Review of Another Code: Recollection

 

I didn't always have a blast playing Another Code: Recollection, but I appreciate its existence. Nintendo usually plays it safe with remakes, tweaking graphics and controls while keeping the gameplay and story mostly untouched. That's not the case with this dual remake. Developer Arc System Works took a bold step, giving a fresh look to a pair of niche puzzle adventure games. They modernized everything, from exploration to a new third-person perspective, and even revamped the script with decent voice acting. It's evident that the developers have a genuine fondness for Another Code, and it's fantastic to witness a major publisher revive a small series like this. Despite all the improvements, Another Code: Recollection falls short of greatness due to uninspiring puzzle design and a story that relies too much on convenient amnesia tropes.

Another Code: Recollection is a complete remake of the 2005 DS game Trace Memory (now known in North America as Another Code: Two Memories) and its Wii sequel, Another Code R: Journey Into Lost Memories, which is making its North American debut. This remake treats both games as two halves of the same story, following the endearing teenager Ashley Mizuki Robins as she tries to uncover forgotten memories from her childhood.

Recollection ditches the outdated top-down gameplay of the DS original and the peculiar point-and-click-sidescrolling hybrid of its Wii sequel. Instead, it introduces a modern third-person perspective and fully explorable 3D areas. Picture Life Is Strange but for a younger audience: you'll hear Ashley's entertaining inner monologue as you roam around, inspecting objects and locations, and chatting with characters to unravel the central mystery and push the story forward. While it has some supernatural elements like Life Is Strange, its themes are more geared towards young teenagers compared to its contemporary adventure game counterparts.

I wrapped up Another Code: Recollection's fairly straightforward story in just over 13 hours, and Ashley is the standout factor that really brings it to life. She's immensely likable and relatable, dealing with complex family relationships and classic teenage dilemmas like dreaming of playing in a rock band. However, she also displays emotional maturity and compassion beyond her years, genuinely wanting to take care of those around her. I found myself cheering for her throughout the story, hoping to see her embark on a brand new adventure in the future.

While Ashley shines, much of the overall mystery surrounding her falls flat. Two Memories' story has only a couple of meaningful characters, leading to a predictable outcome that's heavily foreshadowed throughout. Journey Into Lost Memories somewhat sidesteps this issue thanks to a more extensive cast of characters, many with enjoyable side stories weaving into the main plot. However, both halves still rely too much on worn-out amnesia tropes.

Most revelations happen when Ashley or another character coincidentally recalls something at a convenient time, often triggered upon entering a new location. Flashbacks are constant, and by the end, I felt worn out by this haphazard storytelling method, especially when the anticipated twists were often unsurprising. The revamped ending of Journey Into Lost Memories is a highlight, giving Ashley's story a more robust, warmer, and emotionally resonant farewell. However, the overall narrative seems better suited for a newer audience unfamiliar with the twists and turns of games like Ace Attorney, Professor Layton, and Life Is Strange, unlike someone like me who's experienced them all.

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