"Perfect example of the DS's mission"

Trace Memory tells the story of Ashley, a young girl who, on her birthday, is told that her long-though-dead father is really alive. Going with her aunt to Blood Edward Island to meet him, Ashley and her aunt are immediately separated upon entrance to the island. Ashley sets out to find her aunt, father and discover the secrets of the Edward family, her mother's disappearance, and her own troubled past.

I haven't gone in to any details about the storyline because it's a joy to watch unfold. This game is like a good book that you would curl up to read on a rainy day or a quiet evening. A short game, Trace Memory never aspires to be anything more than one girl's journey into adulthood. There are no worlds to save, no zombies to shoot down... which is not to say that this game isn't suspenseful or exciting. At the heart of the game is an amnesiac ghost who only Ashley can see, a mysterious mansion and a murder mystery that is deeply connected to Ashley.

The game is presented from a top down perspective and the player Ashley and the ghost, D, as they walk around the mansion searching for clues and answers. Fans of the faded graphic adventure genre on the PC will love this game, as puzzles are highly creative using every innovation the DS has to offer (sans wifi support, of course). Aside from one or two frustrating puzzles involving a very literal puzzle, I never found myself scratching my eyes out. It's games like this that exemplify what the DS is about - innovative, fun gameplay that breaks new boundaries and thinks outside the box.

The story, as previously stated, is the game's selling point. At once a coming of age tale, murder mystery, science fiction story and family drama the game's storyline hits all the right points. Just when you think the intimate tone is about to change to something more cliched and action oriented, the writers prove to be extremely focused and centered on telling the story they begun.

The graphics in this game are a mix of 3D top down and anime. While never stunning, they do the job and fit the tone of the game. Much attention was paid to the detail of the anime drawing and the 3D scenes. The game's music is calming, quiet and helps to set the mood of the Edward mansion.

The only place where this game falters is in its replay value. The story is involving and powerful but also unfairly brief. Gameplay can occasionally play second to story, which wasn't a problem for me but could irritate some gamers seeking instant gratification. There are multiple endings but it's so easy to get the "good" ending that chances are you won't want to go back.

All in all, this game is essential to the DS library. A perfect example of what the DS should be, the game's elegant presentation, strong story and innovative gameplay make this a must-have for all kinds of gamers. Japanese developer Cing has crafted a very creative and smart game in a time where most games consist of mindlessly shooting monsters, and hopefully with their second release Hotel Dusk: Room 215 they will give us an equally involving game and improve on it by making it just a little longer.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 07/10/06