The neon-drenched streets of cyberpunk are a familiar backdrop, but Magic Hazard’s “Memory Lost” injects a fresh jolt into the genre with its unique body-swapping mechanic. We sat down with CEO Sergei Kuznetsov to delve into the game’s origins, the challenges faced during development, and the passion that fueled its creation.
But first, let’s talk a bit about the game!
Memory Lost: A Cyberpunk Symphony of Possession and Mayhem
“Memory Lost” doesn’t just dip its toes into the cyberpunk genre; it dives headfirst into the neon-drenched abyss, emerging with a truly unique and exhilarating experience. This top-down shooter isn’t just about blasting enemies; it’s about becoming them, weaving a thrilling tapestry of strategic possession and relentless action that will leave you breathless.
The beauty of possession
From the moment you’re thrust into the gritty, dystopian streets of Detraxis, you’re hooked. The atmosphere is thick with cyberpunk intrigue, and the core mechanic of collecting “memory shards” to upgrade your abilities provides a satisfying sense of progression. While the statistical upgrades are straightforward, they serve as a solid foundation for the game’s true star: its combat.
The combat in “Memory Lost” is nothing short of electrifying. Teleporting to dodge attacks, unleashing devastating weapon combos, and, most importantly, seizing control of your enemies’ minds and bodies – it’s a gameplay loop that never gets old. The sheer fluidity and strategic depth of the possession mechanic are phenomenal. Each transfer feels like a tactical reset, a burst of adrenaline as you adapt to a new arsenal and skillset. The ability to chain possessions with your ultimate power creates moments of pure, unadulterated chaos, turning you into a whirlwind of destruction.
While the map structures may be compact, they’re meticulously designed, offering a visually stunning and diverse array of battlegrounds. The level of detail in the environments is impressive, immersing you in the dark, gritty world of Detraxis. And while the narrative might not be the game’s strongest suit, the sheer intensity of the gameplay more than compensates.
But let’s talk about the soundtrack. Oh, the soundtrack! It’s a masterpiece of cyberpunk sound design, a relentless barrage of electrifying tracks that perfectly complement the on-screen action. The music elevates every encounter, driving the adrenaline and creating an unforgettable auditory experience.
“Memory Lost” isn’t just another cyberpunk shooter; it’s a bold and innovative experience that dares to be different. It’s a game that understands the genre’s essence while injecting a fresh and exciting twist. It’s a game that delivers heart-pounding action, strategic depth, and a soundtrack that will stay with you long after the credits roll. If you’re a fan of cyberpunk, top-down shooters, or simply crave a truly unique gaming experience, “Memory Lost” is an absolute must-play. Prepare to lose yourself in the neon-soaked chaos and become the ultimate master of possession.
And now… the interview!
“Memory Lost” presents a unique blend of cyberpunk aesthetics and body-swapping mechanics. What inspired this particular combination?
“We were deeply inspired by 90s cyberpunk films like ‘Johnny Mnemonic’ and ‘Strange Days,'” Sergei began, his voice filled with nostalgia. “The body-swapping mechanic, however, was born from a very personal place. It was a childhood gamer’s dream: picking up an enemy’s weapon and wondering, ‘What if I could actually become him?’ We started developing the game with almost no experience, fueled purely by enthusiasm. Not everything turned out exactly as planned, but ultimately, we’ve created something genuinely unique and, we believe, captivating.”
The journey to bringing “Memory Lost” to life was far from smooth. Sergei elaborated on the arduous development process. “We developed the game from scratch, largely financed by our founder, who invested most of his earnings into development and supporting the team. This kept us moving forward, especially during COVID, when every month we managed to secure funding felt like a genuine celebration. Lack of experience was also a factor; we often proceeded through trial and error—testing ideas, conducting playtests, discarding some ideas, completely redoing others. Additionally, our team is international, and geopolitics added extra challenges to our workflow.”
The distinctive body-swapping mechanic allows players to possess a vast array of enemies. How did the team approach designing these “special” enemy types?
“From the start, we wanted players to be able to possess almost any enemy (excluding bosses),” Sergei explained. “Variety is achieved through about a hundred hidden behavioral parameters, different weapon types, and special abilities. Not every enemy can use weapons from others—and this must be considered when possessing them. All this makes every new target a potentially unique experience.”
The game also features a statistical upgrade system. “The upgrade system in our game is relatively simple—it helps slightly ease gameplay and adds variability,” Sergei clarified. “Initially, we didn’t even plan to have upgrades, but playtesting showed that they improved pacing and gave players choices regarding their playstyle. Currently, the system is quite basic, but in the future, we might make it more engaging—for example, allowing players to choose one of two or three upgrades after collecting enough points..”
The electrifying soundtrack of “Memory Lost” adds another layer of immersion. Sergei credited sound designer Sasha for her dedication. “Our sound designer Sasha composed the soundtrack. She worked on it for about a year and a half, crafting tracks specifically tailored to the game’s atmosphere. The entire team listened, discussed, gave feedback—and Sasha continually refined the music until it felt ‘just right.’ In total, the game contains more than a thousand sound assets—from ambient noises to impactful effects—to ensure everything sounds alive, immersive, and purposeful.”
Player feedback has been crucial in shaping the game’s future. “Based on player feedback and playtests, people genuinely enjoy the game. It’s a niche title, primarily aimed at fans of top-down shooters,” Sergei said. “We’re currently actively adapting the build for the Steam Deck and preparing console releases. Additional content is likely to be released for free as updates to the main game.”
For aspiring developers in North Macedonia, Sergei offered some invaluable advice. “The main piece of advice: don’t listen to anyone, just make games. It’s not easy—sometimes it’s incredibly challenging. But experience shows that small teams passionate about their craft often create fantastic projects. The key is to keep the spark alive and primarily rely on yourself.”
In closing, Sergei reflected on the team’s journey. “From the beginning of development to release, five years passed. About 30 people contributed to the project overall. This is a game created by a passionate team who poured their hearts into it. It was tough. Then it got even tougher. But we persevered, and now the game exists. We are already working on a new project in parallel while continuing to support this one.”
“Memory Lost” stands as a testament to the power of passion and perseverance, a game born from a dream and forged through relentless dedication. Magic Hazard’s story is an inspiration to developers everywhere, proving that even the most ambitious visions can become reality with enough heart and hard work.
