In spite of so-so reviews, the game is VERY worth a try if you love puzzle games with a bit of a twist. Great storyline.
Trace memory was an awesome game inside and out. It had all the aspects you could need.
Storyline: OMG, need I say more? This story was one of the most unique in a while. I read a review saying it was the adequate of a B-movie. WHAT?! There was drama, action, suspense, mystery, and don't forget MURDER. The flashback scenes are some of the best, because you only get bit by bit, and you always wonder what REALLY happened to your mother and father.
Gameplay: Very well done, I'd say. Some reviews said that they wanted a puzzle hint on all objects/items. What would be fun in that? If that was the case, this game would be a "Point-and-click" adventure game, and NOT a puzzle game. The whole trick to this game is to look at EVERY-SINGLE-PIECE-OF-EVIDENCE. Evidence being items or clues as to where your father is. I played the game three times JUST to find every single bonus item, journal, and chip. In general, the gameplay is great... But there are some unique features that need credit all to themselves, such as COMPLETE and CREATIVE the use of the NDS and it's touchscreen to solve puzzles. I'd hate to spoil, but there's a part in the game where the only way to get a clue from an item is to lower your top screen towards the bottom to find a reflection in it. Another puzzle, you have to "stamp" the top screen closed to create a stamp. Creative? I think so!
Graphics: WOW. Was I really surprised with the graphics in Trace Memory! Having seen no reviews, screenshots, or gameplay videos before buying this game, I thought I would be buying some crappy anime-ish video game and expected to return it right back where I got it. But I was surprised. Graphics were solid, no funky things happening, and best of all, THEY WERE SOPHISTICATED. It had a unique three-dimensional feel. A bit like cell-shading, but I can't put my finger on it.
OVERALL: The game has the following:
High gameplay, and some replay value.
Great storyline, and multiple endings.
Somewhat intense puzzles, and thinking.
Good graphics, and creativity.