

Inspired by VA-11 Hall-A and Blade Runner, Memory Detective: Akira merges deck-building mechanics, VN, JRPG, and roguelike elements with a narrative set in a dystopian future. Developed by indie creator @Games2see, this title promises polished pixel art and satisfying dystopian vibes. Memory Detective: Akira is currently in development and planned for release for the PC (itch.io/Steam). (Source: Game*Spark) 

Set in the year 2142, players find themselves in New Detroit, a haven for rogues and criminals. The game centers around the protagonist, a Psychosecurity Agent named Akira, who utilizes psychic abilities to confront crime. The primary objective for players is to use their memory-tracing skills to achieve a mysterious goal: the world’s destruction. 

The game’s aesthetics embrace a pixel-art style reminiscent of adventure games and capture a cyberpunk ambiance.  

The gameplay of Memory Detective: Akira includes conversational branches, card-based combat, and the central feature, memory tracing. Players must use energy to play cards each turn, strategically focusing on card costs, energy capacity, and synergy between card effects. Random events and hidden sub quests add depth to the game, enhancing the replay value.  

Screenshots available online also suggest that the game features a map similar to that in Slay the Spire, indicating a familiar yet fresh battle card experience. 

The Early Access release, planned for 2024, will include the prologue and Chapter 1, featuring an array of scenes, bosses, quests, enemy recruitment mechanics, and side characters with rich backstories. The game will also introduce romantic elements and narrative development around the antagonists. 

For those interested, the developer’s official X (formerly Twitter) account provides regular updates on the game’s progress. 

Memory Detective: Akira is currently under development and planned for release for the PC (Steam/itch.io).