Short, satisfying, rewarding...and memorable
If you are looking for an open-ended adventure role-playing game, or an edge of your seat shooter to get your adrenaline pumping, this is not the game for you. Likewise, if you want a game that is going to challenge you to the brink of insanity, keep this cartridge out of your DS as well. Do yourself a favor, though, and set aside a few hours of a relaxing day to immerse yourself in Trace Memory. This game is wonderfully successful if you approach it in the right frame of mind; that is, prepared and willing to be led through a surprisingly touching and deep story line with the the occasional brain bender thrown in.
I liken my experience with Trace Memory to my time spent playing Beyond Good and Evil. (GC) The game is not very long, and is is technically not extremely challenging. What these games both do extremely well is they exist marvelously within their own realistic boundaries. If either of these games were much longer, they would begin to get repetetive or boring. Where both titles succeed is that they lead a player through an emotionally charged story in which you begin to truly care about these little animated characters running around on the screen, rather than just being interested in leveling up or becoming more powerful.
Graphically the game is sufficient, but not extraordinary. The top-down maps give the setting a lot of character, but the 3-d animation is a bit fuzzy. The most pleasing graphics are 2-d, anime inspired cut scenes that provide all the storytelling. I am amazed by how much emotion came through my little DS screen from these jerky, twitchy cartoons! These cutscenes are used to present a text-heavy storyline, however, that is extremely well written and void of the quirky translation problems we see in so many text dependent games. One small feature that surprisingly added alot of emotion for me is the way the screen 'shakes' briefly when characters are suprised, angry, or scared when talking. This small detail added an extra layer of feeling that went a long way with this player.
Music in this game is above average, with the lesser quality tracks hovering just this side of annoying. The majority of the music is pleasing and helps to create a relaxing, yet involved atmosphere. Sound effects leave somethign to be desired, but since the game does not rely heavily on them they aren't much of a deterrent.
This game has some of the best usage of the DS 'interactive' features that I've experienced, even though these moments are few and far between. Without spoiling, I'll just say that the handful of times you are asked to solve puzzles in 'alternative' means - not just pushing a button here or placing a key there - it makes so much sense that you'll find yourself smiling in approval and delight.
Do I recommend buying this game? Only if you get a screaming deal, because this game is basically a one day event without much replay value. Do I recommend playing this game, though? Definitely and with all my heart. Trace Memory provided me with an afternoon of gaming that is going to stick with me the way a great movie or novel does. Think of playing this game in the same way you'd think of spending a few h ours wrapped up in a wonderful book. You'll be rewarded with a quality emotional experience, as well as glimpses of truly innovative gameplay.