Even the most devoted Nintendo enthusiasts might not be familiar with Another Code: Two Memories (known as Trace Memory in North America). Originally a point‐and‐click puzzle adventure released exclusively on the Nintendo DS in 2005, its sequel, Another Code R: A Journey into Lost Memories, arrived in 2009 for the Wii. Although both titles earned moderate praise at launch—with the sequel available only in Japan and Europe—the collapse of developer Cing in 2010 led many to assume that this duology would quietly slip into obscurity. That is, until the surprise announcement of Another Code: Recollection during the September 2023 Nintendo Direct. This new package, which remasters both games with updated visuals, refined gameplay, and dual (English and Japanese) voice acting, raises an intriguing question: Will this revival forge a lasting legacy or simply fade away like a forgotten memory?
Another Code: Recollection tells the story of Ashley Mizuki Robins—a young woman burdened by the loss of her parents and a haze of childhood memories that leaves many questions unanswered. In the original title, Two Memories, Ashley is drawn to Blood Edward Island after receiving an unexpected letter from her father, long presumed dead yet secretly immersed in research alongside her mother. On the island, she must explore a mysterious mansion to uncover the truth, all while helping a spectral boy known only as “D” regain his lost recollections. The follow-up, A Journey into Lost Memories, set two years later, finds Ashley on a camping trip at Lake Juliet, where a series of events gradually unravels the mystery surrounding her mother’s demise and resolves lingering enigmas from her earlier journey.
In this new collection, both games have been seamlessly merged into one experience. Players must complete Two Memories before proceeding to A Journey into Lost Memories. Although the transition between the two is marked by a clear title card at the conclusion of the first game’s final chapter, the design forces a full restart from the beginning of Two Memories on subsequent playthroughs. This approach may irritate those who are eager to dive straight into the sequel, especially since no extra scenes have been added to bridge the gap between the two narratives.
The game skillfully intertwines scientific investigation with supernatural intrigue, offering a narrative that unfolds at a deliberate, reflective pace. By focusing closely on Ashley’s inner thoughts and her interactions with a varied cast, the story feels intimate and personal. While many supporting characters are only briefly sketched, each encounter deepens our understanding of Ashley, even though some subplots might seem underdeveloped as the narrative zooms in on her personal journey.
Your connection with the story hinges largely on your ability to empathize with Ashley. Although her character is clearly defined through the unfolding events, those expecting high-stakes drama and intense emotional conflicts may be left wanting. Recollection opts for a somber and introspective tone—reserving its major plot twists and dramatic moments for the final chapters of each game—which might not satisfy players drawn primarily to the series’ sci-fi elements or the eerie presence of “D.”
While the duology remains primarily a narrative-driven adventure, both titles incorporate interactive elements that have evolved from their original point-and-click roots. Outside of scripted dialogue and cutscenes, players are encouraged to explore vast environments in search of new characters and hidden clues. Central to this exploration is the DAS—a versatile electronic tablet reminiscent of a Switch—which not only functions as a camera and character database but also interacts with the world by unlocking doors and triggering various events.
Additional collectible “memories” scattered throughout the games provide extra context about the world and its inhabitants. These optional pieces of lore are a treat for the meticulous explorer, though not essential for following the main storyline. For those who prefer a more streamlined experience, the Navigation Assist feature offers a compass and objective markers to guide you, ensuring that you never feel lost while uncovering the next step of the adventure.
The puzzle mechanics differ noticeably between the two games. In Two Memories, players often rely on the DAS’s camera to capture visual clues, whereas A Journey into Lost Memories leans on button-based mini-games and textual hints to challenge your problem-solving skills. An in-game Puzzle Hints option allows you to progressively reveal clues—from a subtle nudge to the complete solution—making it easier for those more invested in the story to move forward. However, some puzzles still depend on motion controls, and the absence of alternative input methods—especially in A Journey into Lost Memories—can lead to moments of frustration.
Despite the conveniences of Navigation Assist and Puzzle Hints, moving around in Recollection can be hindered by clunky controls and restrictive camera angles. The over-the-shoulder view, which offers limited adjustment, often sits too close to Ashley, particularly in cramped environments, creating a claustrophobic feel that makes searching for clues a challenge. Although you can tweak the camera sensitivity slightly, the inability to pull back for a broader view remains a significant drawback, echoing outdated design choices that sometimes mar the overall exploratory experience.
The graphical overhaul in Recollection is immediately noticeable. Both Two Memories and A Journey into Lost Memories now boast fully 3D, interactive environments paired with vibrant cel‐shaded character models. Although these updated visuals enhance the overall presentation, the environments still suffer from a lack of intricate detail—often feeling flat or outdated when examined up close. Two Memories does benefit from some striking lighting effects, but a dearth of texture leaves the backgrounds feeling uninspired. In contrast, the cel‐shaded characters capture the original art style beautifully, even if their animations occasionally come off as exaggerated. The majority of cutscenes are presented in a comic book–style format that enhances immersion, while the technical performance on the Switch remains consistently smooth with stable framerates and swift load times.
The dual audio tracks—offering both full English and Japanese voice acting—add further depth to the experience. This bilingual option caters to a diverse audience and injects additional emotional resonance into key scenes. While the English voice work is generally commendable (with Ashley’s performance standing out), some supporting characters deliver their lines in a flat, monotonous manner that undermines the intended emotional impact. Combined with sparse or sometimes absent background music, the game’s atmosphere oscillates between reflective calm and awkward silence, occasionally rendering dramatic moments less intense than expected.
Depending on your pace and how often you consult features like Navigation Assist, Puzzle Hints, or seek out optional memories, completing Recollection can take around 15 hours. The lack of a skip function, along with noticeable pauses between autoplayed dialogue lines, tends to slow down the overall flow. Although A Journey into Lost Memories introduces an extra chapter, its length mirrors that of Two Memories, and the relatively short runtimes can make the concluding segments feel rushed with abrupt chapter endings. Moreover, finishing the game unlocks Ashley’s original outfit for future playthroughs—but regrettably, you must start from the beginning again, as there’s no option to jump directly into the sequel.
Overall, Another Code: Recollection successfully delivers the classic duology to the Nintendo Switch, with a consistent level of quality throughout both titles. The refreshed visuals and integrated gameplay create a cohesive experience, while the enhanced voice acting adds new layers of emotional depth—even if the measured pace may not suit every player. However, merging the two games into one continuous narrative feels somewhat counterintuitive, especially in light of outdated gameplay mechanics such as the cumbersome camera system and obligatory motion controls. These shortcomings can detract from the overall enjoyment, meaning that while Recollection is certainly memorable, it may not resonate positively with everyone.
6/10
A copy of Another Code: Recollection was provided by Nintendo UK for the purposes of this review