Unique, beautiful and refreshing is how we would describe 11-11: Memories Retold, a game that follows the story of two men who find themselves on the front lines during The Great War.
It’s standout painterly look was created by award-winning animation studio Aardman (Wallace & Gromit), and it was produced and directed by Valient Hearts’ Yoan Fanise. The story’s two protagonists, Harry and Kurt are voiced by Hollywood stars Elijah Wood and Sebastian Koch and give incredibly rich performances, despite not being able to utilise their physical attributes.
Traditional fans of “war/battle” games may find themselves stumped if they aren’t coming to this game open-minded. For starters there’s no running and gunning. No health bars. No combat system. Although you may find yourself dodging bullets at points. The reason being, our main characters Harry and Kurt are not military men. Harry, is a young, meek Canadian photographer, who is dragged into the battle with the naive notion that he’d simply be capturing portraits to help the war effort. He doesn’t quite realise his life is at risk until it is. Kurt, an engineer who lives on a farm, enlists after his young son goes missing in action. Kurt is determined to bring his boy home, dead or alive.
When controlling Harry, players are armed with his camera, boyish charm and pet pigeon. Each must be utilised at different points to push the story on. The images you capture also have an impact on the overall narrative. It’s a great tool to encourage the gamer to explore the beautifully crafted world of Memories Retold. As Kurt, you’re tasked with solving technical puzzles and fetching supplies. You also have control of a cat he befriends at various key stages. Kurt’s interactions with other soldiers, similarly impacts his narrative. If he forms bonds with some of them, he is able to give more positive responses in his letters home to his wife and daughter. The game doesn’t present a typical set of challenges. Although there are a couple of points where you need to take control of different characters and solve problems co-op style. It is much more puzzle/adventure than action.
11-11: Memories Retold – It’s all about story
The narrative and characters found within this beautiful tale combine to provide an interactive story that is as moving as it is stunning to look at. We also loved the soundtrack, which swoops between somber and soaring – perfectly inline with the moments on screen. The human side of battle, the fear, the sacrifice and sense of abject loss are perfectly portrayed in 11-11: Memories Retold. It’s so wonderfully crafted that despite not offering up any significant challenges, it’s difficult to turn off. It rewards exploratory curiosity with collectibles and awards. It also offers some decent re-playability, due to its meandering and responsive narratives.
If you’re up for something that is different for all of the right reasons. If you value rich and moving story-driven experiences, 11-11: Memories Retold is a highly recommended title. It delivers compelling characters whose stories you would have to be a zombie to not become invested in. Then there’s its sumptuously unique visuals and a stirring orchestral soundtrack. Curious, open-minded gamers who value great storytelling enlist here!
11-11: Memories Retold – trailer below
11-11: Memories Retold Rating:
4.5 out of 5
For more info and to play the game, click here: https://goo.gl/mFHQQg
