Info about What Remains of Edith Finch:

Official game description:
Winner of Best Game at the 2018 BAFTA Game Awards, as well as Best Narrative awards at the GDC 2018 Choice Awards, 2018 SXSW Gaming Awards, and The Game Awards 2017, _What Remains of Edith Finch_ is a collection of strange tales about a family in Washington state.  
As Edith, you’ll explore the colossal Finch house, searching for stories as she explores her family history and tries to figure out why she's the last one in her family left alive. Each story you find lets you experience the life of a new family member on the day of their death, with stories ranging from the distant past to the present day.  
The gameplay and tone of the stories are as varied as the Finches themselves. The only constants are that each is played from a first-person perspective and that each story ends with that family member's death.  
Ultimately, it's a game about what it feels like to be humbled and astonished by the vast and unknowable world around us.  
Created by Giant Sparrow, the team behind the first-person painting game _The Unfinished Swan_.

Release date: Apr 24, 2017

Categories: Narrative Adventure, Environmental Storytelling, First-Person Perspective, Walking Simulator, Interactive Fiction, Choice-based Narrative, Exploration, Linear Progression


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics: No data
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes: No data


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Innovative gameplay and narrative fusion (weight 0.99): The game is praised for its unique and engaging gameplay mechanics that are tightly integrated with storytelling. Each character's story features distinct mechanics, enhancing immersion and narrative impact.
- Immersive atmosphere and design (weight 0.41): The game excels in creating a captivating and immersive atmosphere through detailed environments, sound design, and a seamless blend of narrative and gameplay elements.
- Thought-provoking themes on life and death (weight 0.27): The game presents death and life's meaning through poetic and artistic storytelling, using magical realism to explore these themes in a non-horrific and thought-provoking manner.
- Masterful use of music and sound (weight 0.19): The soundtrack and sound design are praised for enhancing emotional moments and immersion, with music timing and atmospheric details contributing significantly to the experience.
- Beautiful visual and artistic style (weight 0.18): The game features stunning visuals, detailed environments, and a unique artistic style that complements its melancholic and immersive storytelling.
- Strong voice acting and narration (weight 0.08): The voice acting and narration are top-notch, adding depth and emotional resonance to the characters and their stories, which players find highly engaging.

Common complaints:
- Pricing not justified for length (weight 0.16): Multiple reviews highlight the mismatch between the game's price (e.g., €18.50, $19, 850 rubles) and its short duration, leaving players feeling overcharged for the experience.
- Lack of gameplay depth (weight 0.14): Players expecting puzzles, challenges, or traditional gameplay mechanics find the experience too linear, simple, or lacking in interactivity, often describing it as a 'walking simulator.'
- Severe motion sickness issues (weight 0.13): The game's 3D mechanics, narrow FOV, and first-person perspective cause significant discomfort, including dizziness and nausea, particularly during specific scenes like the swing segment.
- Heavy emotional themes discomfort (weight 0.07): The game's focus on death, mental illness, and dark themes can be overwhelming or uncomfortable for some players, leading to emotional distress or anxiety.
- Visual and comfort issues (weight 0.06): Poor visual quality, dim lighting, and a narrow field of view contribute to player discomfort, with some textures appearing low-quality even on high settings.
- Slow pacing and limited interactivity (weight 0.05): The game's pacing is described as slow or tedious, with limited interactivity that may frustrate players looking for more engaging or dynamic gameplay.
- Delayed or regretted playtime (weight 0.03): Some players express regret for waiting too long to play the game or leaving it unplayed for extended periods, though this is a niche sentiment.

Gameplay feedback:
- Narrative-driven storytelling focus (weight 0.57): The game is primarily a narrative-driven experience, emphasizing storytelling akin to a movie or interactive novel. Players explore stories through environmental interactions, unique narrative styles, and minimal traditional gameplay mechanics.
- Unique storytelling per character (weight 0.56): Each family member's story is presented with distinct narrative styles, gameplay mechanics, and visual presentations (e.g., comic-style sequences, diary entries, or interactive vignettes). This variety enhances immersion and emotional impact.
- Minimal puzzles and mechanics (weight 0.39): The game avoids complex puzzles or fail states, instead using simple interactive mechanics (e.g., opening doors, swinging) to progress the story. This design ensures the focus remains on narrative exploration.
- Exploration of family history (weight 0.22): Players uncover the Finch family's tragic history through exploration of their home, interactive environments, and hidden documents. The game ties storytelling to physical spaces, like rooms or secret passages, to reveal memories and secrets.
- Creative mini-games and vignettes (weight 0.21): Each character's story features unique mini-games or vignettes with distinct mechanics (e.g., flying as an owl, comic-style sequences). These segments add variety and emotional depth to the storytelling.
- First-person immersion (weight 0.13): The game uses a first-person perspective to enhance immersion, allowing players to explore the Finch family home and interact with objects as if they were part of the story. This perspective is central to the narrative-driven experience.
- Walking simulator mechanics (weight 0.11): The game employs walking simulator mechanics, focusing on exploration and narrative immersion with minimal interaction (e.g., no running or jumping). This design prioritizes storytelling over traditional gameplay challenges.
- Linear but engaging narrative (weight 0.11): The game follows a linear narrative structure with no branching paths, but the storytelling is designed to be engaging and emotionally resonant. The lack of player choice is offset by the depth of the narrative.
- Environmental storytelling (weight 0.09): Storytelling is deeply integrated into the environment, using objects like diaries, letters, and room designs to reveal family history. This approach creates a cohesive and immersive narrative experience.

