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.
Mac OS
Nintendo Switch
PC
Playstation 4
Windows
Xbox One
Xbox Series X|S
Linux
PlayStation
Xbox
Reviews
- The game features a unique and interesting core mechanic centered around memory manipulation, which leads to engaging puzzles.
- The characters are well-developed and memorable, with strong narrative arcs and interactions that enhance the overall experience.
- The visual style and music are praised for their quality, contributing to an immersive and enjoyable atmosphere.
- The second half of the game suffers from pacing issues and a lack of focus, with the core mechanic being underutilized and replaced by less interesting gameplay elements.
- Some characters, particularly secondary ones, feel underdeveloped, leaving gaps in the story that detract from the overall narrative experience.
- Technical issues, such as save system bugs and occasional grammar errors in dialogue, can disrupt the flow of the game and lead to frustration.
- story66 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 62 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The story is generally well-received, featuring compelling themes and interesting character dynamics, though it grapples with heavy topics like bullying and abuse. While the initial chapters are praised for their creativity and depth, many reviewers note pacing issues and unresolved plot points that hinder character development and overall coherence. Despite these flaws, the narrative is considered engaging and worth experiencing, especially for fans of story-driven games.
“The characters are likeable and the story starts very interestingly.”
“Eng: what a sadness to finish this game, it's one of those that you don't want it to end. The story lasts between 7 and 8 hours, which is great, a masterpiece in my opinion. The gameplay of the puzzles fits perfectly with the narrative, and the sound is exquisite. I highly recommend it, 10/10 I would erase my memory to enjoy it again.”
“Interesting and unique story-driven mystery game about manipulating the past to affect the present.”
“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.”
- gameplay50 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 58 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The gameplay features a unique memory-shaping mechanic that allows players to alter past events to solve puzzles, creating an engaging experience 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 creativity and variety, the decline in the use of innovative 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.”
“This is the central mechanic upon which this game is built; by exploring the memories, you can alter events to change the outcomes that affect the present.”
“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.”
- music14 mentions
- 21 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally well-received, with standout tracks that enhance the cinematic feel and engage players during puzzle segments. While some players found themselves enjoying the music enough to bob their heads, others felt the soundtracks and effects were merely serviceable and not particularly memorable. Overall, the music contributes positively to the game's atmosphere, though opinions on its impact vary.
“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.”
“Also, everyone's named after British musicians for some reason.”
- graphics6 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics feature a simplistic pixel art style that evokes a nostalgic feel, reminiscent of stylized Pokémon games, with characters having recognizable silhouettes and minimal animation. This aesthetic is well-received, complementing the game's engaging story. Overall, the combination of pixelated graphics and storytelling enhances the game's appeal.
“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 development2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The character development in the game is praised for its strong designs and a compelling concept, though specific details on character growth or evolution are not highlighted. Overall, the focus seems to be more on the aesthetic and thematic elements rather than deep character arcs.
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players express disappointment that later chapters of the game shift away from engaging mechanics, opting instead for stealth and simplistic puzzles, leading to a tedious grinding experience. This change detracts from the overall enjoyment and variety that earlier gameplay offered.
“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.”
