"Can you Help me? I don't remember..."

You suddenly receive a package from your estranged father. Why did you receive the package? And where has he been for the last 10 years? You're on a small boat headed towards Edward Island. Named “Blood” Edward island. Why does it have such a horrific name? All this and more awaits you as you uncover your past, and find the answers and truths to the name “Blood” Edward.

Control 8/10
Control is fantastic. Rarely will you find a game that has such tight control. You are able to control the characters onscreen with the stylus or the D-pad. The button layout isn't customizable, but they flow so well that you shouldn't have much gripe. Except one. As in most “point and click” type ordeals, using a control pad can be a huge headache. I often found times when I aimed to investigate something but due to the fine nature of the item I was looking at the d pad completely skipped over it. Not a large or critical issue, but one that can definitely aggravate you if you are somewhat prone to using the d pad over the stylus most of the time.

Sound 7/10
Pretty standard really. I don't know what to say. The music is monotonous at times, with the only cool thing coming from echo effects or sound effects from rooms that you visit. There is no speech throughout the game, but that is largely due to the fact that the game is all text in terms of conversations. The system's sound is used to the fullest degree possible minus the fact that some sound related puzzles could've existed. That is probably my only true complaint. Luckily, the story is pretty compelling.

Graphics 8/10
To be truthfully honest, I was incredibly impressed by the graphics of this game. The actual in game graphics resemble more of a Sega Saturn styling, with the blocky 3D and such, but the animated stills are where Trace captures the show. Truly terrific. All cut scenes are done in this animated style which is more of a throw back to “old timely” point and click adventures such as Myst. It is painfully to the point, and some of the artwork you come upon looks better than some of the stills you see on PS2 or Xbox. I found things throughout the game, and even on the small screen I could easily tell what I was looking at. So much attention was paid to small details. Often in games you can easily tell what items are plot advancing items and what are not. Not in this game. Everything is created with such lush detail that you'll itch to investigate all of it. This is what I expect to see from this upstart system.

Fun Factor 10/10
This is the most fun I have had with a game since the original Myst. It brought back memories of what was in the day of adventure strategy. Some of the puzzles throughout the game are so ingenious that inexperienced players will find frustration throughout every turn. But you have to respect the way puzzles have to be solved. Fantastic usage of the DS's features. However, if you don't like slow paced “sluthers” (my term for detective/investigative games) then this game is definitely not for you.

Overall 9/10
The game has slight drawbacks, especially with the sound being same. I think that there may be 4 different tunes…but the average game play is around 3 hours. It's like listening to the same 4 songs….except they change more infrequently. If you can overlook this, and the tedious game play, then you will find a game that is very original and takes fantastic advantage of an original systems capabilities. Strategy fans, you will not be disappointed. After some of the puzzles, you will realize that this is what the system was designed for. Trace Memory is a game that you will not forget. Even if the memory is manipulated.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 12/28/05