Trace Memory (aka Another Code outside NA) isn't a bad game, but having played it after Hotel Dusk and Last Window, the growing pains are very apparent. This was CiNG's second game--first for the DS--and while it carries the same atmosphere as CiNG's later titles, Trace Memory left me wanting more.
The game is played from a top-down perspective with fixed camera angles, and feels a bit more like an old PC point-and-click than a VN. The story itself is decent (I very much enjoyed the final area), but is held back by it's very short length; you can beat this game in just a few hours. Some of the puzzles feel very contrived, and one of them also literally doesn't work unless you have a physical DS, as it relies on viewing a real-world reflection on the screen.
This game and its JPN/EU-only Wii sequel are getting a remake in early 2024. If you're interested, I would likely recommend waiting for that release to play this!
The game is played from a top-down perspective with fixed camera angles, and feels a bit more like an old PC point-and-click than a VN. The story itself is decent (I very much enjoyed the final area), but is held back by it's very short length; you can beat this game in just a few hours. Some of the puzzles feel very contrived, and one of them also literally doesn't work unless you have a physical DS, as it relies on viewing a real-world reflection on the screen.
This game and its JPN/EU-only Wii sequel are getting a remake in early 2024. If you're interested, I would likely recommend waiting for that release to play this!