Dreams Turn Deadly in 'Memoirium', a Retro Soulslike Rooted in Reflection

Dreams Turn Deadly in 'Memoirium', a Retro Soulslike Rooted in Reflection originally appeared on GameDaily .

What if your dreams were more than just figments of imagination—what if they held you hostage? Enter Memoirium , a surreal, retro-style soulslike from solo developer Paolo Villanueva, aka GoldenGratus . Showcased at the recent Philippine GameDev Expo 2025 , Memoirium plunges players into a shifting realm of dreams where survival means outlasting other Dreamers—and confronting the echoes of your own mind.

Set in a subconscious world that defies genre and logic, Memoirium challenges players to navigate ever-changing landscapes. One moment you're in a mundane school hallway, the next you're scaling a waxbound castle under a sky of stars and sand. Each setting is a reflection of fractured memory and dream logic, designed to evoke both awe and unease.

As a Dreamer, your goal is to escape this dreamscape by defeating others like you. But victory requires more than combat skill. The game's world is richly layered with meaning and mystery, from the gear you equip to the items you find. Masks and armor don't just change stats—they influence how enemies behave, how long debuffs last, and even how the world reacts to your presence.

Consumables in Memoirium defy traditional mechanics. They don't disappear after use but instead replenish at key points in your journey. Finding duplicates enhances their power—up to a limit—rewarding exploration and experimentation.

Players will also encounter a customizable "room" within the dream world—its purpose unknown, its symbolism personal.

For Villanueva, Memoirium is more than a game. "It's quite a meta game," he explained. "While there's a world with its own lore, it's also based on my own experiences. I hope this game encourages people to reflect on their own life and maybe even write their own stories."

Drawing from childhood influences like Crash Bandicoot , Sonic , and Mega Man Legends , Villanueva brings a mix of retro flair and emotional depth to a genre typically dominated by grim realism. The result is a game that looks inward while pushing players to fight their way out.

Memoirium is currently in development.

This story was originally reported by GameDaily on Aug 3, 2025, where it first appeared.