Post by dmikester on May 26, 2017 11:29:42 GMT -5
I just finished this remarkable game last night, and while it's not a puzzle game, it does somewhat unexpectedly fall into the categories of Weird Fiction and Magical Realism, and is definitely the most wistful and sentimental Weird Fiction story that I've experienced. It's the story of a family, the Finches, who have lived in a giant secluded house on an island for several generations, and who all seem fated (or cursed as the family puts it) to die premature deaths either in the house or on the island that the house is on. I'll quote the game's Wikipedia entry to explain gameplay:
"As Edith, players travel back to the Finch family home in Washington to explore her ancestral history after recent family events drive her to learn more about herself and the Finches. Edith explores the house through regular doors and secret passageways, as well as the individual rooms of deceased family members who have been preserved like frozen moments in time. Players experience varied stories related to particular family members, with thematic and gameplay elements that change from story to story."
Note that this isn't really a "game" per se (while it's first person and interactive, you're basically playing a storybook and are more or less being guided on a very set path). It's also very short; it took me about two hours to finish. It does, however, feature a remarkable amount of innovative and beautifully designed game mechanics that tell the family's stories, including several ideas that I've never seen in a game before, and the overarching story itself is wonderfully told. I'd say it's well worth your time if you're interested in unique ways of telling stories and want to check out one of the most emotionally powerful Weird Fiction/Magical Realism stories out there.
Also, if you enjoy this, the same studio that made Edith Finch made another game, The Unfinished Swan, that is very different but also features a remarkable story and a totally unique and powerful gameplay mechanic that to my knowledge has never been imitated despite the game being released in 2012.
"As Edith, players travel back to the Finch family home in Washington to explore her ancestral history after recent family events drive her to learn more about herself and the Finches. Edith explores the house through regular doors and secret passageways, as well as the individual rooms of deceased family members who have been preserved like frozen moments in time. Players experience varied stories related to particular family members, with thematic and gameplay elements that change from story to story."
Note that this isn't really a "game" per se (while it's first person and interactive, you're basically playing a storybook and are more or less being guided on a very set path). It's also very short; it took me about two hours to finish. It does, however, feature a remarkable amount of innovative and beautifully designed game mechanics that tell the family's stories, including several ideas that I've never seen in a game before, and the overarching story itself is wonderfully told. I'd say it's well worth your time if you're interested in unique ways of telling stories and want to check out one of the most emotionally powerful Weird Fiction/Magical Realism stories out there.
Also, if you enjoy this, the same studio that made Edith Finch made another game, The Unfinished Swan, that is very different but also features a remarkable story and a totally unique and powerful gameplay mechanic that to my knowledge has never been imitated despite the game being released in 2012.