11-11: Memories Retold

Even for those less experienced with adventure games, 11-11: Memories Retold ultimately succeeds in its unique approach to the setting, best-in-class production values, and affecting, memorably beautiful interactive story.

It’s telling that the biggest complaint I can generate about 11-11 is that it suffers from occasionally-lazy plotting. The storytelling is good enough that the developers get away with some fairly large coincidences, and we’re asked to believe that Harry is almost unbelievably bad at languages. However, the story reaches a point where it beggars belief that he’s still baffled by what the Germans are saying. There’s not much apart from that to criticize, though — this is a great tale being told by people with the skills necessary to tell it.

With absolute respect to the historical facts and the millions of lives lost during the First World War and with a superb voice over, backed by a perfect soundtrack and great visuals, 11-11 Memories Retold is truly a rare gem.

Though it might lack typical challenge, 11-11: Memories Retold is a journey that is absolutely worth taking. An affecting and tragic look at war from the perspectives of two soldiers who seem least keen to wage it, this is pretty much essential for anybody with a heart.

11-11: Memories Retold is a refreshing figure among graphic adventures that are strongly bound by narrative and that deviate from the traditional point & click gameplay. Aardman Studios provides a plot that will draw players’ attention from the beginning to the very end, all of it mixed with one of the bests OST that can be found within videogames.

Quotation forthcoming.

With so many choices left unexplored and far too many hidden items I have yet to discover, 11-11: Memories Retold is a replayable title with new experiences for me to discover.

It wants its audience to switch lenses, zoom in and accept that war involves relatable individuals on all sides. No matter the uniform they’re wearing, or where they’re from, they bear the burden of choice and consequences at a personal level, carried out in seconds and minutes, just like us.

11-11: Memories Retold has a purpose: telling a story, and that’s what it does best. Gameplay wise it feels a little bit weak, but it really shines when it comes to the narrative.

For those with patience to invest in the world it presents, 11-11 is a captivating chronicle of the First World War, exploring the essential humanity fought for and lost on either side. Poignant, beautiful, and frequently heart-breaking, this is a game with rare weight and importance.

An impressively assured attempt to prove that video games can tackle serious subject matter with respect and a level of insight that only interactivity can provide.

11-11: Memories Retold is an unabashed artistic masterpiece; its few technical problems barely detract from a fantastic game.

For those who think they don’t know enough about the war, 11-11: Memories Retold paints a picture of the time. Aardman Animations, development partner DigixArt and publisher Bandai Namco have harnessed the power of video games to create a fitting accompaniment to the centenary of Armistice Day.

11-11: Memories Retold chooses to tell the story on the ground, through the eyes of simple human beings embedded in a conflict so much bigger than them. French studio DigixArt delivers a memorable adventure, served by a remarkable and right writing and acting, superb impressionist visuals from Aardman Animations,and one of the best soundtrack of the year. Too bad that its core gameplay really lacks of challenge and that there's still some persistent bugs. But there could be no better way to celebrate peace in 2018.

All up it’ll take you roughly 6-10 hours (11 if you are me) to finish the game. It is a sobering experience to play through but does not weigh too heavily which it certainly could have considering the subject matter. There are moments of humour and action in its own very unique and special way. This title was a delight to play and to experience a very uniquely told story. I do recommend it.

It's not the most engrossing narrative I've ever experienced, but it's certainly incredibly memorable. I enjoyed all of my time with 11-11: Memories Retold and can heartily recommend it to the narrative adventure fans, or anyone who just wants to see a game rendered in an incredibly unique art style. I can't wait to see what kind of game Aardman makes next.

If you can get through the slow starting hours, 11-11 turns out to be quite an interesting experience, in part due to its unique visual style.

11-11 Memories Retold is an interesting experimental work, there’s some emotional feeelings related to the First World War and conveyed by an original visual representation. Nevertheless, some gaps make the game experience less appreciable than it could have been.

A beautiful moving experience, set in the First World War. 11-11 Memories Retold feels like playing a graphic adventure inside a Renoir or Van Gogh picture. Sadly it is too easy and short.