Another Code: Recollection is a remake/compilation of Another Code: Two Memories (originally on DS in 2005) and Another Code: R – A Journey into Lost Memories (originally on Wii in 2009). The remake is a high-quality refurbishment of the originals, with great new textures and graphics. However, I haven’t played the originals, so this review will be from a completely fresh perspective. So, I won’t be referring to upgrades from the originals. One thing that is worthy of note, is that, in Another Code: Recollection, once you beat the first game, the second continues directly from the ending of the first, so there’s no option to choose the first or second game. The games kind of blend into one as a result.
Of all the titles released in the era of the Wii and DS, these two Nintendo-exclusive games may be some of the most obvious games to be part of Nintendo’s “Blue Ocean Strategy.” The “Blue Ocean Strategy” was a move from Nintendo during the Wii era to make gaming accessible to everyone by simplifying gameplay and control methods, making games more appealing to non-gamers. Another Code, being a point-and-click adventure reminiscent of a visual novel, fits that category. The first game did quite well for Nintendo and this remake has finally released almost 20 years after the original game. Another Code: Recollection is quite a chilled experience, with no enemies to fight, but instead, many complex and difficult puzzles to solve as you explore a mansion on an isolated island in search for the protagonist Ashley’s father. In the sequel, you continue your puzzle-solving at a lake-side retreat.
Another Code: Recollection was developed by Arc System Works (who are actually known for fighting games such as BlazBlue) and published by Nintendo. While the original was developed by Cing, a studio that went out of business in 2010, Arc System Works nonetheless valiantly picked up the mantle for this remake to provide players with an introspective journey.
Story
The story of Another Code: Recollection is accessible, interesting, and pushes the player to see what happens next. It’s more accurate to say “stories” (as in plural) since there are actually two games here, but the second game is a linear continuation from the first. The game has a few twists, and characters are quite well-defined while often being a bit bland.
The game’s characterization isn’t campy in the style of the original Resident Evil, although the puzzle-solving is, interestingly, quite similar to Resi. There is enough intrigue to take things seriously, and generally it’s really addicting to follow along the story. The game’s characters and story are done well enough without being over the top. However, there is a bland feel to the tale and art design, in both a positive and negative way. There are alcohol and tobacco smoking references. Some mature themes, such as death and war, are handled well. An example in terms of themes is this quote from Chapter 6 of the first game…
“Even though facing the truth can be hard, in the end, it’s always for the best.”
The comment is relevant later in the game, considering how things come to an emotional conclusion.
There are multiple characters that you learn about as you progress. They are related to the backstory rather than being directly involved in what’s going on with Ashley (particularly in the first game). There’s a submenu with a map that details how all these characters are specifically related.
The main antagonist (in the first game) is shrouded in mystery throughout the first half of the game, and while there’s no fantastical dark lord or dragon to be found, the story is still enthralling on a level resembling a good drama show. There is one big part of the first game that is supernatural, but apart from that, much of what pushes the player further through the story are real-world relationships and human interactions.
The two games that Recollection is based on are merged together in this Switch version. Once you finish the Two Memories portion, it flows nicely onto A Journey Into Lost Memories. The ending of Two Memories is warm and heartfelt, but as this collection includes both games, you’re not even halfway through the full adventure when you finish the Two Memories portion. In this sense, there’s plenty of the story to experience, and the second part takes longer to complete.
Gameplay
Another Code: Recollection is a point-and-click adventure where exploration is done through a third-person perspective. The puzzles are interesting, varied, and difficult. There’s no massive difficulty spike and there is some satisfying puzzle-solving gameplay. There is a run function, which speeds up gameplay considerably. The gameplay could be described as a cross between Grim Fandango and Resident Evil 1 (but without zombies). The player explores, solves puzzles, interacts with objects, and sometimes (more so in the second game) other characters. As you play through the game your inventory will build with useful items. For example, early on in the first game, you acquire a lighter, which is useful for lighting candles in dark places.
Although the game generally controls well, there are camera issues quite often. When Ashley is moving in tight corridors, there’s not enough room for the camera to pan around, and often Ashley is wandering towards a wall or door, and she’s out of the camera’s line of sight.
The game follows a chapter format. Each chapter contains a few good puzzles, there’s nice peaceful exploration, and maybe a story twist every now and again. In this way, it is very similar to some of the Resident Evil games, and the layout of the mansion in the first half of the game is very reminiscent of the first Resi. Keys also play a significant role in giving Ashley access to previously inaccessible areas. Some of your choices actually matter in these two games, with multiple endings adding to replayability. There’s one scenario that I can remember where things would have been different depending on which choice I took.
Technical
There are nice models and textures throughout the game. The environments look good with colorful graphics. The game implements a kind of simple cel-shaded stylized look that works really well. Some areas have brown, muddy textures, but that’s rare within the game.
A clean, artistic title screen is on display when you boot it up — there are clean, clear menus. Navigation through screens is only decent as it can be clunky to actually get the game to do what you want it to, but maybe that’s an unfortunate feature of many point-and-click adventures. The game can be a bit slow, but generally, there are quality-of-life features that have been well-implemented. Animations are nice and fluid and character models actually make me feel like playing the original and seeing how the DS would have handled the character models and environments.
I didn’t notice any frame rate drops throughout the experience, and generally, Ashley’s model was well-animated as she and the player explored the environments. Once you beat Two Memories, Another Code R begins immediately, and Ashley is back a couple of years older. Her character model is similar, and the same engine is used in both portions of the game. Everything looks great, but there are the same camera issues present in both.
The music in the game is more limited in scope, focusing on calming tracks throughout. The music creates a peaceful vibe that goes well with the gameplay. During puzzles, there’s appropriate calming music that is played. I’d rate Another Code: Recollection as one of those games, like Animal Crossing or Endless Ocean, that are really relaxing experiences where there are no high stakes, but the environments are peaceful and tell a story in and of themselves.
Summary
Another Code: Recollection all comes together to make for a chill experience. The lack of enemies actually made me feel like I didn’t have to be constantly on edge and anxious when I put the controller down for a second. That’s a great novelty for me since most games I play have enemies around most corners that will deal the player damage.
Once you reach the end of what was originally the first game, a lot is revealed to the player, and it includes satisfying twists but also gives the player a feeling of power over events. True identities will be revealed!
Another Code: Recollection is a fun experience with a great sense of progression. You really feel like you are investigating the past. The characters you learn about actually had lives and cared for one another. Despite some camera problems and some characters feeling bland, by the end of the experience, you’ll be so invested that you’ll actually feel for and care about them. That has got to be a sign of good storytelling, in what is, essentially a great visual novel worth your time.
Another Code: Recollection is out now on the Nintendo Switch. It is available for purchase on the Nintendo Store.
The Review
Great
