Successful return to Aventurien

With Memoria bring the Adventure Grand Master of Daedalic their second game of the series "The Dark Eye" out. The direct Nachfolter of "Chains of Satinav" ironed out some of the weaknesses of its predecessor and impresses with a great history, wonderful backgrounds and interesting characters.

Story:
Could defeat Since Geron and Nuri in "Chains of Satinav" the seer, Fee Nuri is trapped in the body of a raven. Vogelfänger Geron now does everything possible to give her her old body back. Designed to help the tULAMIDE fahi, the Geron offers an exchange: The solution to his riddle against a transformation Nuri in their original self. What begins as an innocent verdict puzzles quickly become a bigger and bigger mystery. Because the roots of this mystery goes back centuries, until shortly before the decisive battle against the demon master Borbarad.
During this time the Princess tulamidische Sadja follow their urge to prove himself, and takes along with their companions in an underground magician grave a magical mask and a bar which has not only unknown forces, but also a soul. With both in tow Sadja makes his way into the Raschtulswall, to join the battle against Borbarad.
It is only logical that both comes together despite the huge time difference. The story unfolds quickly a greater complexity than Satinav chains they had to show at any point: Many twists keep the story interesting and even provide temporary confusion. Not all strands and relationships between the two time frames are to see through immediately, for the resolution of some aspects we have to even wait us until the end.
Keyword end: What is Daedalic succeeded here, borders on a small masterpiece. Was the story in Satinav chains still almost inconsequential, staged the end disappointing and poor and bad, here waiting for a grand finale on that provides more eye-opening moments for the same, very emotional and this is equally satisfying as it makes room for a sequel - great!

Characters and background:
At Geron and its Feenfreundin Nuri join in this adventure two other main characters: Princess Sadja and her speaking staff. The new duo is just as entertaining as the old one, because Sadja and her friend got wood donated sorts partly funny, partly profound dialogues that contribute to the very atmosphere. To Geron and Nuri, it is become a little quieter: Often Geron is traveling alone and even when Nuri's with him, it contributes less than in the predecessor - which certainly stands out positively because of the shift from the annoying naive fairy to a melancholy nature , forgetting that threatens who it itself is, do consistently convincing and ensures bittersweet game moments.
Since it is all the sadder that almost all supporting characters remain flat and colorless. This applies just as Geron and Sadjas opponent that indeed have personality but it lacks depth. Nevertheless, some of them remain because of their beautifully written dialogue and good speakers in my memory.
Since the game in the universe of "The Dark Eye" is scheduled, I would also like to say a few words as this long-time pen & paper role-players: In Satinav chains the game looked quite poorly integrated into the fantasy world Aventurien. The story was replaced, with only little points of the known world; in their shape they would have fit into any fantasy universe. Memoria does it better: Not only exciting parts of Aventurian background (magicians graves Borbarad, ...) are introduced into the game, also known locations may be visited (Drakonia, desert Gor, Raschtulswall, ...) and even in little things there repeatedly references to DSA-Lore: we are looking for in riddles magical power storage, examine magical currents with a breath Arcanum, find all sorts of artifacts, learn a few words of tulamidischen language and recognize magic as the "Hard melt" or the "look into the thoughts" again. So befits a DSA-game!

Mystery:
The puzzles are all well integrated into the game. They slow down the game on hard, are motivating, not too light but also almost always logical. While the balance is not well done (some of my opinion most difficult puzzles come at the beginning, during the middle part and the end will be too easy), but hardly a mystery keeps one for longer than half an hour. Another positive to be highlighted are the short walking distances, which can be shortened by rapid jumps between each screen even further.
For really the toughest challenge there is the "Quest Log", which also offers information about solutions on request. However, these vary between useless and the complete uncovering of the solution, should therefore be treated with caution. A few puzzles, such as the crossing of a labyrinth in Raschtulswall, are also skippable if desired.
Beautifully integrated the numerous spells, learn both main characters throughout the game. They offer interesting mechanics, for example, we need to influence people through thoughts or images transform small animals and plants in stone. All abilities are useful and are often used in the game.
Dialogue puzzles come before the other hand, barely: Dialogues drive to 99% the story progresses. Although we often get choices, but so often determine only the order of the topics. The alternatives have almost never a consequence to the story that so very little is linear and replayability offers.

Technology:
The backgrounds are, as usual of Daedalic, beautifully gezeichnen and show Aventurien extremely consistent. The characters are drawn pretty, but sometimes the animations seem a bit strange.
The background music is convincing, but is unfortunately rarely used. In addition, individual pieces are little catchy - but positively stands out the very powerful intro and credits Theme, the goose bumps caused.
The German actors do a good to excellent job and bring emotions usually very fit across. Unfortunately, the dialogue sometimes seem a bit wooden, because votes do not overlap. Many a laugh of the characters or a heated discussion thus appear contrived and not fully effective.

Conclusion:
Despite some playful and less technical shortcomings I forgive for Memoria full five stars. This is due largely to the fantastic story that motivated to the end and stays in your head, as well as to the great dynamic between Sadja and her staff. Such a complex story comes Satinav chains but unexpectedly and leaves you wanting more. The End is one of the best in the adventure genre and can easily keep up with the pearls like "The Whispered World".
Unfortunately Memoria is too short for its price. Adventure veterans can make the game the first time you run into a good 7-9 hours to finish off. With less experience and without the use of hints, it may take a little longer. Nevertheless, it fills this time very entertaining, making for adventure as DSA fans a must.