Always in Mind is a new narrative platformer that delves into the intricacies of human memory. Developed by Inevitable Studios, founded by industry veteran Cord Smith, known for his work with companies like Square Enix and SEGA, this game marks the studio's debut release. A recent demo has shed light on its mechanics and emotional themes, offering players a glimpse into what the final release will entail.
The story revolves around Teddy, a 12-year-old boy who has fallen into a coma. Players navigate his subconscious alongside an AI implant named Proxy, unraveling the mysteries of his family. The demo, set in the fourth chapter titled "Namesake," begins mid-game, providing limited background information. However, it's revealed that Teddy's mother possesses advanced technology, enabling her to create Proxy and scan the brains of Teddy's family members, allowing exploration of their minds. In this chapter, players delve into Teddy's grandfather's mind.
Always In Mind's Puzzle-Platforming
Traversal in Always in Mind is reminiscent of games like The Unfinished Swan, where players reveal parts of their environment to progress. In the demo's opening, Proxy grants Teddy his "first upgrade," enabling him to control the AI in the form of a luminous ball. This clever mechanic allows players to illuminate hidden structures, uncovering paths to climb and bridging seemingly insurmountable gaps. It's a creative take on illuminating the past, tying into the game's themes of memory and discovery.
Players can aim and throw the kickball-esque light using the right trigger, and call it back with the left trigger. Both actions can be combined for a special slam to break through gates scattered throughout the world. Additionally, players can perform a forceful kick with the X button, useful for precise and powerful shots.
As the demo progresses, the puzzles become more challenging, making it harder to discern the next steps with each area explored. The introduction of timing-based platforming elements offers a glimpse of the challenges that future chapters might bring.
Uncovering Memories & Destroying Glitches
The primary means of progression in Always in Mind involves discovering pillars of memory scattered throughout the world, each located in stylized areas representing different aspects of Teddy's grandfather's memory. To advance, players must weaken gates by destroying glitches—static-like patches spread across the map that Teddy can smash with the light ball—before breaking through the gates.
The subconscious also harbors positive discoveries, such as Proxy Bits that players can collect to earn further upgrades, although the specifics of this system weren't fully clear from the demo.
Proxy serves as an insightful and helpful companion as Teddy uncovers memories. Despite Proxy's robotic, AI-style speech, the character—consisting only of two concentric circles—regularly offers poignant and poetic observations about the journey and Teddy's grandfather's life. If players get stuck, they can activate the Proxy Camera with the Y button, providing a filter on the landscape that highlights glitches and other points of interest.
Teddy can gain insight into his grandfather through various discoverables linked to each relative's personality. For instance, Teddy's grandfather loved painting, and players can find pieces of art throughout the world that offer additional information. Similarly, some areas feature glowing question marks that, when illuminated, reveal core memories that lingered longer than others after his grandfather developed dementia, such as portraits of his late wife accompanied by the text "don't let me forget to love her."
Increasingly Creative Environments
The demo of Always in Mind began with Teddy mid-slide down a steep hill, engaging in conversation with Proxy, reminiscent of the expositional minigame sequences in What Remains of Edith Finch. This led Teddy into a rocky forest with hidden structures to climb, the most conventional environment encountered. After passing through the first gate, Teddy traversed a line of dominoes—a nod to his grandfather's favorite game—leading into a chaotic library representing his disorganized thoughts.
The library, with flying books, a spiraling centerpiece, and a breakaway floor leading to a foggy underbelly, showcased the game's heavy use of symbolism and creativity. The final area featured even more toys—model airplanes, moving miniature cars, and twisting cogs—resulting in more intricate traversal. While these later rooms seemed to move away from the hidden object illumination mechanic of the initial portion, favoring unique but visible environments, it's likely not the last time it will appear in the game.
Final Thoughts On Always In Mind
While it incorporates elements of relaxing puzzle games, Always in Mind appears poised to deliver an emotionally impactful journey alongside its serene moments. Teddy and Proxy's conversations in the demo provided thought-provoking reflections on aging, memory, and family. With future chapters set to delve into the minds of others related to Teddy, there's much more to explore. Although the game lacks a set release window, fans of narrative-driven indie games should keep Always in Mind on their radar.
The demo for Always in Mind is currently available for PC via Steam at no cost.
