“What Remains of Edith Finch” is a critically acclaimed adventure game developed by Giant Sparrow and released in 2017 like the one epicgames.com. It is a narrative-driven experience that focuses on exploring the mysterious history of the Finch family.
The game revolves around Edith Finch, the last surviving member of the Finch family, who returns to her family’s secluded home in Washington state. As she explores the house, she uncovers a series of short stories, each depicting the final moments of a different family member.
Pros of “What Remains of Edith Finch”:
- Captivating Narrative: The game’s storytelling is its strongest aspect. Each story is uniquely crafted, taking players on an emotional journey that explores themes of life, death, and family. The writing is superb, and the game effectively draws players into the lives of the Finch family.
- Engaging Gameplay: Despite being an exploration-based game, “What Remains of Edith Finch” offers a variety of gameplay mechanics. Each family member’s story is presented as a different gameplay scenario, ranging from first-person exploration to mini-games. This diversity keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging throughout.
- Beautiful Visuals and Sound Design: The game’s art style is visually stunning, with detailed environments and atmospheric lighting. The house itself is a character, and each room tells a story through its design. The sound design and score are also exceptional, enhancing the game’s immersive and emotional experience.
- Thought-Provoking Themes: “What Remains of Edith Finch” tackles profound themes such as mortality, identity, and the power of storytelling. It prompts players to reflect on the significance of life’s fleeting moments and the impact of family legacies.
Cons of “What Remains of Edith Finch”:
- Short Duration: The game can be completed in a relatively short time, typically around two to three hours. While the experience is rich and impactful, some players may find the brevity of the game disappointing.
- Limited Interactivity: As a narrative-driven experience, the gameplay is heavily focused on exploration and storytelling. While this suits the game’s purpose, players seeking more complex gameplay mechanics or challenging puzzles might find it lacking.
How to Play “What Remains of Edith Finch”:
- Exploration: As Edith Finch, you navigate the family house, searching for clues and uncovering the stories of your relatives. Move around using the control stick or WASD keys (depending on your platform), and interact with objects by pressing the corresponding button.
- Story Segments: Each family member’s story is a self-contained segment with its own gameplay mechanics. Follow the on-screen prompts to understand how to interact and progress within each story. These segments can include activities like swimming, swinging, or performing simple actions.
- Progression: As you explore the house, you’ll encounter sealed-off rooms and passageways. To unlock new areas, you must find specific objects or trigger certain events. Pay attention to the environment, read letters, and examine artifacts to piece together the story.
- Emotional Experience: “What Remains of Edith Finch” is meant to evoke an emotional response. Immerse yourself in the narrative, listen to the character’s thoughts, and explore the details of their lives to fully appreciate the game’s intended impact.
Remember that the game is best enjoyed without spoilers, so avoid reading detailed plot summaries or watching playthroughs if you want to experience it firsthand.
Top 10 Alternatives of What Remains of Edith Finch
“What Remains of Edith Finch” is a critically acclaimed narrative-driven adventure game that offers a unique and emotional storytelling experience. While no game can perfectly replicate its style and atmosphere, there are several other games that provide similar gameplay elements and narrative focus. Here are ten alternatives that capture the essence of “What Remains of Edith Finch” in different ways:
- “Gone Home”: Developed by Fullbright, “Gone Home” shares similarities with “What Remains of Edith Finch” in terms of gameplay and narrative structure. It revolves around exploring a seemingly empty house and uncovering the story of the protagonist’s family through journals, letters, and other interactive objects.
- “Firewatch”: Developed by Campo Santo, “Firewatch” immerses players in a beautiful and mysterious wilderness setting. It combines exploration, dialogue-driven narrative, and a deep sense of isolation and introspection. Like “Edith Finch,” it focuses on storytelling and character development.
- “The Vanishing of Ethan Carter”: This first-person exploration game, developed by The Astronauts, follows a detective with paranormal abilities as he investigates the disappearance of a young boy. It features a captivating narrative, stunning visuals, and a haunting atmosphere reminiscent of “What Remains of Edith Finch.”
- “Dear Esther”: Originally a mod, then later remade as a standalone game by The Chinese Room, “Dear Esther” is a first-person exploration game set on a deserted island. It presents a nonlinear narrative that gradually unfolds as players explore the environment, triggering fragments of poetic monologues.
- “Tacoma”: Developed by Fullbright, the same studio behind “Gone Home,” “Tacoma” is a sci-fi adventure game set aboard a space station. It shares similarities with “Edith Finch” in terms of its narrative focus, exploration, and uncovering the personal stories of the crew members.
- “Night in the Woods”: Developed by Infinite Fall, this indie game combines exploration, platforming, and narrative-driven gameplay. It follows a young college dropout named Mae as she returns to her hometown and uncovers a series of mysteries while exploring themes of friendship, identity, and mental health.
- “The Beginner’s Guide”: Created by Davey Wreden, the developer of “The Stanley Parable,” “The Beginner’s Guide” is a unique and introspective experience. It delves into the works of a fictional game developer and provides a thought-provoking narrative that challenges players’ perceptions of art, creation, and personal expression.
- “Oxenfree”: Developed by Night School Studio, “Oxenfree” is a supernatural thriller that combines a compelling narrative with dialogue choices and exploration. It tells the story of a group of friends who accidentally open a ghostly rift while on an overnight island trip, and the consequences that follow.
- “Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture”: Created by The Chinese Room, this first-person exploration game takes place in a small English village during an apocalyptic event. Players unravel the story by exploring the deserted town and interacting with ethereal remnants of the residents’ lives, offering a similar sense of mystery and discovery found in “What Remains of Edith Finch.”
- “Her Story”: Developed by Sam Barlow, “Her Story” is a unique FMV (full-motion video) game where players must unravel a complex mystery by searching through a database of police interview footage. The nonlinear narrative and investigative gameplay create a compelling and immersive experience.
While these games may not perfectly replicate the experience of “What Remains of Edith Finch,” they share similarities in terms of storytelling, exploration, and creating an emotional connection with the player.