My Memory of Us

Though it can be a little slow and has challenging puzzles, this side-scrolling action game is so charming that it makes up for its small flaws. In My Memory of Us, a small boy and a girl have team up to solve problem and get around town, often while avoiding some Nazi-looking robots. Playing as both kids (who you can switch between on the fly), players have to move them both separately and together, with each character having their own skills. The boy can be sneaky and use a mirror to temporarily blind people, while the girl can run or use a slingshot. Along with figuring out how to get around and solving problems, the game also has you solving situational clever, challenging puzzles that require both cooperation and collaboration.

As adorable and clever as it may be, though, it can be a little slow going, thanks to its overly relaxed vibe. This is less of a problem and more just something you need to be in the right mood for. It also, for no real reason, shuns established controls. To climb, for instance, you press up on the thumbstick instead as hitting a button. It's nothing you won't get used to after a bit, but it's also nothing that wouldn't work the regular way, either. Especially since, in other instances, you do use a button to jump. Even with these issues, though, the clever mechanics, spare use of color, and beautifully fitting music make My Memory of Us an engaging action game that marries the spirit of old school games with the charm of a European art film.