Video Games - Review 01

What Remains of Edith Finch - A gameplay review 

 Hello Blog,

It’s been a while since I last shared my thoughts here.

TL;DR – While this space is usually reserved for movie and ad film reviews (which I still love!), recently, I’ve found myself captivated by watching the gameplay of some cult classic video games on YouTube. One game that really caught my eye is What Remains of Edith Finch, and after seeing its overwhelmingly positive reviews, I couldn’t resist diving in. I cleared about 1.5 hours of my day and hit play. Here’s what I  think about this game, I hope you enjoy this piece. 

Image Source: what-remains-of-edith-finch

What Remains of Edith Finch is a hauntingly beautiful yet unsettling experience. Many describe it as such, but to me, it felt like an interactive storybook with emotional depth. The game revolves around the Finch family, who left their Scandinavian roots for a new life in America, only to face a series of tragic and untimely deaths that gradually wipe out the family one by one.

The narrative structure is the game’s true gem. As the player, you explore Edith Finch’s childhood home, a place filled with memories and personal belongings that serve as a bridge to the lives of her deceased family members. Each room tells a unique story about one of her ancestors, offering a glimpse into their life, their personality, and the devastating event that led to their death.

Source: https://www.redbull.com/in-en/what-remains-of-edith-finch-interview

What stands out most is how deeply immersive and intimate these stories are. The way the game crafts each character’s room, weaving together personal artefacts, visual storytelling, and impactful narration, brings a level of emotional depth that’s rare in modern-day video games. This is what, I think puts WREF and its (sequel?) the Unfinished Swan at a superior level, in terms of their storytelling. 

It’s not just about the events that led to the family’s demise—it’s about how these individuals lived, loved, and were remembered.

Death, a topic we often avoid talking about, is at the heart of What Remains of Edith Finch. While it might seem like it's the central focus, the game handles the theme with maturity, grace, and creativity. It’s less about fearing death and more about understanding and embracing it—a theme that echoes throughout the Finch family’s story. In this way, the game feels human, raw, and deeply moving.

As the narrator, Edith Finch guides you through her family’s legacy. What’s fascinating is how the exploration isn’t just about uncovering dark secrets but also about her emotional connection to her ancestors, and allows her to swallow her mother's protective behaviour towards her when she was a child. 

The game takes about two hours to complete, but it’s an experience that leaves a lasting impact. Once it’s over, you won’t quite feel the same again.

Huzzah! 

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