Performance notes:
- Performance stability varies (weight 0.06): Performance feedback is mixed: some players experience butter-smooth gameplay with no lag, while others report latency, scene restart requirements, or frequent crashes (闪退). Optimization appears inconsistent across systems.
- Low hardware requirements (weight 0.05): The game runs smoothly on minimal hardware, including older or low-end PCs, with players praising its accessibility for 'potato-level' systems. Some describe it as lightweight and efficient.

Recommendations:
- Masterpiece storytelling experience (weight 0.47): The game is widely praised for its emotional, narrative-driven experience, often described as a storytelling masterpiece. Players recommend it for its deep exploration of themes like mortality, memory, and family legacy.
- Highly recommended for narrative lovers (weight 0.43): The game is consistently recommended for fans of narrative-driven games, walking simulators, and emotionally impactful stories. It is often cited as an essential play for those who value storytelling over gameplay complexity.
- Short but impactful playtime (weight 0.33): The game is praised for delivering a profound experience in a short amount of time, making it ideal for players with limited time or those seeking a single, impactful playthrough.
- Accessible to broad audience (weight 0.31): The game is described as suitable for a wide range of players, including new gamers, teens, adults, and even older audiences. Its simplicity and emotional depth make it highly accessible.
- Replay value for narrative depth (weight 0.3): While the game is designed for a single playthrough, some players note its replay value for those who appreciate narrative depth, environmental storytelling, or achieving all endings.
- Best enjoyed at discounted price (weight 0.11): While many players consider the game worth the full price, a significant portion recommends purchasing it on sale due to its short length. It is often described as a worthwhile experience even at a lower price point.
- Games as an art form (weight 0.1): The game is frequently cited as proof that video games can be art, with comparisons to literary works and high praise for its artistic and narrative value. It is often described as a pinnacle of game storytelling.
- Reflective and personal experience (weight 0.08): Players highlight the game's ability to encourage personal reflection on life, death, and legacy. It is recommended to experience in solitude for maximum emotional impact.
- Play in one sitting for cohesion (weight 0.02): Players recommend experiencing the game in one sitting to maintain narrative cohesion and emotional impact. This approach is often cited as the best way to enjoy the story.
- Minor technical and comfort notes (weight 0.02): Some players provide advice on technical aspects, such as playing with mouse and keyboard for better immersion or adjusting the window size to reduce motion sensitivity or dizziness.
- Avoid if uncomfortable with dark themes (weight 0.02): While the game is widely praised, some players suggest experiencing it with a companion if uncomfortable with its darker themes or emotional weight.
- Potential for VR adaptation (weight 0.01): A niche group of players suggests the game would be well-suited for a VR adaptation, enhancing its immersive and narrative-driven experience.

Other player notes:
- Generational storytelling and trauma (weight 0.08): The game explores deep themes of family, generational trauma, and societal critique, often drawing parallels to literary works like *One Hundred Years of Solitude*. Players resonate with its emotional depth and narrative structure.
- Personal emotional connections (weight 0.04): Many players report strong personal connections to the game’s themes of loss, adolescence, and family history, often describing it as a long-time favorite or deeply resonant experience.
- Literary and cultural comparisons (weight 0.04): Players often compare the game to other works, such as *One Hundred Years of Solitude*, *Home Alone* (with a darker twist), and other Annapurna titles like *Florence* and *Kentucky Route Zero*.
- Societal critique and parody (weight 0.02): The game includes light parody of modern society and culture, as well as themes of human nature, self-destruction, and redemption, adding layers of depth to its narrative.
- Connection to other games (weight 0.02): The game is frequently discussed in relation to its prequel/sequel, *The Unfinished Swan*, and its place within the 'walking simulator' genre, which some players defend as having untapped potential.
- Trailer song and soundtrack impact (weight 0.01): The song from the Steam trailer by Andrew Prahlow is noted as a memorable and impactful element, enhancing the game’s emotional tone.
- Fulfillment of dreams in storytelling (weight 0.01): The game’s narrative explores the idea of fulfilling strong desires or dreams, adding a philosophical layer to its storytelling.

