Why Memory is Your Greatest Weapon in Retrace the Light

Guo Lei, Producer, Xiaming Game Studio

Summary

Pre-orders are live today with a 20% discount.
Uncover the truth behind a world ruled by a supreme AI through surreal “Mirrormazes”.
Unique mechanics turn movement into a tactical weapon.

Hello, XBOX players! I’m Guo Lei, producer at Xiaming Game Studio.

What if every single step you take could become your next escape route, your next counterattack, or even the key to solving a mind-bending puzzle? That very question became the foundation of Retrace the Light, and starting today, I am thrilled to announce that you can finally experience it on XBOX Series X|S.

A World Shaped by Memory and Obsession

Retrace the Light is a combat-led 2.5D top-down action-adventure RPG set in a futuristic world guided by Primus, a supreme AI. You take on the role of Enforcer Decem, whose duty is to dive into mysterious mental realms known as Mirrormazes.

These are not your ordinary sci-fi dungeons. Each Mirrormaze is born from a person’s consciousness, fractured memories, and deepest obsessions—creating unique environments shaped entirely by human emotions, regrets, and unresolved desires.

From the very beginning of development, I wanted these worlds to feel intensely personal rather than abstract. Every maze reflects the inner struggles of its creator. As Decem journeys through these broken minds, you aren’t just exploring a physical space; you are navigating a fragmented state of mind, slowly uncovering the hidden truths behind the individuals trapped within them and the larger world governed by Primus.

At the heart of this experience is the core mechanic: Retrace. By leaving a glowing trail of light through the environment, you can instantly warp back to any point along that path, transforming simple movement into a tactical superpower.

Hardcore Combat, Approachable Design

While Retrace the Light draws heavy inspiration from the tension of Soulslike combat, I wanted to create an experience that remains approachable and rewarding—even if you are completely new to the genre. I don’t want players to hit a brick wall; I want you to feel the joy of mastery.

Forgiving Checkpoints: If you fall in battle, convenient checkpoints let you jump right back into the action instantly, keeping the focus on learning rather than frustration.
Dynamic Boss Encounters: Boss fights emphasize observation and adaptation. Every major enemy features unique behaviors, multiple phases, and distinct combat patterns that will test your reflexes and creativity.
Modular Progression: You can fully customize your combat style. By combining different abilities and upgrades, you can build a playstyle that fits you perfectly—whether you prefer aggressive rushes, precise counters, or a highly tactical approach.

Rethinking Puzzles Through “Light Trails”

The “Light Trail”system is the defining feature of Retrace the Light, and it’s what I am most excited for XBOX players to try.

Early in development, I realized that movement itself could become the ultimate puzzle-solving tool. Rather than relying on traditional puzzle design with a single “correct” answer, I wanted to encourage pure player expression.

[Movement] ➔ Leaves a Light Trail ➔ Instantly Retrace ➔ Outsmart the Enemy

TheLight Trail allows you to experiment and create your own solutions. For instance, when facing an unreachable platform or a timed gate, you can leave a Light Trail at a specific location, run to activate a mechanism, and then instantly retrace back to cross before the gate closes.

But I didn’t stop at exploration—I brought this mechanic directly into combat. During intense fights, you can use retracing to evade incoming attacks, reposition instantly behind a shielded enemy, escape dangerous area-of-effect zones, or launch perfectly timed counterattacks. Movement truly is your best weapon.

A Cinematic Future from a Unique Perspective

Visually, I chose Unreal Engine to bring this surreal, futuristic universe to life. From abandoned, cold high-tech facilities to dreamlike, floating landscapes, each Mirrormaze possesses its own distinct visual identity, atmosphere, and emotional tone, brought to life via dynamic lighting and rich particle effects.

While most of your journey takes place from a tactical top-down perspective—giving you complete battlefield awareness—the game seamlessly shifts into side-scrolling platforming sequences in certain areas. This gives the gameplay a fresh, cinematic rhythm as you explore the deepest layers of these fragmented minds.

Piecing Together the Truth

Beyond the tight combat and puzzle systems, Retrace the Light is ultimately a story about memory, identity, and what it means to be human in a world ruled by artificial intelligence. Through fragmented conversations, environmental storytelling, and hidden clues scattered throughout the world, you will gradually piece together the truth behind Primus, Decem, and the world they inhabit.

As part of a development team rooted in the China Academy of Art, I have always been deeply passionate about how gameplay, visual art, and interactive design can merge to tell meaningful stories. I wanted to build a game that rewards curiosity and rewards experimentation.

I poured my heart into this world, and I absolutely cannot wait for you to experience it. You can pre-order Retrace the Light starting today on XBOX Series X|S for $14.39 (20% off the standard $17.99 price) to secure your entry into the Mirrormazes ahead of our July 30 release.

See you in the Mirrormaze!

Retrace The Light

E-Home Entertainment Development Company Ltd.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$17.99

Pre-order

◆ Story Synopsis ◆ Set in the year 3323, the revolutionary Meta Mirror Project emerged from the collaboration between humanity and the super AI "Primus." This ambitious venture seeks to stabilize society and ensure security by repairing the consciousness of individuals struggling with intense emotional turmoil. Your journey unfolds as Enforcer Decem, tasked with repairing bizarre Mirrormazes stemming from human minds. Navigate through these mazes, solve puzzles, and confront powerful Mirrormares. Following a mission that left Decem severely injured and devoid of memories, the path to rediscovery begins. As Decem relearns the abilities of an Enforcer, a gradual unveiling of the secrets surrounding the Meta Mirror Project ensues. ◆ Innovative Spatial Retrace Mechanism ◆ Wield the ability of "Retrace" to teleport back to previously visited locations. Use this power to outmaneuver foes, launch surprise attacks from blind spots, or devise clever solutions to complex puzzles. ◆ A Diverse Array of Formidable Bosses ◆ Encounter a diverse array of formidable bosses born from human obsessions in Mirrormazes. Confront colossal mechs wreaking havoc, cunning foes obstructing your view, and shape-shifting entities. Despite their seeming invincibility, each boss harbors weaknesses waiting to be exploited. Analyze their tactics, use retrace and other skills to counter their attacks, and triumph over these imposing foes. ◆ Explore the Unique Art Style ◆ Immerse yourself in a visually stunning world characterized by a soft, vibrant aesthetic. Traverse varied landscapes, from ancient ruins to bustling urban panoramas, ensuring a mesmerizing experience within the Mirrormazes. ◆ Customize play-style with Modules ◆ Collect Primary Modules by defeating bosses and discover hidden Secondary Modules scattered across Mirrormazes. Tailor your play-style by choosing from 7 Primary Modules and their variations, focusing on counterattacks, raw power, or charged attacks, complemented by over 20 Secondary Modules. Craft your own distinct combat approach. ◆ Shape the Fate of Your Companions ◆ Play as "Enforcer Decem," residing alongside your allies on the Motherboard, venturing into Mirrormazes, and engaging in thoughtful exchanges. Unravel multiple endings influenced by pivotal decisions made throughout the story.