I’ve never been one for reading mystery novels – I’ve always preferred to lose myself in the chills of a spine-tingling horror – yet the allure of mystery video games is hard to ignore. Being able to participate in the gathering of clues, to analyse and piece together the facts, peppered with puzzles along the way is thrilling. Granted, I’m not the best at problem-solving, but what I lack in logic I make up for with gritty determination.
Naturally, then, when the opportunity to return to a cult classic Nintendo mystery came knocking, who was I to turn away the chance to discover the truth in all its brilliantly remastered glory? I couldn’t let the clues go unfound… the truth undiscovered… and so I found myself in the curious world of Another Code: Recollection.
See where Ashley's journey takes her in Another Code: Recollection
It’s a marrying together of two 00s titles, Another Code: Two Memories and Another Code: Journey Into Lost Memories. Although I heard of them back in the day, I never played. Alas, young Emma was extremely selective about what she played. This was my way of correcting my youthful mistakes, and without having to struggle through outdated graphics and clunky gameplay. As far as I’m concerned, Another Code: Recollection was worth waiting for.
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Seeing as the two games follow on from one another, I refer to Another Code: Recollection as a singular experience, the two mini outings having been rolled into one. This remastered mystery is by no means a faultless experience, however, it’s one I’ve thoroughly enjoyed, not least of all because it allowed me to recapture my teenage angst through the experiences of Ashley. Who, in typical anime/manga style, has noticeably different hair to those around her.
We begin our journey on the cusp of Ashley’s 14th birthday, the troubled teen unsure of herself but also her family – who is her Dad, why has he been absent all these years, and what actually happened to Ashley’s Mum all those years ago? That, and more, is what Ashley uncovers when she reaches Blood Edward Island, her adventure a series of discoveries that leads to a shocking conclusion. Followed by even more revelations as she moves on from the events of Two Memories and enters the serene setting of Lake Juliet in Journey Into Lost Memories.
From the beginning, gamers will get Life is Strange vibes, and while it’s tempting to compare the two, the two games lovingly enhanced in Another Code: Recollection came first and thus are the OG of teenage mystery and angst. The stakes are high here, but there’s less of a morbid edge to them, which makes for a wholesome, though at times heartbreaking, experience.
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Some would claim it's cliche – too mired in sticking to generic conventions than allowing itself to simply be – but that’s an oversimplification. Yes, Another Code: Recollection is cheesy in places with its dramatic reveals and exposition, but that’s part of its charm; removing those moments would take away the very essence of what makes it such an entertaining experience.
My only true criticism of the story is that it takes too long to tell. Although a slow build-up as Ashley gathers resources is understandable, many players will figure out where the narrative is headed before Ashley does, which makes some later cutscenes in both games a tad frustrating.
Another feature that also irked me more often than not was the way I had to manually go into the inventory and use an item, e.g. use a key on a door to unlock it. Despite appreciating it gives a more realistic experience, being automatically able to use the correct item if you have it just provides a more seamless experience. It’s a quality-of-life mechanic that the game works well enough without, but it’s sorely missed all the same.
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Lastly, there are some phrases, like “I remembered something”, that are used way too much. As much as I want to be informed that Ashley (or her companion) has recalled a lost memory, it would be nice to hear that said in different ways. It creates a stilted sensation to the dialogue, which is sad to see, especially because new voiceover work has been added to better bring these games back to life. Again, this is a personal gripe that doesn’t take away from my playthrough.
Moving away from my nit-picking, the puzzles to be found blocking Ashley’s way to knowledge are simple yet offer just enough challenge that you’re never bored; as someone who isn’t great at puzzle solving, I don’t want to struggle to find a solution. Better still, for those like me, the game has a detailed hint system should you need an extra push in the right direction. I can’t and won’t offer solutions to the puzzles – where would the fun be in that – but what I will say is to check everything you can. Thoroughness is key here.
Arguably, your attention to detail is what will make the game last longer, otherwise, you’ll speed headlong to its ultimate conclusion without giving the world of Another Code the attention it deserves. Another Code: Recollection isn’t a game you’ll sink hundreds of hours into, but for the hours it does offer, you’ll be intrigued, question everything and everyone, as well as learn that memories can be treacherous.
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In some ways, I’m glad the game wraps up in fairly short order, coming in at an average of five to 10 hours for each; not every experience needs to be some never ending adventure into the unknown. Sometimes it’s fun to get in, learn the truth, find all the secrets, then move on to the next game. I wouldn’t say Another Code: Recollection is geared towards “casual” gamers, still, it isn’t for those looking to develop a whole new personality surrounding its lore. Having experienced that during my time with Baldur’s Gate 3, I welcome a game that doesn’t consume my every waking minute. Not that Another Code: Recollection hasn’t left a lasting impression.
My time with Ashley has been complicated, her family’s history filled with twists and turns, yet I’m sad to see it come to an end. As wonderful as it is to have answers to the questions that dogged me when the adventure first started, to see the credits roll is bittersweet. I don’t know if I’ll ever board a boat back to Another Code: Recollection now the shroud of mystery has lifted, but I’ll always be glad I took a chance and set out for Blood Edward Island.
Pros: Anime-style visuals, emotive soundtrack, newly added scenes, and an array of puzzles to solve
Cons: Sometimes too cliche, mixed with some missing ideal quality-of-life in-game features
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For Fans Of: Nancy Drew, Hidden object games, Layton's Mystery Journey: Katrielle and the Millionaires' Conspiracy
8/10: Excellent
Another Code: Recollection is available on Nintendo Switch. Review code provided by the publisher. Read a guide to our review scores here.
Featured Image Credit: NintendoTopics: Nintendo, Nintendo Switch