Desta: The Memories Between hands-on – the tactics game for those who don't like tactics games

gamesradar.com:

I wasn't sure if I'd enjoy Desta: The Memories Between. On paper, the turn-based tactics game with roguelike elements shouldn't be my jam, but I trusted that if anyone could, developer Ustwo games could change my mind about the genre. The studio has a reputation for crafting heartfelt stories with beautiful art direction and engaging gameplay, not least 2013's runaway indie puzzle game hit Monument Valley, so I knew there would be more to this game than just taking turns to move around a battle grid map. 

Much to my delight, the visions I had of a dark, fast-paced, and overwhelming tactics game were quickly forgotten once I had Desta: The Memories Between in my hands. Instead of a dreary dungeon with confusing menus, I was greeted with a familiar scene – an English town. The bus stops, road signs, phone box, and hedges were all very reminiscent of where I grew up, and the serene music along with a cool color palette very quickly reminded me why I wanted to play this game in the first place. 

In practice, you play as the eponymous Desta, a 20-something-year-old who has returned home after some time away. Upon their return, Desta feels anxious about reconnecting with those they left behind, and so uses their dreams to practice how they're going to reapproach them. To do this, they use a strategy given to them by their late father which sees two people pass a ball between themselves to get a conversation flowing. In a game sense, players must strategically move around a diorama-like world which is designed to reflect Desta's hometown. The aim is to wear down your opponents so they open up to you and eventually join your team – after a few smacks to the face with a dodgeball, that is. 

Desta: The Memories Between starts out