"A good game, if not a short one."

This review applies to the European version, titled "Another Code: Two Memories." There might be changes or differences when released in the US.

I was visiting my family in France not too long ago and I happened to stumble upon this game at a local store, a game which wouldn't come out for another month in the US, so I grabbed it right away. I was pleased, but there were a few shortcomings. More on those later.

Story: 8/10
The story starts out simply enough but then gets deep and abundant with plot twists, not to mention a good, tense climax. The only flaws are that some questions are still left unanswered in the end and that the game is way too short (clocks in at about 6 hours). Otherwise, it's all good.

Graphics: 7/10
Simplistic textures make up the overworld map, but the first person viewpoints are wonderfully detailed, as are the cutscenes, mostly comprised of talking heads with the occasional still picture for more depth. Nothing extraordinary overall, but it does deliver in some aspects.

Gameplay: 9/10
You walk around the overworld map and try to solve puzzles to progress further into the mansion on the island you sailed to in search of your father. Sounds simple right? Well, it starts out easy (like simply turning a lever to lower a bridge) but then gets ridiculously hard (like initially misleading bay paintings you must try to uncover the secrets to). This game has to use the DS in some of the most inventive ways possible, which ranges from simply solving a sliding tile puzzle using the stylus to closing the DS to press down the stamp on the top screen to the paper on the bottom screen. You'll be overwhelmed with relief and a sense of accomplishment after solving the puzzles near the end of the game. This title ranks pretty high in innovation that uses the DS the right way.

Music and sound: 4/10
The games lowest point. The sound effects get irritating and the music is forgettable at best.

Overall: 8/10
A good game, it could've been a masterpiece if only it were longer and if only it had better music. Anybody owning a DS should try this game out at least once.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 08/15/05