Recall: Empty Wishes

What a beautiful game. The story had me hooked from start to finish. While leaving plenty of questions instead of answers, this game has a good amount of choices to keep you busy for a few hours. I am super appreciative that I got to play this game for free. - No major gore involved - No Overly Excessive violent messaging. - Beautiful Graphics - Good Character Design & Personalities - Puzzles with both decent difficulty and simplicity I highly recommend this game for anyone to try. If you like thrillers with a bit of horror involved, then this game will give you a nice time killer. https://youtu.be/MofZWHiHtZ0?si=nf1dw9ep7Y0k0zte

遊戲氛圍很壓抑，要到最後章節有意想不到的溫暖的劇情，但如同遊戲的名這不是HAPPY ENDING 故事還有很多空白等待填滿，替你們加油~

！！！🌿

整體上仍給予好評 優點 1.美術場景做得很好，仔細看的話可發現很多彩蛋，非常有趣，很貼近臺灣日常生活 2.驚悚部分沒有彈跳式驚嚇，利用畫面呈現恐怖氛圍 缺點 1.劇情方面用五位主角分別進行敘事，但彼此之間的銜接感覺不太順暢，有點各自說完就結束，沒有扣緊主線發展，理解上會有點模糊，沒有將劇情張力拉到最大，有點可惜 2.操作上有些地方要反覆做同樣的動作，不確定為什麼要這樣設計 (子晴畫中世界那邊)

<3 a grat cozy enjoyable game great graphics and story

В целом хорошая игра, но сюжет мне не особо понравился: слишком несуразный какой-то - некоторые моменты для меня так и остались под вопросом. Да, есть вероятность, что игра была настолько глубокая, что все эти детали не имели значения - значение имел посыл (но не в моем случае). С моим грустным уровнем английского и неспешным геймплеем прохождение заняло +/-5 часов. В игровом плане все очень хорошо, за это лайк. На один раз пойдет, но повторять такой опыт желания нет.

Had a really good time with this one. I’m usually not into horror games at all, but this actually pulled me in. It feels well thought out, like the devs knew exactly what they wanted to make. Visually it’s nice too. Clean UI, solid pixel art, and nothing felt off in the animations or style. Even the gore, while not really my thing, fits what the game is going for. Would I play it again? Maybe, but not anytime soon. More like something I’d revisit in a couple of years. As for the price, around €15 feels fair if you’re just looking for a solid, focused experience. But if you’re expecting something longer than ~5 hours, you might come away a bit disappointed.

It's a promising first game for the studio! The atmosphere is on point, I love the artistic direction and I like the characters, I had a great time. My only regret is that some details of the story are vague. I wish the characters and the plot had been more fleshed out to make for a well-rounded conclusion, but it's still a nice story. Be aware that there are 2 endings and a secret 3rd ending/extra scene!

看了底下的評論才發現到原來還有一個結局，可能未來有時間的話會再來跑一下 喜歡的點： 1.一打開遊戲，有被精緻的像素美術驚艷到，特別是移動的地方，個人特別喜歡！ 2.前半的驚悚氛圍營造得不錯，雖然沒有jumpscare，但操作當下還是會有點猶豫要不要繼續前進，尤其是最開始突然有許多紅字的地方 3.後面突然來個指考考題，讓已經脫離讀書階段一陣子的我回答的膽戰心驚的XD 覺得可以改善的點： 1.前三章與後兩章給我的分裂感有一點重。前面都還可以明顯感受到故事是有銜接在一起的感覺，但後兩章後卻感覺與前面有一點脫離 2.希望可以增加自動播放的功能 3.子晴章裡，個人體感突然出現要閃躲怪物的過程有點突兀。特別是後面出來的紅色怪物卻不需要躲這一點，讓我更困惑它們到底是什麼東西。

