Anima: Gate of Memories is a third-person action RPG set in the fantasy world of Gaia. Players follow the story of an ancient monster named Ergo and a girl known as The Bearer of Calamities, who are bound together by a pact and drawn into a larger conflict. The experience centers on exploration, character progression, and combat that blends real-time action with role-playing elements.
Gameplay
The core loop involves traversing interconnected areas in the Tower of Arcane and surrounding regions of Gaia. Players switch between the two protagonists at any time, using each character's distinct abilities to solve environmental challenges and engage enemies. Progress comes through leveling up and allocating points into a skill system that expands attack options, spells, and passive traits in a traditional RPG manner. Exploration rewards careful backtracking, as new abilities often open previously blocked paths and hidden areas containing additional story details or upgrades.
Combat flows from direct control of either character, with seamless transitions that chain moves into longer sequences. Each protagonist brings different strengths to fights against regular foes and larger legendary entities that feature unique attack patterns and vulnerabilities. The system encourages experimentation with skill builds to handle varied enemy types effectively.
Game Modes
The game operates entirely as a single-player experience focused on the main narrative campaign. There are no separate multiplayer or competitive modes. Progression unfolds through a linear story structure punctuated by open exploration segments and boss encounters. Players advance by completing objectives tied to the central plot while uncovering optional content through repeated visits to earlier locations.
Story and World
The narrative follows the reluctant partnership between Ergo and The Bearer of Calamities as they uncover a hidden war. Choices made during key moments alter dialogue, relationships, and certain outcomes, leading to different paths through the later sections of the adventure. The setting draws from the Anima: Beyond Fantasy tabletop setting, presenting a dark fantasy atmosphere with layered backstories for major opponents. Areas feature distinct visual themes that encourage thorough investigation for lore fragments and mechanical rewards.
Combat Mechanics
Action elements emphasize timing and positioning during fast exchanges, while RPG layers allow customization of special skills and stat growth. Spells and physical attacks can be upgraded across multiple tiers, creating varied playstyles that suit aggressive or more measured approaches. Legendary opponents require adapting tactics based on their individual mechanics rather than relying on a single strategy throughout.
Is It Worth Playing?
Player feedback highlights the dual-character switching as a standout feature that keeps combat engaging as skills develop. The story and boss designs receive consistent praise for depth, while exploration and puzzle elements add variety to the overall pace. Reviews note a challenging difficulty curve that rewards investment in the skill system. With mixed overall reception centered on its 2016 release, the title suits those who enjoy narrative-driven action RPGs that combine real-time battles with meaningful character choices and revisitable environments. Availability on PC remains straightforward for anyone interested in this style of experience.
