A touching game about all the ways one can live their life and the impact they have on others. It embraces the futility of life, but emphasizes the aspects that make us human and unwilling to quit. The path to happiness is different for everyone, and even if we’re doomed from the start, we still have to try.

The game explores the anthology of the Finch family and a curse that seems to result in strange deaths for each of them. As Edith, you are the most recent resident of the family home since you and your mother left your grandmother there after the disappearance of your brother. As you go through your childhood home, you finally learn your family history. To this point your mother kept it from you (actually sealing multiple doors with insulation spray) and forbade your grandmother from speaking about any of it. Each branch of the family tree is presented in a different way. You see one as a comic book, and another through the lens of a camera. The perspectives shift with each member as you see their lives from their viewpoint or from another that was close to them. Putting you in their shoes or as someone they’re close to, allows you to really get to know them as people. It gives you a chance to make a connection to their story when otherwise you may have been unable to. This choice made me think more about what other people go through that they don’t share. If we share our troubles with others we may find that we’re not alone and that kinship could lead to a resolution or at least give us comfort. This is but one of the messages one can parse from this wonderfully crafted tale and because of the diversity of stories, many more can be extrapolated as each story stands out in different ways.

You play through each scenario until their bitter end and they are gripping the entire time. Some are shorter than others, but still have a similar impact. My personal favorite comments on non-fulfillment within an industrial society focused on productivity and profit margins rather than creativity. This one ends tragically, just like the others, which is way too familiar nowadays because of the subject matter. At least one of the stories will probably resonate with you and the ones that don’t will still give you some perspective on what others may be experiencing. It’s an art piece that seeks to inspire and it succeeds in that wholeheartedly.

What Remains of Edith Finch’s differing storytelling methods and presentation are immediately gripping. Gameplay is a vessel to experience the narrative and because of it being such a strong driving force, it didn’t need to be overly complex. This is a special title with a lot to say and it articulates its ideas well. It might even be in my top games, but I’ll have to think about it a bit more. The thought-provoking stories here are exactly the kind I’m looking for, so it’ll likely make the cut. For now, give this little game a shot if you have a few hours to spare. It’ll fill your heart and give you something to think about when you’re decapitating fish. ;)