Emotions:
- Awe (weight 0.08): Players consistently highlight the game's masterful storytelling, emotional depth, and artistic presentation as the primary sources of awe. The blend of surreal gameplay sequences, haunting narratives, and breathtaking audiovisual design creates a uniquely immersive and emotionally charged experience that feels like a 'masterpiece' of interactive storytelling.
- Appreciation (weight 0.08): The game's creativity, emotional impact, and innovative storytelling techniques are frequently praised. Players appreciate its unique narrative styles, existential themes, and the effort put into crafting a detailed, atmospheric, and emotionally resonant experience, even if the genre isn't typically their preference.
- Admiration (weight 0.07): Admiration stems from the game's brilliance in storytelling, artistic ambition, and emotional depth. Players commend its ability to weave historical and cultural themes into a cohesive, immersive narrative, often calling it 'pure art' or a 'masterpiece' for its unparalleled creativity and soulful design.
- Melancholy (weight 0.05): The game's portrayal of tragic family fates, themes of loss, and inevitable sorrow deeply resonates with players. The hauntingly beautiful storytelling and emotional weight of the Finch family's deaths provoke lingering feelings of sadness, regret, and reflection on mortality and family legacy.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.05): The game evokes nostalgia through its detailed, memory-filled Finch house, relatable character stories, and themes of childhood imagination. Players often reflect on personal memories, family histories, and the bittersweet passage of time, creating a strong emotional connection to the game's world.
- Curiosity (weight 0.05): The game's mysterious atmosphere, hidden details, and unique storytelling methods for each character fuel curiosity. Players are driven to explore the Finch house, uncover family secrets, and piece together the tragic history and potential curse, often replaying to fully grasp the narrative.
- Reflection (weight 0.04): The game's exploration of life, death, and family provokes deep thought and personal introspection. Players often sit in silence after finishing, reflecting on themes of generational trauma, fate, and the emotional weight of the stories, which linger long after gameplay ends.
- Frustration (weight 0.04): Technical issues like poor mouse input, slow walking speed, and motion sickness detract from the experience. Players also express frustration with unresolved plot points, logical inconsistencies, and the game's short length relative to its price, which can disrupt immersion and enjoyment.
- Sadness (weight 0.04): The tragic and inevitable fates of the Finch family members, particularly the deaths of young characters, evoke profound sadness. The game's themes of grief, loss, and emotional storytelling create a deeply moving but sorrowful experience for many players.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.04): Players feel satisfied by the game's high-quality narrative structure, emotional impact, and immersive design. The unique storytelling methods, lack of bugs, and the feeling of a complete, well-crafted experience make the purchase feel worthwhile despite its short length.
- Disappointment (weight 0.03): Some players feel let down by the game's short length, lack of cohesive storytelling, or unmet expectations for suspense and emotional depth. The abrupt ending, unresolved mysteries, and perceived disconnect between price and content contribute to this sentiment.
- Immersion (weight 0.03): The game's smooth narrative flow, detailed portrayal of the Finch house, and first-person perspective create a deeply immersive experience. Voice acting, music, and interactive mechanics blur the line between player and character, making players feel like part of the family's story.
- Surprise (weight 0.02): Players are surprised by the game's fresh and unique approach to storytelling, unexpected twists, and inventive gameplay mechanics. The sudden, impactful moments and the depth of the narrative often exceed expectations, especially for a walking simulator.
- Contemplation (weight 0.02): The game's themes of life, death, and family legacy provoke deep contemplation. Players reflect on the symbolic depth of character deaths, the inevitability of fate, and the emotional resonance of the stories, often leaving them with heavy thoughts about their own lives.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.02): Despite its melancholic themes, players enjoy the game's creativity, engaging storytelling, and unique gameplay mechanics. The experience of discovering the narrative and sharing it with others adds to the overall enjoyment and appreciation of the game.
- Engagement (weight 0.02): The game's captivating narrative, unusual family story, and attention to detail keep players engaged from start to finish. The combination of mysticism, varied storytelling mechanics, and emotional depth ensures players remain hooked throughout the experience.
- Gratitude (weight 0.02): Players express gratitude for the emotional impact, life lessons, and beauty of the game. Many appreciate receiving it as a gift or thank the developers for creating an experience that resonates deeply and leaves a lasting impression.
- Shock (weight 0.01): The tragic and often horrific deaths of the Finch family members, particularly young characters, shock players. The sudden twists and turns in the storyline, along with the overall quality of the presentation, amplify this emotional response.
- Discomfort (weight 0.01): Motion sickness caused by 3D mechanics, narrow field of view, and unsettling portrayals of death create physical and emotional discomfort. The tragic fates of young characters and the game's eerie atmosphere can also contribute to this feeling.
- Impressed (weight 0.01): Players are impressed by the game's creativity, narrative design, and attention to detail. The emotional impact, innovative storytelling, and beautiful visuals often exceed expectations, leaving a strong positive impression.}