What Remains Of Edith Finch Pros & Cons

What Remains of Edith Finch: A Comprehensive Review

Introduction

What Remains of Edith Finch is a first-person narrative adventure game developed by Giant Sparrow and published by Annapurna Interactive. Released in 2017, the game invites players to explore the Finch family home as Edith Finch, the last surviving member of her family. The house is full of stories, each telling the tragic fate of a different Finch family member, and players uncover these stories by experiencing them firsthand. A highly acclaimed title, What Remains of Edith Finch is often considered a masterpiece in the genre of interactive storytelling. But, like all games, it has its strengths and weaknesses. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of this game.

Pros of What Remains of Edith Finch

1. Unique Narrative and Storytelling
   • One of the standout features of What Remains of Edith Finch is its masterful storytelling. Each family member’s story is told in a unique and engaging way, blending exploration, puzzle-solving, and narrative-driven gameplay. The game’s non-linear structure means that players uncover the stories at their own pace, with each one revealing different aspects of the Finch family’s tragic history. The themes of loss, family, and fate are thoughtfully explored through a mix of surreal and grounded scenarios.
2. Beautiful Visuals and Immersive Environment
   • The art direction of the game is stunning, with lush, detailed environments that feel alive and personal. The Finch family home is an architectural wonder, blending oddities like sprawling towers, rooms built atop rooms, and rooms that expand in strange ways. The world feels lived-in, with subtle details that draw players into the story. The attention to detail in the house itself, as well as in the various family members’ stories, is nothing short of remarkable.
3. Innovative Gameplay Mechanics
   • Each story is told through interactive gameplay mechanics, which is where the game truly shines. From controlling a character through a short story to experiencing a family member’s tragic death in a whimsical, almost dreamlike state, the mechanics are often unique to each family member’s story. These experiences provide variety, so the gameplay never feels repetitive or boring. This makes the game feel like an interactive narrative rather than a traditional video game, and the different gameplay styles keep it fresh and engaging.
4. Emotional Depth
   • What Remains of Edith Finch doesn’t shy away from deep emotional themes, and it’s one of the reasons the game resonates with so many players. The tragic fates of the Finch family members are poignant and thought-provoking, and the game creates a profound emotional experience without being overly melodramatic. The stories are heart-wrenching but also full of beauty, and players often find themselves reflecting on the themes long after the game ends.
5. Short Playtime
   • With an average playtime of about 2 to 3 hours, What Remains of Edith Finch offers a compact yet meaningful experience. It’s not a game that overstays its welcome, and its concise length means that players can enjoy it in a single sitting. This also makes it an ideal game for players who want a more immersive, shorter experience rather than a long, drawn-out campaign.

Cons of What Remains of Edith Finch

1. Linear Gameplay and Lack of Replayability
   • While the game’s linear narrative is one of its strengths, it can also be seen as a downside. Players are essentially guided from one story to the next with very little freedom of choice. Once the stories are completed, there’s little incentive to revisit the game. The lack of side quests or alternative paths means that the game is more of a one-time experience, which may disappoint players who enjoy replaying games for exploration or additional content.
2. Pacing Issues
   • Some players may find that the pacing of the game is inconsistent. While some stories flow naturally and captivate the player, others feel a bit slow or less engaging. For example, there’s a segment of the game where the player controls a character in a dreamlike state, which can feel disjointed compared to the other more interactive segments. These shifts in pacing might disrupt the emotional rhythm for some players.
3. Limited Interaction
   • Although the game’s innovative storytelling mechanics are a big part of its appeal, some players may find the lack of traditional game mechanics a bit limiting. There’s little in the way of complex puzzles or challenging gameplay, and the majority of the experience consists of exploration and watching stories unfold. While this works well for those who appreciate the narrative-focused approach, players looking for a more interactive or challenge-driven experience may feel underwhelmed.
4. Minimal Character Development
   • While the individual stories of the Finch family members are well-developed, the protagonist, Edith Finch, remains somewhat underdeveloped. Her story is more about discovering the history of her family rather than about her own growth or personal journey. This may leave players feeling disconnected from Edith’s character, as she doesn’t undergo the same kind of deep development as some of the family members’ stories.
5. Emotional Weight Might Be Too Much
   • What Remains of Edith Finch can be an emotionally taxing experience, especially for players who are sensitive to themes of death and loss. The game’s tone can be quite somber, and some players might find it emotionally overwhelming or even depressing. While this emotional depth is part of what makes the game so compelling, it might not be to everyone’s taste.

Conclusion

What Remains of Edith Finch is a beautifully crafted game that offers an unforgettable narrative experience. It excels in its unique storytelling, emotional depth, and artistic presentation. The game’s innovative gameplay mechanics, combined with its ability to touch on deep and meaningful themes, make it a standout title in the world of interactive storytelling. However, its linearity, lack of replayability, and occasional pacing issues may deter some players. For those who appreciate a moving, thought-provoking experience with a focus on narrative over traditional gameplay mechanics, What Remains of Edith Finch is a must-play.

In the end, the game provides a short but rich journey that leaves a lasting impression. If you’re in the mood for a reflective, emotional experience that delves deep into the human condition, What Remains of Edith Finch will not disappoint.