14 DAY TRIAL // 
A spiteful logic-focused Artificial Intelligence is denying access to a crucial elevator. It could take me to the top of this retro-futuristic structure and bring me closer to Grace and the mystery of her disappearance. But this damn algorithm is not listening to rational arguments, so Adie, my archaeologist character, has to take the long way around.
She quickly finds a way to climb a few floors, rummaging through some apartments for audio diaries as she goes. It takes a few tries and some falls until she also masters the art of balancing on a narrow beam, to get to a previously inaccessible section of the level. All the other A.I.s comment on her performance but Logic stays quiet, unwilling to help in any way.
Finally, Adie explores a floor full of apartments, looking for clues to the identity of one person. There were plenty of people looking to get to Grace and they all had an interesting story to tell her and wishes to make. I’m skeptical that an all-powerful Artificial Intelligence that can transform people’s lives is a good idea but the character I’m controlling seems convinced that it could solve many of humanity’s problems.
Return to Grace is both developed and published by Creative Bytes Studios. I played on the PC using Steam. This is a narrative-focused adventure that asks players to explore linear levels while engaging with a range of puzzles.
Players will control space archaeologist Adamari Ito, known as Adie. She is searching for a long lost Artificial Intelligence called Grace, which powered a Golden Age for humanity before disappearing. The year is now 3820 and our intrepid heroine has been gathering clues about the location of this A.I. for a long time. It’s time to commit and find her.
After a crash landing, Adie manages to enter the structure that houses the computer consciousness. She quickly discovers that it’s impossible to interact with her original personality. But, after being cut off from Allen, the A.I. of her own ship, she gets to meet a range of computer personalities that will accompany her on her adventure. Grace might no longer be online but certain aspects of her personality exist on her own and will be quick to try and influence how players understand the world.
The constant interaction between the main character and all these computer personalities is fascinating, well-written, and often simply fun to listen to. It also creates a perfect channel to reveal more about this version of the future and about Adie herself. The writing is good and the central mystery is compelling enough to keep players engaged, moving forward through the spire, trying to get to the truth about Grace.
The companions also feature the mechanics of Return to Grace. The game is, at its core, all about exploration, with some puzzles, quick time events, and other mini-games thrown in. There’s enough variety to keep players engaged but not a lot of depth.
Addie will use her special wristwatch, which handles communications, to sync up to capsules that contain audio logs and to hack into computer terminals. Our protagonist will open keypad doors by simply following light patterns provided by one of the A.I. personalities. Another will offer hints for the more secure doors. They are very helpful as they seek to get to the top of the structure and influence the way our heroine will solve the mystery of Grace.
The various puzzles aren’t very difficult and there’s little challenge in the more physical challenges. Adie will deal with most climbing or crawling on her own, once players push a button. The world of Return to Grace is monumental but there are only a few opportunities to interact with it in meaningful ways, other than observing details to listen to reactions from the A.I.s and maybe get some extra lore.
The game also starts moving a little fast as it nears the narrative’s conclusion. Its middle act needs a few more challenges and some extra time for Adie and her companions to interact and know each other better.
The setup for the core mystery will keep players engaged, while the computer voice adds to the immersion. The game is perfect for any adventure fan who wants a strong narrative that can be completed in two or three sessions and doesn’t mind that puzzles sometimes feel like simple speedbumps.
Return to Grace has a carefully curated style, even if the quality of graphics isn’t stellar. This might be the fart future but tech and designs has a retro feel, which matches the themes of the narrative. The game’s locations are often beautiful but there are also plenty of rooms that look basically the same and environmental textures that don’t impress when standing too close to them.
The sound section of the presentation is better than the graphical one. There’s full voice acting and all actors involved are fully committed and create beautifully nuanced characters. The title features acting from Athena Karkanis, Karen Knox, Alexandra Ordolis, and Dick Terhune. Their performances are good enough to keep players immersed even if they don’t love the central mystery. I actually wanted the game to have more conversations and opportunities for Pal to say something weird that attracts a cascade of reactions from Logic and Jack. The music is also decent, although it can’t be as interesting as the voice work.
The Good
- Cast of A.I. characters
- All voice work
- Vision of the future
The Bad
- Limited gameplay
- Story feels a little rushed
- Some puzzle design
Conclusion
Gameplay strives for variety but most of the featured mechanics feel shallow. It would have been better for the developers to focus on just one core idea and execute it with more complexity and a higher difficulty level. Despite this limitation, Return to Grace is one of the most interesting science fiction adventures I’ve played recently, and as many players as possible need to experience the banter of its A.I. companions.
A review key was provided by the publisher
