LumenTale: Memories of Trey

About LumenTale: Memories of Trey

LumenTale: Memories of Trey is a Monster Collector RPG developed by Team17, released in 2026 for PC and Nintendo Switch. Set in the fractured kingdom of Talea, the game follows Trey, a memory-less hero guided by an unnamed desire to heal his world. You’ll travel between war-torn regions, capturing Animon, energy-based creatures made of Anivis, to build a team. Battles combine elemental powers and Holoken, a combat system that blends strategy and soulbinding. With a single-player campaign and a focus on exploration, it’s a mix of classic monster collecting and narrative-driven adventuring. Think Pokémon with a darker, more introspective twist.

Gameplay

Gameplay revolves around exploring Talea’s diverse regions, battling enemies, and capturing Animon using Holoken, which requires timing and resource management. Each Animon has unique elemental affinities and abilities that interact in combat, encouraging team-building and strategy. Outside of fights, you’ll navigate environments filled with hidden caves and ancient ruins, often requiring Animon-specific skills to progress. Trey’s story unfolds through dialogue and environmental storytelling as he interacts with factions like the Lumen, peacekeepers using Animon to protect the realm. Sessions often involve balancing exploration, combat, and team management, with late-game challenges requiring mastery of elemental synergies and Holoken timing. The controls are intuitive, with a focus on quick menu-based actions during battles.

What Players Think

LumenTale holds a 84% completion rate among players, with an average playtime of 25 hours. Critics gave it an 88/100 score, praising the Animon system but critiquing the pacing. Community moods are split between “Nostalgic” (42%) and “Hopeful” (31%), reflecting the game’s themes. User reviews highlight “deep creature interactions” but note “a slow start to the story.” Achievements are plentiful, with 120+ milestones tied to capturing rare Animon and completing side quests. Early players report a 17-hour median time to 100% completion, though some find the combat repetition grating. The Switch port is praised for its optimized performance, while PC users note occasional frame-rate issues in open areas.

PlayPile's Take

LumenTale is a solid pick for Monster Collector fans who want a narrative-heavy RPG with deep creature management. Priced at $39.99, it offers good value for the 25+ hours of content, though the story’s deliberate pace may test patience. With 120+ achievements and a robust Animon system, it rewards dedication. Skip it if you prefer fast-paced action or dislike slow, methodical games. For those who enjoy building teams and uncovering lore through creature interactions, it’s worth the investment.

Storyline

Long ago, in the golden era of Talea, the Emperor kept the lands peaceful, and the people prospered. After passing away without naming a successor between his twin sons, a civil war raged between the North, Logos and the South, Mythos - fighting for who would take control of the throne. The townsfolk lived in fear from the atrocities being carried out in the conflict. In a bid to stop the destruction, a part of the empire’s military became Talea’s dedicated protectors. From the everlasting darkness of war, these people were the beacon of light that brought people hope. The Lumen were born, and as guardians in their provinces, they ensure the safety of the residents of Talea, both the people and the Animon. Since ancient times, people have long studied the Animon. Not much is known of their nature to this day. They’re made of Anivis, an energy that flows through the whole world, and they possess the ability to affect emotions and interact with the very soul of every living being. Catch the Animon and become inseparable partners as you harness their elemental powers and battle alongside each other with your Holoken.