Another Code Recollection Review Guide – Gameplay

Blood Edward Island’s mysteries return with a fresh coat of paint in Another Code: Recollection, a remake that invites players to revisit a cult classic. Blending nostalgic storytelling with modern gameplay shifts, this release sparks questions about how well the experience holds up in today’s gaming landscape, especially given the original’s reputation as a tech demo for the Nintendo DS.

Another Code: Recollection nails the essentials of a classic adventure game, setting players off each chapter to explore the eerie Edward mansion. Expect to rummage through rooms, uncover critical items, and piece together puzzles that challenge your observation and logic.

Another Code: Recollection’s remake of the original Another Code gives the player exactly what they would want from a classic Adventure Game. Once per chapter, the players will find themselves searching through the abandoned Edward mansion to find items and solve mind-teasing puzzles.

Variety anchors the puzzle design here—each challenge feels distinct, steering clear of repetitive mechanics. This keeps tension and intrigue high as you unravel the mansion’s secrets, with each successful solution rewarding both curiosity and critical thinking.

Still, the game isn’t without its frustrations. The camera often brushes against walls, limiting your field of view and sometimes hiding vital clues. Its slow responsiveness compounds this problem, occasionally causing missed items that are crucial for progress.

Shift gears into the Journey into Lost Memories segments, and Another Code embraces visual novel elements. These expanded chapters focus heavily on narrative, featuring a broad ensemble of characters and extended dialogues that deepen Lake Juliet’s lore.

This narrative emphasis enriches the world-building but might catch players off guard if they expected the steady stream of puzzles that defined the first part—less hands-on mystery, more story immersion.

While I do not mind this change (in fact I quite enjoy Journey into Lost Memories), the sudden style shift between games can throw off some players who were expecting constant puzzles similar to franchises like Professor Layton. 

Fun Factor – 7/10

The core puzzles across both parts are highly enjoyable for fans of brain teasers, structured as a major challenge per chapter that feels satisfying to solve. The original’s reliance on the DS’s dual screens has been thoughtfully adapted to utilize the Switch’s features, keeping the gameplay accessible without losing complexity.

However, some puzzles that lean on Switch’s gyroscopic controls may test your patience—there’s a fine line between engaging and tedious when physically spinning objects on screen.

While the puzzles that solely require the player’s brain and good use of items are fun to solve, the few that make use of the Nintendo Switch’s gyro can be a pain. One can only spin a stool for a few seconds before it becomes a frustrating experience.

Exploring the Edward Mansion is genuinely rewarding; unlocking new rooms and discovering secrets never loses its appeal. Despite the adventure being on the shorter side—just a few hours for the first chapters—it offers a breezy, engaging experience from start to finish.

This experience doesn’t last very long however, just like the original game, Recollection’s beginning chapters will take you only a few hours to finish. Making for a short and breezy experience.

The story-driven portions in Journey into Lost Memories won’t thrill every player but should resonate with visual novel enthusiasts. Its mysteries unfold at a pace that pulls you deeper, offering a different kind of satisfaction than the puzzles.

Graphics – 8/10

Visually, Another Code: Recollection impresses with vibrant cel-shaded models that breathe life into Taisuke Kanasaki’s designs. Despite a wintertime release, the warm autumnal color palette offers a comforting ambiance that matches the game’s nostalgic tone.

The game’s attention to small details, like Ashley jotting notes on your map, quietly enhances immersion. This unique style helps Another Code stand apart from other Switch titles in the puzzle adventure genre.

Still, some characters don’t translate well visually—Dan and Janet’s skin tones, for example, appear noticeably paler than their original artwork, which can feel off-putting. Blurry textures pop up occasionally, particularly during the visual novel sequences, subtly clashing with otherwise crisp character models.

Of course, being a Nintendo Switch release, the game naturally has the occasional blurry texture. This is more noticeable in the Journey into Lost Memories portions of the game as the player will often be walking on a trail texture which stands out like a sore thumb when contrasted with the character models.

Overall, though, the game’s presentation feels lovingly crafted. It may not be perfect, but it’s a charming and distinctive package that brings a beloved franchise back to life with dignity.

Remake Status – 7/10

Unlike straightforward remakes, Another Code: Recollection takes creative liberties, reshaping the original narrative and gameplay. Instead of mirroring the original game exactly, its approach is closer to Capcom’s Resident Evil remakes—familiar yet fresh.

This philosophy extends to core design elements: the camera now always trails behind Ashley, puzzles have been replaced or rearranged, and the localization leans closer to the Japanese script. These changes collectively create a notably different experience.

For example, you receive the lighter much earlier in the game compared to the original, using it repeatedly throughout the story. This difference exemplifies the broader shifts in pacing and puzzle integration that remake fans will need to adapt to.

These alterations might be controversial, especially among die-hard fans of Journey into Lost Memories. While adapting the original Another Code puzzles was expected for the Switch’s single screen, stretching those changes into the Wii sequel segments is a bold choice.

Ultimately, whether you prefer a faithful 1:1 remake or a fresh reinterpretation depends on personal taste. Recollection’s chosen path offers a new way to experience the story, even if it leaves some traditionalists wishing for a more direct port.

Enjoyment – 9/10

Coming in fresh to the series, this remake feels like a solid middle ground. It provides an engaging entry point for newcomers while offering longtime fans a new way to revisit cherished memories.

Since many newcomers will discover Another Code through Recollection, it succeeds as a standalone experience. For veteran players, it reignites the allure of the original games, set in an updated, more accessible package.

Ultimately, Another Code: Recollection balances nostalgia and novelty, making it a worthy pick for anyone intrigued by adventure puzzles or visual novels.

Another Code: Recollection