Nintendo Switch Remastered Edition of Cult Classic Mystery Games Another Code: Recollection Launches on January 19th
For fans of mystery games, the Nintendo DS was once the go-to platform. Among the standout titles were the courtroom drama of the Ace Attorney series and the captivating puzzle book detective stories in Professor Layton. However, there was another studio called Cing that released two exceptional mysteries for the DS: Hotel Dusk: Room 215 and Trace Memory (known as Another Code outside of North America). These games have since gained a cult following, and now, Another Code is getting a second chance with a remastered edition for the Nintendo Switch.
The remastered edition, titled Another Code: Recollection, is a bundle that includes both Another Code for the DS and its sequel, A Journey into Lost Memories, which was originally released on the Wii but never made it to North America. This release gives fans the opportunity to experience the complete story for the first time. Both games are visual novels with a strong emphasis on puzzles, featuring intricately locked doors and complex machines reminiscent of those found in the Resident Evil series.
The protagonist of the Another Code series is Ashley, a young girl who believed her father had died when she was young. However, just a few days before her 14th birthday, she receives an invitation from her father to meet on Blood Edward Island. There, she encounters an amnesiac ghost named D, who only she can see. Together, they embark on a journey to uncover the island’s secrets. Ashley learns the truth about her parents, while D regains his lost memories. Additionally, there is a machine capable of deleting and editing memories. The games are filled with mysteries waiting to be unraveled. The sequel takes place two years later, with Ashley reuniting with her father for a camping trip in the woods, leading to even more secrets.
The remastered edition not only combines the two games into a cohesive experience but also introduces several significant changes. While the captivating story remains unchanged, most aspects of the games have been overhauled. The remastered edition features voice acting, fully 3D environments to explore, stylish anime-style visuals, and dynamic cutscenes that resemble a constantly shifting motion comic. Furthermore, Ashley’s gadget now resembles a Nintendo Switch instead of a DS, adding a modern touch to the game. These enhancements contribute to a more immersive and visually appealing experience, making the two games feel like a seamless package.
In addition to the visual upgrades, Another Code: Recollection also includes quality-of-life improvements. One notable addition is an escalating hint system. Players can choose to activate this system, which provides hints for puzzles starting from basic clues and gradually becoming more detailed. This feature allows players to customize their level of difficulty on the fly. Additionally, there is an option to display a directional arrow that always points towards the player’s next objective. This proves helpful in preventing players from getting stuck or resorting to walkthroughs.
As we enter 2024, it seems to be a year filled with remakes and rereleases. Notably, The Last of Us Part II Remastered is set to release this week, and a revamped version of Persona 3 is scheduled for February. Another Code: Recollection stands out as an exemplary remaster, taking games from previous generations and regions and making them more accessible while giving them a fresh update. It remains to be seen if other beloved titles like Hotel Dusk will make their way to the Nintendo Switch.
Fans of mystery games and those who missed out on the original releases of Another Code will have the opportunity to dive into the captivating world of Ashley and D when Another Code: Recollection launches on the Nintendo Switch on January 19th. Prepare to unravel secrets and solve intricate puzzles in this remastered edition that brings a classic cult favorite to a new generation of players.