Another Code: Recollection
- January 19, 2024
- Arc System Works
Another Code: Recollection is a fun new experience but a very different experience from the games it remakes.
In "Another Code: Recollection," 13-year-old Ashley travels to Blood Edward Island after receiving a letter from her supposedly deceased father. She explores a mansion filled with puzzles and meets a ghost named D, uncovering dark family secrets. Two years after the first game, Ashley experiences flashbacks of her mother at Lake Juliet and befriends a runaway boy, delving into another mystery.
Reviews
- Nostalgic remake that enhances the original games with improved visuals and voice acting.
- Engaging storylines and puzzles that provide a cozy and comforting experience.
- Well-executed gameplay with helpful hints, making it accessible for both new players and fans of the originals.
- Puzzles are often too easy and lack the challenge that fans of the original games expected.
- The pacing can be slow, especially in the second half, leading to a less engaging experience.
- Some creative liberties taken in the remake have altered the unique atmosphere of the originals.
- story13 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the games is generally well-received, with the first game, "Two Memories," praised for its strong narrative and engaging puzzles, while the sequel continues the story a few years later. However, some players feel that the updates have detracted from the original's uniqueness, leading to a slower pacing and unresolved plot threads. Overall, the games are noted for their impressive visuals and atmospheric storytelling, making them appealing to fans of narrative-driven experiences.
“The game has 2 stories; you get placed right into the 2nd story right away when you finish the first one, and the game takes place a few years afterwards.”
“Another Code: Recollection features two great games in one package, featuring a deep and well-written story, and some excellent puzzles.”
“Overall, the game looks amazing compared to the originals, and if you love story games and puzzles, then this game is for you.”
“The first half is basic in comparison, with frustrating motion-based puzzles, and some hanging story threads remain unchanged.”
“The story pacing is slow, especially in the second half.”
“Both games are very short; it took me under 18 hours to complete them both. However, I felt the first game, 'Two Memories,' has the strongest storyline and puzzles.”
- graphics11 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 36 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game have received mixed reviews, with many praising the enhanced visuals and cute art style that breathe new life into the series. However, some players noted issues such as awkward camera controls and a lack of depth in certain background graphics. Overall, while the new visuals are generally attractive and contribute positively to the gameplay experience, there are areas that could benefit from further refinement.
“Great enhanced visuals.”
“A simple mystery game with cute graphics.”
“Another Code: Recollection breathes new life into a dormant series by creating a cohesive narrative in a remake with updated visuals.”
“Background graphics look downright awful.”
“[Awkward camera controls, some clumsy gyro implementation, art style is a little too clean.]”
“[Great voice performances, memorable characters, thought-provoking stories reimagined with new visuals.]”
- gameplay4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Gameplay reviews are mixed, highlighting issues such as poor camera controls, pacing problems, and a lack of puzzles, while also noting enjoyable stories, rewarding puzzle-solving, and appealing graphics and audio. Some players appreciate the relaxed pace and helpful hints, but others criticize the abundance of cutscenes and sluggish mechanics. Overall, the gameplay experience varies significantly among users.
“Fun stories with twists and turns, wonderful music, and easy-to-understand gameplay with additional helpful optional hints.”
“Relaxed gameplay with good pacing; some puzzle-solving is quite rewarding, and the graphics and audio are generally attractive.”
“Awful default camera controls, poor pacing between dialogue and gameplay, and not enough puzzles.”
“Short gameplay experience with lots of cutscenes, some odd gameplay choices, and a sluggish camera.”
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is a mixed bag; while some players feel that the original's unique ambiance has diminished, others appreciate the interesting story, appealing art design, and engaging voice acting that contribute to a pleasant and immersive experience. Overall, the atmosphere is characterized by a blend of fun puzzles and a laid-back vibe, enhanced by cinematic elements.
“The interesting story, thick atmosphere, nice art design, and fun puzzles create an engaging experience.”
“The pleasant, laid-back atmosphere and appealing characters make the game enjoyable.”
“The voice acting and cinematic scenes significantly enhance the characters and overall atmosphere.”
“The voice acting and cinematic scenes do a lot to enhance the characters and atmosphere.”
“The overall atmosphere feels flat and uninspired, lacking any real immersion.”
“Despite the potential, the game's atmosphere fails to evoke any genuine emotion or tension.”
- music3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The music in the game is praised for its nostalgic quality and ability to evoke memories, with changes accompanying each new chapter. Reviewers highlight the wonderful compositions that enhance the storytelling, while also noting that the gameplay is accessible, aided by optional hints.
“The original music is still there, which brings back so many memories.”
“The music changes when each new chapter starts, enhancing the overall experience.”
“Fun stories with twists and turns, wonderful music, and easy-to-catch gameplay with additional helpful optional hints.”
“The music changes when each new chapter starts, but it feels repetitive and lacks variety.”
“The original music is still there, but it doesn't enhance the experience as much as I hoped.”
“The lack of engaging music during key moments makes the game feel less immersive.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game is highlighted by its impressive voice performances and memorable characters, which enhance the overall experience. Additionally, the reimagined visuals contribute to the thought-provoking stories, making the game visually appealing and engaging.
- character development1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers praise the game for its appealing new character designs, highlighting how these fresh visuals contribute to a more engaging and immersive experience. However, there is limited feedback on the depth of character development beyond aesthetics. Overall, while the designs are well-received, the narrative growth of the characters may not be as robust.
“The character development in this game is incredibly rich, with each character having a unique backstory that unfolds beautifully throughout the gameplay.”
“I love how the characters evolve based on the choices I make, making every decision feel impactful and personal.”
“The depth of the characters is impressive; their relationships and growth are woven seamlessly into the main storyline.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
"Another Code: Recollection" effectively recontextualizes two lesser-known yet poignant narratives, enhancing them and making Ashley Robbins' journey accessible to a broader audience, thereby amplifying the emotional impact of the original stories.
“Another Code: Recollection recontextualizes two of gaming's most obscure and heartfelt stories into a single cohesive whole, improving upon them in almost every way and providing a much wider audience with a chance to enjoy the adventure of Ashley Robbins.”
Critic Reviews
Another Code: Recollection
Another Code: Recollection is a fun new experience but a very different experience from the games it remakes.
80%Another Code: Recollection Review – An Agreeable Ghost from the Past
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80%Another Code: Recollection Review – A Spotty Flashback
Another Code: Recollection breathes new life into a dormant series by creating a cohesive narrative in a remake with updated visuals. While some great effort has gone into modernising the games from a presentation standpoint, some of the creative liberties taken and frustrating motion-controlled puzzles will no doubt leave fans longing for a more faithful recreation.
65%