Another Code: Recollection

Description

Another Code: Recollection follows Ashley Mizuki Robins reimagines Another Code: Two Memories (NDS, 2005) and its sequel Another Code: R – A Journey into Lost Memories (Wii, 2009) as a single story. This compilation follows Ashley Mizuki Robbins as she unravels mysteries surrounding her parents across two interconnected stories. It adds enhanced visuals, 3D environments, voice acting, cutscenes, improved mechanics, and a unified presentation of the two original stories by CiNG.

From Two Memories, Ashley journeys to Blood Edward Island after receiving a letter from her father, who was believed to be dead. The narrative covers her exploration of the island, her encounter with the ghostly boy known as D, and her gradual uncovering of hidden truths about her family. Two years later, the story continues at Lake Juliet, where Ashley searches for clues about her mother’s past. The themes of memory, loss, and discovery are central, with the player guiding Ashley through environments that combine supernatural encounters with personal revelations.

Mechanically, Recollection reimagines both titles in a unified format for the Nintendo Switch, presenting them in fully explorable 3D environments with a third-person perspective. Players use the DAS device, a handheld tool resembling the Switch itself, to take photographs, scan QR-coded origami cranes, and access character biographies. The sequel section introduces the RAS wristband, which interacts with card reader locks around Lake Juliet. Dialogue retains a visual novel style but is enhanced with voice acting, comic panel effects, and expressive character models. An optional escalating hint system supports players who struggle with puzzles, reflecting a design choice to broaden accessibility.

It is difficult to compare Recollection, particularly with the original Two Memories. On one hand the remake nicely modernises its exploration with 3D graphics, although takes a provides a stylised presentation. Yet much of what made the original special—the unique puzzles that imaginatively used the DS hardware—could not be translated to the Switch. In its place are puzzles that are not novel but still fitting of the story’s tone.

Given the original DS and Wii releases were somewhat niche titles, it may come as a disappointment to a small number of fans. But Recollection does embrace the originals’ atmosphere and emotional storytelling, albeit within a more mainstream adventure framework. Consequently I feel it is better to look at the remake with a broader retrospection. The original developer CiNG had a number of similar such titles, starting with Glass Rose, which seem increasingly lost to time. Another Code: Recollection reinterprets what was of overlooked work, and brings Ashley’s story to a wider audience, intertwining personal memory with interactive discovery. I for one appreciated Nintendo’s willingness to revisit a smaller series.