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Steam specs (min / recommended)

Minimum: Système d'exploitation *: Windows 7/8/8.1/10 Processeur : Pentium 4, 2GHz or later Mémoire vive : 1 GB de mémoire Graphiques : NVIDIA Geforce 6600 or better DirectX : Version 8.0 Espace disque : 200 MB d'espace disque disponible

Recommended: Système d'exploitation *: Windows 7/8/8.1/10 Processeur : Core 2 or later (Core 2 Duo E8500 as a guide: 3.0GHz) Mémoire vive : 2 GB de mémoire Graphiques : NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT, NVIDIA GeForce GTS 250 or better DirectX : Version 8.0 Espace disque : 200 MB d'espace disque disponible

RefRain - prism memories -

Hidden gem
⚔️ Compare View on Steam ↗
Released May 12, 2016
sample: 138 reviews posted after launch (75 AI-classified)
95/100
Player Score — positive reviews weighted by volume · Steam history: 98 % · 138 reviews (« Very Positive »)
14,79€ 7,39€ -50%🛒 Compare on Instant Gamingaffiliate link

A cyberpunk-inspired indie action game that keeps players glued for double-digit hours. Its tight gameplay mechanics and standout soundtrack make it a cult favorite, with nearly every review praising the experience.

What it's about: RefRain - prism memories - is an empowering, cyberpunk, bullet-hell shoot-’em-up that focuses on fast-paced, offensive gameplay. “Dive” into a hazardous digital world, cycle through 3 different attack modes, and delete the opposition with superior firepower.

In-game

Screenshot RefRain - prism memories -Screenshot RefRain - prism memories -Screenshot RefRain - prism memories -Screenshot RefRain - prism memories -Screenshot RefRain - prism memories -Screenshot RefRain - prism memories -
« Ultra-stylish shmup that looks like an early 2000s forum signature in the best way possible, and lets you chain super attacks to rip through bosses. »
👍 anonymous review · Jun 2026 · 5 h played111
« RefRain is easily one of the best shmups I've played, it is easy to pick up and learn and has an amazing soundtrack. As one of my favorites, I am glad I finally purchased the Steam version to complement my physical import. »
👍 anonymous review · Jun 2019 · 4 h played1
« A beautiful cyberpunk bullet-cancelling shmup game with an OST which rivals its insane amount of polish. Only the most foolish of bullet hell fanatics would miss out on this gem of a title. »
👍 anonymous review · Dec 2020 · 14 h played
« Pretty great and unique game. Wonderfully nostalgic. I love this period of Japanese indies. I just wish it had some better visual options and a stage select. »
👍 anonymous review · Jul 2024 · 4 h played
« Favorite danmaku shmup on Steam above Crismon Clover. »
👍 anonymous review · May 2020 · 9 h played11
« Really good. Very unique pattern design. »
👍 anonymous review · Dec 2021 · 20 h played
« Preddy cool counterattacking-type shmup. Can play as an attractive glasses OL. »
👍 anonymous review · Jul 2024 · 10 h played

In players' words

« Ultra-stylish shmup that looks like an early 2000s forum signature in the best way possible, and lets you chain super attacks to rip through bosses. »
👍 anonymous review · Jun 2026 · 5 h played111
« Favorite danmaku shmup on Steam above Crismon Clover. »
👍 anonymous review · May 2020 · 9 h played11
« RefRain is easily one of the best shmups I've played, it is easy to pick up and learn and has an amazing soundtrack. As one of my favorites, I am glad I finally purchased the Steam version to complement my physical import. »
👍 anonymous review · Jun 2019 · 4 h played1
« Really good. Very unique pattern design. »
👍 anonymous review · Dec 2021 · 20 h played
« A beautiful cyberpunk bullet-cancelling shmup game with an OST which rivals its insane amount of polish. Only the most foolish of bullet hell fanatics would miss out on this gem of a title. »
👍 anonymous review · Dec 2020 · 14 h played
« Preddy cool counterattacking-type shmup. Can play as an attractive glasses OL. »
👍 anonymous review · Jul 2024 · 10 h played
« Pretty great and unique game. Wonderfully nostalgic. I love this period of Japanese indies. I just wish it had some better visual options and a stage select. »
👍 anonymous review · Jul 2024 · 4 h played

Anonymized excerpts from public Steam reviews — picked among those most voted "helpful" by the community.

What players say, by aspect

Positive Mixed Negative
Gameplay
89 % pos · n=75
Audio / music
93 % pos · n=41
Graphics / art
94 % pos · n=32
Content / longevity
100 % pos · n=7
Story / writing
100 % pos · n=6
Interface / UX
67 % pos · n=6
Value for money
100 % pos · n=3
Performance
100 % pos · n=1
Stability / bugs
0 % pos · n=1
Detailed data (table)
AspectMentionsPositiveMixedNegative
Gameplay756753
Audio / music413812
Graphics / art323011
Content / longevity7700
Story / writing6600
Interface / UX6402
Value for money3300
Performance1100
Stability / bugs1001

Positive reviews by playtime

<2h
94 % (n=17)
2-10h
98 % (n=60)
10-25h
98 % (n=41)
>25h
100 % (n=20)

100% completion difficulty ("platinum")

0,5 % Hardcore

of players have unlocked the rarest achievement — the upper bound of those who "100%'d" it. 44 achievements in total; the median achievement is unlocked by 9,3 % of players.

What creators say (YouTube)

No indexed video for this game yet.

See RefRain - prism memories - videos on YouTube →

This game on Twitch

No stream or clip for this game right now.

See RefRain - prism memories - streams on Twitch →

Strengths

  • Gameplay mechanics steal the show: 67 positive mentions out of 75
  • The soundtrack immerses players deeply: 38 positive mentions out of 41
  • Visuals get consistent praise for their style: 30 positive mentions out of 32
  • Over 90% of players with 2+ hours logged recommend it: 121 positive post-release reviews out of 138

Weaknesses

  • A handful of players report bugs: 1 negative mention out of 1
  • The UI draws mixed reactions: 2 negative mentions out of 6
  • Performance barely registers as an issue, but one player called it out

Who is it for?

Fans of punishing but fair action games with memorable music and retro-futuristic aesthetics. Players who enjoy boss fights and strategic combat will find a kindred spirit here.

Is RefRain - prism memories - worth it in 2026?

Yes — player reception is very positive: 98% of 138 Steam reviews are positive (player score 95/100). Most-praised strength: Gameplay mechanics steal the show. Current price: 7,39€ (50% off).

Verdict

RefRain - prism memories - delivers a relentless, music-driven action experience that defies its indie roots. With 98% positive reviews and no aspect drawing widespread criticism, it’s an easy pick for genre enthusiasts seeking something fresh yet nostalgic.

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RefRain - prism memories -: 95/100 by players — Gamer Reviews

Most frequent keywords

mécaniques (8)musique (6)difficulté (5)boss (4)design (3)son (3)style (3)personnages (3)immersion (3)cyberpunk (3)indie (3)nostalgie (3)

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