Madotsuki plush spin.

I spent a lot of time with the Another Code Recollection remake the past few days. I have really, really been loving them, and I even went back to play the original Another Code on DS because I just wanted to compare them side-by-side. There were some strange changes to the source material in the DS game that did lessen some of the antagonist's depth. But there was also a lot I really loved. Another Code: R, I need to play to check, but a lot of the changes seem more controversial. Some more specific thoughts related to the game's reception below.

But honestly what I want to talk a bit about is the way people "qualify charm" cuz that's actively the most confusing part of this remake's reception. It's mostly been positive, but it's like... I keep seeing people act like these remakes "strip the games of their charm" when honestly it's just... Been super obvious how much these games love their source material, but are also willing to challenge it. I really think as much as some people don't really like works that were important to them to change so significantly, I think people need to really think about whether what they're upset with is a lack of charm, or if it's just that they're disappointed the creators didn't necessarily agree with their vision of the game. Because for me, the remake felt like a game that was never made anymore. A cute, more polished Wii title in terms of visual style. The animations, cutscenes, writing all felt in line with what I fell in love with from other CING games I've played. For me it had charm in spades. So I feel at a dissonance with some of the odd (as in little, most people seem to like the remake) dissenters I see talk about the game. (Not that anyone NEEDS to justify not caring for it, I disagree with plenty of remakes all the time. Sometimes it's just a vibe check. I'm still upset RE2 remake is the only available version of that game.) Creators aren't god, obviously, but a few of the most important staff from the originals were on this project. And that doesn't mean they're *right.* But it does mean that it's a fun way to engage with the creators on what they wanted to add to their work, vs public view on their work. When I played both versions of the Original Another Code, I really just was surprised at how natural all the changes felt. I didn't have much nostalgia for the original game, and maybe some might feel I'm biased towards the remake. But.. Iunno. It just was some thoughts I needed to get out. I'd feel weird if A Hotel Dusk/Last Window remake were to change those games significantly, ofc. Hotel Dusk was a game that got me through an abusive time of my life, where I felt unsafe. It's deeply ingrained into my being and I'd feel weird if they changed key plot details like they did with Another Code: R. But I also like... I think "the changes are strange" is a different complaint than "they stripped these games of charm." It's something that really requires an analysis of like "why is a game charming" that's increasingly been determined by whether or not you experienced X thing in your childhood.

_____ I saw a reviewer mention "it's strange the remake removed several hours of content -- granted it was repetitive content that didn't add anything." Paraphrased but that was the idea. And for me it's like... Iunno, yeah, I would like them to pare that down. I already felt like the remake as-is had a bit of an issue with repetitive content. I can't imagine having to go through 5-6 hours of content that barely progresses the story. I really loved this narrative, and the puzzles in another code 1, while cute, really honestly felt like annoying barriers to the interesting writing rather than fun brain teasers. I was actively happy the remake had more sparse but more interactive puzzles. Cuz most of the puzzles in Another Code DS were simple touch screen gimmicks. And... Honestly that's the thing for me. Yes, these are INCREDIBLY EDITED VERSIONS of these stories. (Another Code R's remake goes further than editing, but from what I've seen the story changes are fairly thought out for what they are.) But it lets the story breath much better, not be so stuck under the weight Of The Era Game Padding. Maybe I'll completely change my mind when I play Another Code R on wii sometime. But I'm really glad I played these games in this form first. I felt like a kid playing Hotel Dusk again.

Ok, so I really didn’t want to read fanfic for YR. I usually like it but I didn’t want the OG characters ruined for me (and also I thought I should have one single aspect of my life that wasn’t drowning in YR content 😂). So anyway, I started reading your fic and GOD DAMMIT.

The characters are perfect and so believable to the original personalities, which I love! I’m also absolutely obsessed with the Instagram content, I am loving that SO much! I have to cover the bottom of my phone when I’m reading and can see one coming up cos I don’t wanna spoil the surprise of what it’s gonna be but know that I definitely will if I don’t physically stop myself! 😩

So anyway, just wanted to say that what I’ve read so far has been amazing! I’m only up to ch4 and I’m very excited to read this one!

I also love all the little details you add along the way like being able to see what you envision for peoples outfits etc and Gatorade!

I don’t speak Spanish or Swedish but I translate everything so I know exactly what they’re saying!😂

Do you have any recommendations of fics you’ve enjoyed?

Some that you think keep the characters as close as possible, story is believable etc? I don’t mind if they’re in school or out or whatever, just any you think have a similar style in terms of character arcs. (Also, speaking of Style… Harry was an added bonus that I didn’t realise I would love so much!!!)

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aaahh this is such a huge compliment!! thank you so much!! i'm always so happy when i get told that the characterization is on point, that means so much to me!!

i totally understand having to cover the bottom of your screen to not spoil yourself with the ig posts ahahha i would totally be the same!

i hope you enjoy the rest of the story just as much!! i'd love to hear your thoughts!!

(I'm so glad you liked the harry cameo ahhaha that was a bit of dumb little fun)

As for recommendations I have a post here that I recced some fics a while ago that I love soso much.

Some new recs that I just have to make:

princess charming & the rebel by @toffeelemon - all i'm saying is wlw wilmon. you'll fall in love. it's obviously an au but it still keeps the essence of young royals and wilmon so beautifully. (all of her stories are amazing though, so don't miss out!!)

And the fire bright (let it blaze alright) by @aro-of-artemis - it's the missing scene from chapter 1 when simon takes wille to his room after erik's wedding so if you haven't checked that out yet, you totally should! (everything by Madi is absolutely, heartachingly brilliant, so go check out their stuff!!)

You ruined everything good by TheAmberFox - august gets what he deserves, need i say more?? (again, i might be a little biased but those three people here have become really close friends of mine, and they're brilliant writers, so read everything they've got!!)