Another Code: Recollection Review

Game: Another Code: Recollection
Genre: Adventure, Puzzle, Visual Novel
System: Nintendo Switch
Developer|Publisher: Arc System Works | Nintendo
Age Rating: EU 12+ | US Teen
Price: US $59.99 | UK £49.99 | EU € 59,99
Release Date: January 19th, 2024

Review code provided, with many thanks to Nintendo EU.

Another Code: Recollection combines two games that many of you may know from the previous generation of Nintendo devices. Originally developed by Cing (a studio that is no more, alas), Another Code: Two Memories on the DS (2005) and Another Code: R – A Journey into Lost Memories on the Wii (2009) have been merged into one experience. This combined version boasts revamped 3D visuals, new voice acting, puzzles and music, offering a seamless adventure experience. Also, a hint and navigation system has been added, so you’ll never be stranded in your adventure. As a newcomer to the series, I was excited to explore Ashley Mizuki Robbins’ journey.

Ashley and D: Two Memories

Ashley is 14 years old in the first part of the adventure, in Two Memories. We meet her on a boat on her way to Blood Edward Island. A name that already inspires mystery! Her aunt raised her after her parents died, or at least after her mother died. As she finds that her father is still alive when, 11 years later, she gets a letter from him to come to Blood Edward Island.

This image of Another Code: Recollection displays a scene from a visual novel game, showing a split-screen with two parts. On the left side, there's an illustration of two characters engaged in a conversation at a table. The character facing us has short purple hair and is wearing a red top, listening intently to a younger character with white hair, who appears to be talking and holding a pen. On the right side, there's a close-up of the purple-haired character with her eyes closed and a gentle expression. Text on the screen reads, "Don't get me wrong, she's been really nice. — Ashley as a child with her aunt Jessica

Of course, the message that her father was still alive made Ashley confused and angry. Why did no one tell her before? And why did her father never try to contact her? As any teenager does, she takes it out on the people close by being contrary, so eventually, when they arrive on Blood Edward Island, her aunt Jessica offers to go get Ashley’s father and bring him to the docks where Ashley waits.

An image from in Another Code: Recollection. The top half of the screen depicts a translucent, ghost-like figure with a questioning expression in a misty, wooded landscape. The bottom half features a close-up of a character with a joyful smile, short white hair, and a red jacket. A dialogue box reads, "Your name is 'A-Ashley'?" — The first meeting with Ghost Boy D

Bad idea, as, of course, Jessica doesn’t return, and Ashley goes off on her own toward the Mansion where her father should be. Pretty soon, she meets a ghost of a boy called D, who has lost his memory, and she starts to unravel the sad events that took place on the island. Ashley is going to help D regain his memory while looking for Jessica and her father. Only to discover that memories play a big part in this story.

Ashley and Matthew: Journey Into Lost Memories

The image of in Another Code: Recollection shows a brightly lit, serene village scene from a video game. In the center is a circular plaza with a cobblestone design and a small round garden. Surrounding the plaza are various houses with distinct architectural styles, lush green trees, and well-maintained lawns, with a larger house prominently placed in the background. The atmosphere appears peaceful and idyllic, typical of a cozy, rural setting in a game world. — Beautiful visuals, the Camp at Lake Juliet

Two years after Two Memories, we met up again with Ashley. Her camping trip to Lake Juliet takes an unexpected turn of events. Arriving, her backpack is stolen and she starts experiencing flashbacks of visiting the place with her mother. Eventually, she catches up with the thief, a runaway boy called Matthew, and learns about an incident that once took place at the lake. I won’t go into more detail here as it would spoil the first story, too, though.

In the same vein as in the first story of Another Code: Recollection, it’s up to you to unravel the mystery. You do this by searching for information and checking everything you see. Gather items that can be picked up, and note numbers and other patterns as they might come in handy.

The Dual ANOTHER System (DAS) that her Dad sent her when she went to Blood Edward Island comes in very handy for that. You can take pictures with it. It stores all the information you find about the people you meet and what they tell you; it can scan text and more. It adds a bit of tech-savvyness to the game that I really like, it feels a bit like a very special AI assistent.

The image of in Another Code: Recollection shows a video game's inventory screen with various items listed, such as 'Frannie's Challenge,' 'Half-Moon Coin,' and 'Wine Cellar Key.' Highlighted is the 'Four-Leaf Clover Key,' with a description saying it's the key to Lawrence's room, made by combining two sprout keys. On the right, the key's image resembles a four-leaf clover. At the bottom are game controls for actions like 'Investigate,' 'Combine,' and 'Use.' The backdrop hints at an elegant, dimly-lit room with red curtains, adding to the game's mysterious atmosphere. — The items Ashley has collected in Two Memories

The Stories Are the Stars of the Show

I really liked my time unravelling the mysteries and puzzling my way through the story of Another Code: Recollection. Some puzzles are very well thought out, using the motion controls of the Switch or having to combine items. Most of the puzzles were very doable, and where it got a bit harder, I’m not ashamed to say that I resorted to the hint and navigation system.

The image depicts a first-person view from a video game, where the player character, shown from the back with short silver hair and a red hoodie, is standing in a dimly-lit, classic study room. The room features rich wooden furniture, heavy drapery, and a window showing the golden light of sunset or sunrise. An interactive element labeled "Zoetrope" is in the center, likely an object the player can examine or use. — I must say I’d never heard of a Zoetrope…you learn something every day!

The reason for this is that both stories really are the stars of the show. I just couldn’t wait to read on; it kept me glued to the screen. The storylines handle mature topics, and I felt deep down inside that it was so poignant.

If you are in it for the puzzles, though, I think you might want more of a challenge than what’s offered. Also, prepare to do a lot of reading; there is so much text and spoken word that it sometimes feels like a visual novel.

The image is a close-up of a puzzle from a video game, displayed on a computer-like interface. It appears to be a logic or wiring puzzle with various paths leading to different symbols, such as keys and locks, in varying colors. — One of the puzzles in *Another Code: Recollection*

The Visuals, Sounds and Controls

Playing in handheld mode, everything worked seamlessly, but I do feel the camera is a bit slow. Turning around and facing another way in this 3D environment of Another Code: Recollection was like moving through mud. At some points, you have to aim specifically for information about specific pieces or to start the right puzzle. Otherwise, no complaints from me.

We see Ashley with short white hair, wearing a red plaid shirt, is seen from behind, looking at a stand with cartoonish bear figures. One bear is larger and standing, wearing a red sweater with the letter 'L,' and the other is smaller and sitting, wearing a yellow sweater with the letter 'J.' The scene is set in a room with wooden floors, a desk with a laptop, and a window showing daylight. — The mascots of Camp Juliet, but I’m sure I’ve seen them before as a label for a key in the first game!

The art style looks lovely, crisp and not too lifelike, which I like. You meet various well-fleshed-out and relatable characters. Never having played the original games, I really liked the added voice acting, they did a great job at that and it makes the story feel alive.

Conclusion for Another Code: Recollection

Playing Another Code: Recollection, I found a deep and engaging adventure. The story, focusing on Ashley’s mysterious journey, is the heart of the game. While the puzzles offer an enjoyable challenge, they’re accessible enough for all players, helped by the handy Dual ANOTHER System and the newly implemented hint system. The game excels in the storyline, making me eager to uncover the mysteries.

The game looks very good with its 3D environment, though the camera is a bit slow. The updated visuals and voice acting add to the immersive experience, making it a compelling game to play, especially if you value story over complex puzzles and don’t mind a lot of reading. Want to give it a try first? There is a demo available in the eShop!

Final Verdict: I Like it a Lot