In the world of video games, one of the advantages we have as fans is the possibility of finding multiple types of games. Some are action driven, some are best played with friends and some of them tell moving stories. Whether you love explosions, shooters or party games, I think the story of Edith Finch and her family is a worthy tale to explore.
What Remains of Edith Finch is an indie video game developed by Giant Sparrow and published by Annapurna Interactive. It was released in 2017 for various platforms including PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, and Nintendo Switch. The game is categorized as a first-person exploration adventure game with narrative-driven gameplay.
The game follows the story of Edith Finch, the last surviving member of the Finch family, who returns to her family’s home, known as the Finch House, in Washington state. The Finch family has a long and storied history, with each member having their own unique story and fate. Edith explores the house, uncovering the stories of her relatives through a series of interactive vignettes, each presented in a different gameplay style.
The gameplay in What Remains of Edith Finch is highly varied, as each story is presented as a standalone chapter with its own distinct gameplay mechanics. Some have described the gameplay as a “walking simulator”, but I think it goes beyond that.
Players will experience different perspectives and play as different family members, ranging from a young boy exploring a fantasy world in a bathtub, to a teenage girl recounting her day in a comic book style, to a man working at a fish cannery. Each story offers a unique gameplay experience that is tailored to the narrative being told, creating a diverse and engaging gameplay experience.
As Edith uncovers the stories of her family members, she also discovers the mysteries and tragedies that have befallen the Finch family over the years. The game delves into themes of family, loss, and the passage of time, as Edith pieces together the history of her family and comes to understand the circumstances that led to their untimely fates.
The game also features a strong emphasis on environmental storytelling, with the Finch House itself serving as a character in the game. As players explore the house, they can interact with various objects, photographs, and artifacts that provide insights into the lives and personalities of the Finch family members. These environmental details help to flesh out the rich narrative and world-building of the game.
One of the standout features of What Remains of Edith Finch is its visual and audio design, which adds to the game’s immersive atmosphere. The game features stunningly detailed and imaginative environments, ranging from the lush Pacific Northwest wilderness to surreal and fantastical dreamscapes. The game also utilizes a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack and expert sound design to create an emotional and immersive experience for players.
What Remains of Edith Finch has been highly praised for its unique storytelling, immersive atmosphere, and innovative gameplay mechanics. It has won numerous awards, including the prestigious Best Game award at the 2018 BAFTA Games Awards, and has been praised for its emotional impact and thought-provoking narrative. The game is often regarded as a masterpiece of storytelling in the video game medium, offering players a memorable and poignant experience.
The storytelling in What Remains of Edith Finch is deeply moving and thought-provoking, with a rich and complex narrative that encourages players to reflect on the nature of life, death, family, and the stories we leave behind. The game’s storytelling is often described as emotional, powerful, and resonant, and it has been lauded for its masterful storytelling that draws players into the lives of the Finch family members and leaves a lasting impact.
But the game is not limited to emotional feelings, since each character’s story has a life and an ending different to others, so you can find yourself in different kinds of adventures, some can be chilling, some can be funny and some can be outright weird. In general, What Remains of Edith Finch is a rich story-driven game that will not disappoint and it positions video games as a powerful medium to tell a good story.