Piofiore : Fated Memories Review (Nintendo Switch) (Spoiler free)

Piofiore Fated Memories Review

Release date: 2020

Staff : IDEA FACTORY/DESIGN FACTORY, Aksys Games

Available on : Nintendo Switch

Themes : Romance, adventure

Rating : 18+, Trigger warning : Yes.

(Please, keep in mind that this game has trigger warning due to several sensitive topics such as violence, death, rape and more)

Official website : https://aksysgames.com/products/switch-piofiore/

Trailer : https://youtu.be/OS_JE3lBYmg

Synopsis 

'Liliana Adornato was born and raised in the church in the center of the Italian town of Burlone. Three criminal organizations control parts of the city, and Lili discovers that she is literally in the center of their turf wars. Her encounters with the leaders of the Falzone, Visconti, and Lao-Shu Families lead to danger and distraction. Once Lili is drawn into the shadowy world of crime, she realizes there is no going back'

( Source : Aksys official website)

Visual

The settings and the decorations are very beautiful to see. The different districts of the city were well represented with a different atmosphere. We could also have a representation of different cultures. The colors and effects really give us that old world vibe compared to other games where the setting is more modern.

The character designs are unique. I think the MC was one of the most beautifully represented. The secondary characters were just as charismatic and could easily have passed for main characters. I found that the faces were also realistically presented: the facial expressions, the mood swings were easily noticeable. The art scenes are magnificent, I would have liked to see more.

Scenario 

The scenario is full of secrets and questions. The gameplay is divided between action scenes, sadder moments and calm discussions between the characters.

I think this game had a particular originality in its construction. Indeed, you will be able to witness a 'meanwhile' scene several times, which allows you to see the perception of several characters at the same time.
I really liked the immersion in Italian culture through culinary or linguistic references. Indeed, the characters use a mixture of Japanese and Italian.

Characters and routes 

Here is my recommended route order :

Nicola> Yang> Orlok> Dante> Gill> ??

First, there is no proper common route. Every individual story starts at chapter 1.

Each guy has his own personality, which can be very surprising depending on appearances.
The routes are very distinct from each other, they have for the most part very different goals from each other.

Moreover, from one route to another, we discover characters from new angles: I was very surprised to see how much the status of the characters could change. It was a roller coaster of emotion: your ally today can become your worst enemy tomorrow...

I think this game had the most different endings from all the games I've done so far.

But, in my opinion, quantity trumped quality. I was disappointed with some bad endings that I don't think were necessary. Some were extremely fast, with no real surprise or interest for the player.

• The Main Character : Liliana Adornato

ISFJ

Loyal

Too kind

Sensitive

Soft hearted

Unaware of danger

• Dante Falzone

ISTJ

Voiced by Ishikawa Kaito

Capo regime

Falzone Family

Family oriented

Honorable

• Nicola Francesca

INFJ

Voiced by Kimura Ryouhei

Falzone Family

Friendly

Selfless

Mysterious

• Gilbert Redford

ESFP

Voiced by Morikubo Shoutarou

Boss of the Visconti Family 

American

Reliable

Friendly to anyone

• Yang

ESTP

Voiced by Okamoto Nobuhiko

Leader of the Lao-Shu

Chinese

Hated boredom

Cold- hearted

• Orlok

INFP

Voiced by Toyonaga Toshiyuki

Loner

Skillful

Protective

Taciturn

Sapphire's conclusion :

Being an Italian language lover, I was excited to try the game. I think it's the longest Otome game I own.

The characters are unique, both adorable and detestable.
Even having preferences, I appreciated each of the routes and the fact that they were completely different. However, I deplore the fact that, in my opinion, there were endings that were not necessary.

The game has a certain originality in form and content that I didn't expect.

This game is nevertheless a game heavy with context, sensitive subjects and has its share of rather explicit violence which can be overwhelming if you are sensitive to it. I think this is the most violent game I've done and let me tell you that I've played almost every game with age restrictions.
This game also talks about religion which is surprising coming from an Otome game.

I personally could not really relate to the MC. I think she sometimes showed too much kindness and positivity towards certain situations and people. She remained relatively passive taking into account the context. I expected her character and her story to be more developed and deep like the LIs.

I have to say that I was still a little bit disappointed as my expectations were higher and I myself always look up for reviews, saw mostly excellent ones. As a sequel is out already, at this point, I am not sure that I want to get it yet. 


Would I recommend it? Yes, on certain conditions.

If you're looking for a long, dark, mature game with romance and action to match, I recommend it. Especially if you like works that revolve around the mafia, you will appreciate it. But remember that the characters are still criminals taking part in questionable activities.

If you don't mind having the action and everything being more important than the romance, it will be fine.
Keep in mind that some characters are clearly toxic and some routes are very trigger intensive. I also think you will enjoy the game more if you don't compare it to another game with triggers warning  such as Collar x Malice for example.

I think this game will be a hit or miss depending on your tastes.

Thank you for reading this review :)

Written by Sapphire.

Credits to Otomate, IDEA Factory, Aksys Games.