WHAT REMAINS OF EDITH FINCH (2017) was a very well done game full of heart and soul. As a walking simulator game, the gameplay is very limited. The story, visual art, and music, however, is where these kinds of games really shine. What Remains of Edith Finch has that great combination of Story, Art and Music.
A young woman, named Edith Finch, returns to her old family home, in search of answers to her childhood questions, the mystery of a curse that lingers over the Finch family. The house is seemingly unoccupied, and yet teeming with history and memory. In that sense, it is very alive.
As Edith, the player travels through the great mysterious Finch house, through each family members rooms, trying to make sense of their individual stories. All stories are vastly unique, told in a manner fitting to the specific character themselves, whether it be through reading a diary or snapshot of a camera. Each story is highly memorable, and often times, highly emotional too.
As far as story telling goes, this game was really well done, really meaningful and thought-provoking. The graphics and art were really great as well. The music and voice acting was amazing. This game was top notch quality. The unanswered questions were perhaps the only reason that caused me to lower my rating. I felt there was still so much to be said and explained, more to be desired. Although a beautiful and moving ending, it felt too open-ended for me and lacking real closure. A great play for fans of narrative driven, walking simulators.
STORY: 7/10
GAMEPLAY: 9/10
GRAPHICS: 9/10
ART DESIGN: 8/10
MUSIC: 9/10
OVERALL RATING: 8.5.
