Re:Call
- January 17, 2023
- maitan69
Get on Steam
Get on Xbox Games Store"Re:Call" is a single-player mystery visual novel game with an intriguing story and wonderful gameplay. Players experience the character's memories and can alter them to change the present, solving mind-bending puzzles and investigating a mysterious power. Immerse yourself in a narrative-driven adventure with a diverse cast of over 10 unique characters.
Reviews
- The game features an interesting core mechanic that revolves around manipulating memories to solve puzzles, providing a unique gameplay experience.
- The characters are well-designed and compelling, with distinct personalities and engaging interactions that enhance the narrative.
- The visual style and music are praised for their quality, contributing to an immersive atmosphere that complements the story.
- The second half of the game suffers from pacing issues, with the core mechanic being underutilized and the gameplay becoming repetitive and less engaging.
- The story lacks depth and resolution, leaving many plot points unresolved and some characters underdeveloped.
- There are technical issues, such as bugs in the save system and occasional grammar mistakes in the dialogue, which detract from the overall experience.
- story33 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The story has received mixed reviews, with some praising its compelling themes and character development, while others criticize its pacing issues and unresolved plot points. Although it tackles heavy topics and features intriguing narrative mechanics, the short length limits character exploration and leaves gaps in the lore. Overall, while the story is engaging and unique, it struggles with coherence and depth in its latter parts.
“The characters are likeable and the story starts very interestingly.”
“Interesting and unique story-driven mystery game about manipulating the past to affect the present.”
“A fresh exciting story that will keep you wondering from start to finish!”
“The story suffers from pacing issues, especially towards the end.”
“However, in the story is also where we find the game's biggest flaws; the short length doesn't allow for proper development for everyone, and some characters end up undercooked compared to Bruno or other major players.”
“The lack of time doesn't allow for a proper exploration of the game's story and lore, leaving many empty gaps that make piecing together the story harder than it should be, or simply handwaving away problems so that the story can move forward.”
- gameplay25 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The gameplay features a unique memory-shaping mechanic that allows players to alter past events to solve puzzles, providing a creative and engaging experience, especially in the first half of the game. However, this core mechanic is underutilized in the latter chapters, leading to a more linear and less interesting gameplay experience, with some players noting repetitive actions and tedious mechanics. Overall, while the initial gameplay is praised for its innovation and integration with the narrative, the decline in the use of key mechanics in the second half detracts from the overall enjoyment.
“The memory shaping mechanic itself is handled in a unique and interesting way, with variety in the gameplay that makes it not monotonous.”
“Game starts strongly with an interestingly unique gameplay mechanic where the main character is asked to retrace his steps from memory, and is able to change what happens in the past in order to get out of a sticky situation in the present.”
“Despite this, the story is worthwhile to consume if the gameplay supports it.”
“The usage of the core mechanic, the namesake of the game, is barely even present in the second half of the game.”
“Unfortunately, I was sad that the later chapters removed this retcon aspect and focused on stealth, simple switch puzzle solving, and a very tedious game mechanic near the end.”
“Chapters 1, 2, and to a lesser extent 3 and 4 are brilliant, but around the halfway point the gameplay becomes noticeably more linear and some late-introduced plot elements feel like they add much complexity for little payoff and make the story feel slightly unfocused.”
- music7 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is described as a standout feature that enhances the overall cinematic experience, with players enjoying catchy tracks during puzzle segments. However, some reviewers found the music and sound effects to be merely serviceable, suggesting a mixed reception overall. The soundtrack has garnered enough interest that players are eager to find it outside the game.
“The visual style, the narrative, the characters, the music, the whole game is a collection of incredibly well done and lovingly crafted parts.”
“It has this cool cinematic feel to it - the camera zipping around to follow the action, the text boxes dynamically shaking and flashing, etc. It's supported as well by some stand-out music; I especially found myself bobbing my head to some of the songs that play in the puzzle segments.”
“(I would love to know where I can find the soundtrack!)”
“The music tracks and sound effects are serviceable but never something I really took notice of.”
“Music: 6/10.”
- graphics3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's graphics feature a simplistic pixel art style that evokes a nostalgic feel, reminiscent of classic Pokémon games, with recognizable character silhouettes and minimal animation. This aesthetic is well-received, complementing the engaging story and overall presentation.
“The graphics with the pixelated style are a very good combo, and the story is great.”
“The game's presentation is simplistic, with the characters rendered in a very simplified pixel art style somewhat reminiscent of a stylized Pokémon game: the characters have a recognizable silhouette, but the only parts that move are the legs.”
“I liked the aesthetic and the characters.”
- character development1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers highlight the game's strong character designs and engaging concept, suggesting that while the character development is promising, it may not be fully realized within the gameplay experience.
“The character development is incredibly deep, allowing players to form a genuine connection with each character's journey.”
“I love how the characters evolve throughout the game, making their struggles and triumphs feel personal and impactful.”
“The backstories and growth of the characters are so well-crafted that I found myself emotionally invested in their fates.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players express disappointment with the grinding aspect in later chapters, noting a shift away from engaging mechanics to tedious stealth and puzzle-solving elements, which detracts from the overall experience.
“Unfortunately, I was sad that the later chapters removed this retcon aspect and focused on stealth, simple switch puzzle solving, and a very tedious game mechanic near the end.”
