Shadow of Memories Preview

Recent media attention on Konami has focused on Hideo Kojima's sequel to the critically acclaimed Metal Gear Solid, without giving the time of day to Konami's "other" planned PS2 projects. This doesn't mean they aren't out there, of course. You need only look at another epic Konami PS2 project, Shadow of Memories, to see that there are plenty of big-budget cinematic titles to go around. Even a cursory glance shows that while SoM may stand in the shadow of Konami's other major franchise, it too will be pushing the frontier of PlayStation 2 software development. With a mature storyline, cinematic cameras, deep characterization, and realistic scope, it's as easy to compare Shadow of Memories to a coming attraction at the local cinema as it is to preview it as a new video game.

In a conceit fit for the big screen, Shadow of Memories plays host to one of the most eccentric plots for a video game. It all begins (and ends) when your character, Eike Kusch, is brutally slain by an unknown assailant. In a supernatural, science fictional twist, however, not only do you not really die, but you're thrown back in a time loop - apparently given one more chance to prevent your untimely demise. Though changing history to forestall your murder is the ultimate goal, SoM, like any good book or movie, is multilayered. As you travel through different time periods, you'll come face-to-face with the deeds of your ancestors, deeds that you'll learn conspired toward your death. Eventually, you will meet the one person responsible for your second chance at life and find out the truth as to why you were chosen for another opportunity at life.

Continuing with the idea of a cinematic experience, Shadow of Memories features dramatic camera angles for much of the game, providing it with a realistic, developed tone. Thanks to the PlayStation 2's lighting capabilities, some of the most amazing graphics give otherwise nondescript scenes a subtle dramatic intensity. A lengthy movie on display at E3 showed that character interaction, coupled with careful direction, lends the title a professional, believable look. Models look good too, with decent polygon counts of about 7,000 devoted to each character. High in detail, but comparably plain in textures, models, buildings, and other backgrounds are best described as simple but elegant.

Shadow of Memories' time traveling has interesting effects on gameplay. As you travel back to the 1980s, 1900s, and 1500s, you'll find each stop serves as an impromptu family reunion, where your interaction can shape your family's future action down the timeline. In fact, all your interactions cause serious repercussions through time. Gameplay keys in on this idea, making Shadow of Memories one part puzzle game, one part mystery, and one part dark adventure. You must always be aware of what you say, what you show, and most importantly, what you do, or otherwise you risk unforeseen consequences in the future. To add to the difficulty of maintaining your timeline's integrity, you will be carrying items with you from one time period to the next with the freedom to use the items as you see fit. Depending on your actions, this can have either a positive or negative effect. The temptation to rely on modern technology as a crutch is easy to do, and abstaining from this becomes a central gameplay theme.

When the cinematic video game was first attempted more than five years ago, neither the industry nor affordable technology was ready to make the experience a believable or satisfying one. A few years have changed a lot. The video game industry is approaching the level of movie studios, and the PlayStation 2 is proof that technology is more than ready to tackle the challenge of an interactive movie. In that sense, Shadow of Memories may represent a glimpse into the near future of video games.

Shadow of Memories will arrive for PlayStation 2 consoles sometime in the first half of 2001.