Recall: Empty Wishes is a narrative-focused psychological mystery that demonstrates how powerful storytelling can be when it is built around human emotions rather than conventional horror scares. Developed by Puff Hook Studio and published by DANGEN Entertainment, the game centers on the disappearance of a young boy named Tommy Lin, a tragedy that becomes the catalyst for an emotional journey through memories, secrets, and unresolved desires. While the premise begins as a missing-person investigation, it quickly evolves into something far deeper, exploring themes of family, friendship, loneliness, and the consequences of choices that continue to haunt people long after they are made. The game's central mechanic revolves around an unusual toy telephone receiver that allows Tommy's sister, Yonny, to enter a mysterious realm connected to the memories of those who knew him. Accompanied by her friend Phoebe, she navigates fragments of the past in search of answers. This concept serves as the foundation for one of the game's greatest strengths: its ability to tell a story from multiple viewpoints. Rather than delivering information in a straightforward manner, the narrative gradually reveals pieces of the truth through the memories of different characters. Every perspective adds context and emotional weight, encouraging players to question their assumptions and rethink events as new revelations emerge. What makes the storytelling particularly compelling is how each character feels meaningful to the mystery. Yonny's determination, Phoebe's support, Tommy's hidden struggles, and the perspectives of other people connected to the case all contribute to a layered narrative. The game examines how individuals interpret the same events differently and how memories can be shaped by guilt, fear, hope, and regret. As a result, the investigation feels personal rather than procedural. The mystery is not driven by clues alone but by understanding the emotions behind them. The setting also deserves praise. By placing the story in Taiwan during the 2010s, Recall: Empty Wishes establishes a distinct identity that separates it from many other indie horror adventures. The cultural backdrop enriches the experience through believable environments, social interactions, and family relationships. Everyday locations such as schools, homes, and neighborhood spaces feel authentic and lived-in, helping the player become invested in the characters and their world. This attention to cultural detail gives the narrative a stronger sense of realism despite its supernatural elements. Gameplay is relatively straightforward, focusing on exploration, environmental interaction, and puzzle-solving. Players move through side-scrolling environments, investigate objects, uncover hidden information, and progress through various memory sequences. The puzzles are generally accessible and designed to complement the narrative rather than dominate it. While some players may desire more challenging mechanics, the simplicity works in the game's favor because it keeps attention firmly on the story. The experience is less about overcoming difficult obstacles and more about uncovering emotional truths hidden within the memories of others. Visually, the game presents a memorable blend of pixel-art environments and detailed character illustrations. The pixel artwork creates a nostalgic atmosphere that suits the themes of memory and reflection, while the expressive character portraits effectively communicate emotional nuances during conversations and dramatic scenes. The contrast between the grounded real-world settings and the surreal memory spaces creates a persistent sense of unease. The mysterious Hallway of Empty Wishes and other dreamlike locations contribute significantly to the game's haunting atmosphere without relying on excessive visual shock value. The horror elements are subtle but effective. Rather than focusing on jump scares, the game builds tension through uncertainty and emotional discomfort. The deeper Yonny delves into the memories of those connected to Tommy, the more unsettling the revelations become. The true horror often comes from discovering hidden pain, fractured relationships, and difficult truths. This psychological approach creates a lasting impact because the fear stems from the characters' experiences and emotions rather than external monsters or supernatural threats. Another notable feature is the inclusion of player choices and multiple endings. Decisions influence how relationships develop and how the story ultimately concludes. These branching outcomes encourage replayability while reinforcing the game's central themes regarding wishes, consequences, and the paths people choose in life. The different conclusions provide additional motivation to revisit the narrative and explore alternate perspectives. The game is not without limitations. Players seeking action-oriented gameplay or highly complex puzzle systems may find the experience too slow-paced. Certain sections prioritize dialogue and narrative development over interactive challenge, which may not appeal to everyone. However, these design choices align with the game's storytelling ambitions and rarely detract from its overall effectiveness. The focus remains firmly on emotional engagement and narrative immersion. Recall: Empty Wishes succeeds because it understands that compelling mysteries are ultimately about people rather than puzzles. Its thoughtful narrative structure, strong character development, atmospheric presentation, and emotionally resonant themes combine to create an experience that remains memorable long after the final revelation. For fans of story-driven adventures, psychological mysteries, and games that prioritize emotional depth over spectacle, this is a highly rewarding journey that demonstrates the potential of interactive storytelling. Rating: 8/10