Co-developed by Digixart and Aardman Animations, and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, 11-11: Memories Retold is a story about humanity, loss, tragedy and perspective, crafted in remembrance to commemorate the 100+ years passed since the Great War.
Event to Remember
The name Aardman Animations may not mean much to you, but if I were to tell you they’re one of the top stop-motion animation studios out there, best known for creating Morph, Wallace and Gromit, Shaun the Sheep and Chicken Run, you would at least be familiar with their work. In short, they’re an incredibly creative bunch of individuals with a huge amount of experience behind them.
A version of this review was originally featured on www.WeKnowGamers.net.
And so, being a creative myself, I naturally jumped at the chance to learn of their first venture into games development, when I was invited to an exclusive press event held at the Imperial War Museum in London. I mean, what better place to debut a game set within World War 1?
It was here where we were shown a number of presentations, one of which was a pre-recorded interview with Elijah Wood (who voices Harry – One of two leading characters within the game), who was sadly unable to attend in person. Seeing his thoughts and feelings of what he had experienced working on this game was incredibly interesting and insightful, and having now finished the story for myself, I can say firsthand just how great his voice work is.
Attendees were then given the opportunity to speak with Sebastian Koch (the voice of Kurt, the second leading character) to gain greater insight into how he was able to deliver such a spectacular performance, bringing his character (Kurt) to life. We were even graced with a live choir performance, featuring some of the beautifully powerful songs produced by the Philharmonia Orchestra.
Unique Art Direction
Something else I’d like to touch upon before going into the details of the game is the visual aesthetic. The visuals of 11-11: Memories Retold are undeniably unique and comparable to that of a water colour painting. This was actually explained during the event and the idea behind the art style was to keep things obscured, but with just enough detail to understand each scene and set piece.
The direction was that of a painterly feel, with the gameplay animation constantly changing and shifting, to look almost as though it was being repainted, over and over again.
To achieve this look in art, you’d need to be painting continuously, over and over again with wet paint, and while it’s very hard to transition such a style over to a computer game, I personally feel Aardman and Digixart did a fantastic job in replicating this effect. It may be a little gimmicky, but it’s also something that hasn’t really been done before and yet it works perfectly for this game.
As a result of this direction, the graphics aren’t by any stretch the greatest, but they don’t need to be. The visual representation of 11-11: Memories Retold gives off a dreamy feeling, almost as if you’re experiencing the fading memories of each character for yourself.
Path Less Taken
This is why I often love the more indie titles out there – there’s no fear in approaching things a little differently, and in many cases this even works as a key selling point.
With so many AAA titles to choose from, it’s quite nice being able to step away from all of that, to experience something different every once in a while, and this is one of 11-11: Memories Retold‘s many strengths.
As for the score, I won’t talk too much about it as I think it’d be better if you listened for yourself, but the tracks always fit the mood and scenes of the game, and at times can be ever so endearing.
I was also fortunate enough to be given a beautifully presented sleeve containing an impressive artbook and two Vinyl Records containing the OST in its entirety. It’s unlikely I’ll ever be able to play them, but owning something relevant to the era of World War 1 is a pretty cool and clever idea.
Honouring the Fallen
The plot is fairly interesting – Neither of the two main characters were enlisted for war. Instead, they both have their own personal reasons for signing up. Harry (voiced by Elijah Wood) is a young Canadian Photographer who wishes he could be with Julia – The girl he currently lives and works with. So when a Commanding Officer by the name of Barrett turns up at the photographic shop and invites Harry to be his personal Photographer in the war, the young man jumps at the chance, in the hopes that his photos and newly acquired uniform will land him the girl of his dreams.
Then, on the German side we have Kurt (voiced by Sebastian Koch) – A man who decides to enlist and head to the front, in search of his missing son Max.
As the story progresses, both of these characters are destined to cross paths, becoming reliant on one another, and learning of one anothers lives outside of the war. Harry and Kurt are two very different people and yet, even with a harsh language barrier between them, both find ways to communicate and help each other as the situations require.
While some of you may find yourselves drawn to Harry’s cause more, what with his happy-go-lucky attitude, passion, and excitement for the war, others may find Kurt’s darker and more serious tone to be much more relatable. Regardless of who you end up favouring more, both characters are highly likable and remain true to their beliefs from start to finish.
Extrabellum
11-11: Memories Retold is a very charming game. And you could argue that although it’s set within World War 1, it isn’t really about the war at all. It’s a game about compassion, love, friendship, camaraderie, humanity and the sheer determination that goes with it.
Besides the excitement he holds for capturing the war behind a lens, Harry doesn’t really care about the conflict, and neither does Kurt. They’re fighting on opposite sides, but they don’t have to be enemies – it’s all about perspective.
A Canadian Soldier having lost everything to the enemy may see one of their own befriending a German to be a crime in and of itself, yet someone with no love for conflict, uninvested in the war may look at the enemy and see just another group of people fighting for their own survival.
In war, it’s hard to say who the enemies are when half of the people shooting at you are only fighting because they’ve been told to, and are just as afraid as you. At the end of the day it’s all about survival. In war, nobody wins. It’s just a matter of who gets to go home once all is said and done.
War can turn even the most well-intended people into cold-hearted killers, and Memories Retold conveys this message well. Though simplistic in its execution, the storytelling techniques are also great, giving you the choice of who to play next at each turning point of the story.
Combat Fatigue
To serve as a break from the tension and harshness of war, a couple of segments had you play a cat and pigeon. A little lightheartedness goes a long way when thinking of those who lost their lives in the actual battles of World War 1.
I quickly grew to like both Harry and Kurt equally, and so went with whatever felt right in the moment, not knowing what would come next, but rooting for them to both make it home safely.
As for the endings – there are eight in total, each dictated by the paths you chose to follow throughout the game. None are particular positive, but interestingly enough, the only ending you’re not considered a coward is the one where you flee and leave the war behind you. I guess it’s true – There are no winners in war.
Play Time and Collectibles
At roughly seven hours in length, with an added 2-3 hours of play for those of you determined enough to hunt down and collect every document hidden throughout each chapter, this isn’t a very long game.
Achieving a Platinum trophy will take you roughly 14 hours and is easily accomplishable, but 11-11 is well worth replaying for this reason, because every collectible you pick up is of real documentation from World War 1. This includes photographs, documents and even notes on the equipment used within World War 1. It’s incredibly educational.
Currently free on Steam, the War Child DLC was previously available for just £2.99, with 100% of the proceeds being donated directly by Bandai Namco to War Child UK, to help and support the young people effected by war all around the world.
The DLC includes a number of moving letters, drawings and photographs found throughout the narrative adventure and tells the story of Jack and Eva – Two naive and innocent children, drawn into the dramatic events of World War 1. Find out more about War Child here.
Armistice
Overall, the acting and execution of such a simplistic and easy to play game is superb. Add to that a brilliant soundtrack and an even more enjoyable story and you have yourself a great (and at times emotional) indie game from one of the most beloved animation studios out there. 11-11: Memories Retold is well worth your time and a great experience for all.
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