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Another Code: Recollection is a captivating game that delves into a story of murder and family mysteries, as seen through the eyes of a 13-year-old teenager. Despite its extremely slow pace and dialogue in speech bubbles, one must overlook these aspects to appreciate its unique tone and engaging narrative. Set to release on January 19, this game for Nintendo Switch may initially seem familiar with its childlike characters engaging in on-screen dialogue bubbles. However, within minutes, players are thrust into the unsettling scene of the three-year-old Ashley Mizuki Robins witnessing her parents' fatal shooting.
Clearly, this is not your typical Mario and friends scenario.
**The Ghost Boy**
Fast forward ten years, and Ashley receives a letter from her supposedly deceased father, prompting her and her guardian aunt Jessica to visit Blood Edward Island. The investigation and revelations commence.
As Ashley unravels the secrets of a magnificent mansion with the assistance of a ghost, a young boy named D who died 57 years ago, she reconstructs his past one memory at a time. The mysteries intensify upon arrival on the island. Where is Jessica? What is the tragic history of the wealthy family that occupied the mansion, leaving behind messages, keys, empty bottles, and scribbles? How to open the locked rooms? Where is Papa Richard?
And most importantly, what is "the Another"?
No spoilers here – revealing such details would be criminal and spoil the future player's enjoyment.
**Slow or Zen**
In the version we installed, the dialogues are in English and displayed in French speech bubbles. Ashley possesses a device called D.A.S, resembling a Nintendo Switch, which only she can use. It can store 10 photos for solving puzzles, and each new character and story development are organized in a tree structure to trace links between characters. The D.A.S can also scan origami animals that Ashley encounters, unveiling their messages. Everything moves at a deliberate pace, starting with the dialogue, which advances one sentence at a time with the A button. Automatic progression is even slower. Thoroughly exploring every nook of each discovered room is necessary to unveil hidden clues. This meticulous operation can be frustratingly slow at times, but some may find it zen-like and calming after fast-paced games.
**Heart of the Game: Reflection and Puzzles**
The core of the game requires reflection – solving puzzles. They are often clever, sufficiently complex to present an interesting challenge but never unfair. Discover the significance of a balance with five moon phase-marked coins, a cigarette-filled ashtray, or keys with various patterns.
**Shadow and Light**
As we're not in Resident Evil territory, players are guided by dialogues if a solution eludes them. At worst, they can seek clear hints with the "-" button. We only resorted to this legal cheat once.
There is a melancholy aura in Another Code: Recollection, with its past and present family tragedies, the quest of a teenager who thought she was an orphan, and these bloody mysteries. Simultaneously, the splendid settings, the friendship between D and the only person who can see him, Ashley, and the unbreakable family bonds despite misfortunes are luminous. This game isn't loved for efficient mechanics or sumptuous animations. However, enthusiasts of well-crafted stories, inventive puzzles, and beautiful visuals will be delighted.
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