Recall: Empty Wishes brings a blend of psychological mystery and supernatural elements, weaving an emotional narrative centered around loss, memories, and the echoes of the past. Set against the backdrop of Taiwanese student life in the 2010s, the game follows Yonny and her friend Phoebe as they unravel the mystery behind Tommy Lin’s disappearance. Their journey takes them into a surreal realm where they relive the memories of key figures who are all somehow linked to Tommy’s fate, uncovering secrets and desires that paint a tragic, yet compelling, picture of his story. The game’s non-linear storytelling allows players to piece together events from different perspectives, though the execution can sometimes feel uneven. We checked it out on a PlayStation 5.
Gameplay-wise, Recall: Empty Wishes embraces a side-scrolling, interactive adventure format, placing a strong emphasis on character interactions, puzzle-solving, and exploration. The game rewards careful observation, requiring players to collect key items and make crucial choices that influence the narrative’s outcome. While the puzzles generally fit well within the game’s world, they can occasionally feel too simplistic, offering little challenge beyond moving the story forward. The interactive elements provide depth, but some players may find themselves wishing for more complexity in the mechanics.
Controls are intuitive, making it easy to navigate through the side-scrolling environments and interact with objects. However, there are moments where movement feels sluggish, slightly hampering immersion. Given the game’s slow-burn approach to storytelling, this may test the patience of players looking for a more dynamic experience. The choice-driven elements add replay value, but the branching paths sometimes lead to abrupt or underdeveloped conclusions, leaving certain story beats feeling more unresolved than others.
Visually, the game presents a striking blend of pixel-art environments and beautifully drawn character portraits. The contrast between the nostalgic, dreamlike settings and the eerie, supernatural elements enhances the game’s unsettling atmosphere. The use of lighting and color adds depth to the environments, making key scenes stand out with emotional weight. However, while the presentation is undeniably charming, some animations lack fluidity, occasionally breaking immersion during more dramatic moments.
The game’s audio design plays a crucial role in setting the mood, with a hauntingly atmospheric soundtrack that complements the themes of longing and regret. Sound effects and ambient noises further immerse players, enhancing the tension in key moments. Voice acting, where present, effectively conveys the characters’ emotions, though some performances feel slightly inconsistent in delivery.
Overall, Recall: Empty Wishes excels in its ability to tell a poignant and mysterious story, carried by strong writing and an emotionally charged narrative. Its unique premise and immersive atmosphere make it a worthwhile experience for fans of psychological adventures, but minor rough edges in gameplay mechanics and pacing may limit its broader appeal. Players who enjoy narrative-driven mysteries will find much to appreciate, even if the supernatural elements don’t always blend seamlessly with the grounded drama at the heart of the story.
Score: 7.8/10
Press Play Media 