What Remains of Edith Finch is a very unique game.
It originally released in 2017 on PlayStation 4, Xbox and PC, it launched on Nintendo Switch in 2019, iOS in 2021, and now finally on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S in 2022. That is a lot of releases over the span of nearly five years, and honestly, the game is still just as memorable as it was back when it first came out.
Today I wanted to take a look back at the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S release of the game, but to be blunt, it really isn't much different than what came before. This is still the same What Remains of Edith Finch, with the addition of new achievements, and some better looking visuals. None of this changes the core game, and that is perfectly okay.
Like I said, this is a very unique game, and despite its few hour run time, it is one that has stuck with me all these years. That alone should tell you just how special this game really is, but it also isn't a game for everyone. In fact, it might even be a bit too disturbing for some.
The Story:
What Remains of Edith Finch is a story of a young girl named Edith returning to her childhood home. She has been gone for quite awhile, and she is also sadly the last remaining member in her family. The home has been locked up and abandoned, and she now wants to get one last look at it before becoming a mother.
The thing is... Her family isn't normal, and there is a reason she is the last remaining member.
While exploring, the game's story is narrated by Edith herself as she takes the time to explain everything she knows about her heritage. The house she grew up in was massive, and each member of the family had their own unique room. However, as tragedy befell each member one by one, these rooms were sealed off never to be opened again... Until now.
As Edith works her way through the home and shares the stories of her family members, she eventually makes it into their rooms to get a closer look. Some of these are people she never got to meet and only heard stories about, while others she did know personally. Exploring each room gives both Edith and you as a player a glimpse into their life, but then the game does something different... It gives you a front row seat to their death.
When triggering a flashback the story shifts to the perspective of the deceased family member. It not only shows what happened, but in some cases gives a look into their mental state as well. This is where the game truly becomes heart wrenching as some of these stories may hit hard. The very first story is the death of a 10 year old girl due to her mother not paying attention, while the bathtub scene is sure to scare any parent of a newborn. Another story shows the importance of mental health, with an ending that was pretty surprising...
All of these stories come together to form one big tale of a cursed family, with Edith hoping that one day her child can live in a happier world. A world free from all of this drama and death, but not free from the memories of those who came before.
The Gameplay:
The gameplay in What Remains of Edith Finch is a lot different than what one might expect.
At its core the game is what one would call a "walking simulator," where you mainly spend your time simply walking around in first person and listening to the story. The house itself is quite large, and there is some light puzzle solving to access new areas, but for the most part it is a straight shot from start to finish. Enter a new area, look around, listen to Edith tell her story, and then make your way into one of the many bedrooms. This is the pattern that will be repeated from beginning to end, but it isn't all the game has to offer. And while it may seem a bit creepy at first, there is actually nothing to be afraid of in the house itself.
All of its scares are psychological and come from the dark subject matter tackled in the flashbacks, and that is where things change. Much like with Edith telling her side of the story however, this walking and exploration aspect of the game is really only a small part. Once again, it is in these tales of death that the real gameplay shines.
Every single flashback story is unique with its own unique gameplay mechanics. The very first one is an interesting take on a child's imagination during her final moments, and it doesn't play too differently at first. As the story goes on however, her perception of her very self changes, and that alters how her section of the story is played. It isn't anything too crazy to start the game off with, but it does a good job of making you question exactly what it was you just saw.
After completing the first story, gameplay once again shifts back to Edith, and exploration continues to be the focus. Edith adds some additional context to the story that was just shown, but taking a look around each family member's room also adds a lot to the experience. There are little subtle clues hidden throughout the entire house, and rushing from point A to point B will cause you to miss out on things. Of course this is typical for games of the genre, but things chance once again the moment you reach the second story.
While the first flashback plays similarly to Edith's exploration segments, the same can't be said for everything that comes after. Each flash back is different from the last, with the gameplay constantly changing. One of the more unique stories of the game gets you into a repetitive pattern, and then evolves it into a multitasking trip, that requires you to keep up the initial pattern while also navigating through an adventure. I won't ruin it, but it might be my personal favorite out of all of the flashbacks, and it shows just how different each of these stories really are. None of them overstay their welcome either, as they are all just long enough to draw you in, and then they are taken away; just like the very life that was just lost.
Should you play it?
While nothing in What Remains of Edith Finch is truly groundbreaking, it is the way the narrative and unique mix of gameplay blend together that truly draws you in. The short time you spend learning about each character and their death makes you feel like you've known them your entire life, and you can't help but look at the empty rooms and feel a sense of sadness. These are fictional characters, but the pain of losing someone is very real, and this game does an excellent job capturing that. Some stories will hit hard for those who can relate, and it might make others rethink their own actions. The emptiness this game leaves you with is something that is hard to describe, but it is a feeling I will never forget... And that is how you know this game is special.
It might not resonate with everyone, but everyone should at least give it a chance.
VERDICT: Essential
Reviewed on PlayStation 5
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