roytheboy
This review contains spoilers
What a game! What a beautiful, beautiful game!
What Remains of Edith Finch is everything I love about indie games. It lovingly and beautifully tells an interactive story that pulls you along each step in an engaging and often emotionally powerful way.
Before you read another word, I recommend you go into this one blind. This is a beautiful game that should be experienced. The only thing you should know going in is that it will hit you emotionally, so be in the right mindset for it. Otherwise, please go in blind.
With that out of the way, what did I love about this game? It's stunningly beautiful. It was created and crafted with so much care! Each part of the story pivots from style-to-style depending on the narrative and each one fits perfectly with the story being told. I never got bored with the art, even as it often changes wildly to suite the characters.
The gaming part is minimal, but wonderful. this is fundamentally a walking simulator, but there is enough nuance, discovery, and interaction to make it consistently interesting and a fun experience. I never became bored with the gameplay. That's a huge win with these kinds of games, they often drag at parts or get boring or repetitive, but this one never does.
The other thing that got me about this game is how hard it hits. In such a short amount of time I loved these people, I wanted the best for them. And over-and-over again you fall in love, dive deep into these stories, and are crushed by their ending. No one leaves unscathed. What wonderful storytelling. What an AMAZING creation from Giant Sparrow. It is not easy to write a story this well, and they nailed it (over and over again).
As for dislikes, there aren't many. The only thing I would have liked to see is more answers to a few of the stories. Two, maybe three of the stories are left open ended, and I would have liked them wrapped up a bit more - one story in particular had an opportunity to provide answers to the lose ends and instead gives us nothing. It would have been nice if there was something in the house providing hints at what really happened.
But honestly? Those critiques are very minor. And in writing this review I've changed it from a 4.5 to a full 5.0. This was everything I want in this kind of a video game and I couldn't have asked for a better experience. Thank you, Giant Sparrow. I'll definitely be playing your other game and watching out for whatever comes next!
What Remains of Edith Finch is everything I love about indie games. It lovingly and beautifully tells an interactive story that pulls you along each step in an engaging and often emotionally powerful way.
Before you read another word, I recommend you go into this one blind. This is a beautiful game that should be experienced. The only thing you should know going in is that it will hit you emotionally, so be in the right mindset for it. Otherwise, please go in blind.
With that out of the way, what did I love about this game? It's stunningly beautiful. It was created and crafted with so much care! Each part of the story pivots from style-to-style depending on the narrative and each one fits perfectly with the story being told. I never got bored with the art, even as it often changes wildly to suite the characters.
The gaming part is minimal, but wonderful. this is fundamentally a walking simulator, but there is enough nuance, discovery, and interaction to make it consistently interesting and a fun experience. I never became bored with the gameplay. That's a huge win with these kinds of games, they often drag at parts or get boring or repetitive, but this one never does.
The other thing that got me about this game is how hard it hits. In such a short amount of time I loved these people, I wanted the best for them. And over-and-over again you fall in love, dive deep into these stories, and are crushed by their ending. No one leaves unscathed. What wonderful storytelling. What an AMAZING creation from Giant Sparrow. It is not easy to write a story this well, and they nailed it (over and over again).
As for dislikes, there aren't many. The only thing I would have liked to see is more answers to a few of the stories. Two, maybe three of the stories are left open ended, and I would have liked them wrapped up a bit more - one story in particular had an opportunity to provide answers to the lose ends and instead gives us nothing. It would have been nice if there was something in the house providing hints at what really happened.
But honestly? Those critiques are very minor. And in writing this review I've changed it from a 4.5 to a full 5.0. This was everything I want in this kind of a video game and I couldn't have asked for a better experience. Thank you, Giant Sparrow. I'll definitely be playing your other game and watching out for whatever comes next!
2024
This is an excellent Portal fan game. Truly, one of the greats. If you love the Portal series, I'd recommend picking this one up. It does some really interesting things while looking to fill the gaps between Portal 1 and 2. At times, this feels exactly like a Portal game. The comedy, the weird characters, the puzzles. It all fits so well! At other times, it falls just short of what it needs to be.
First, what did I love? I love that it feels like a Portal game. I love that it presents difficult, but not impossible puzzles. I love that it comes up with new mechanics for how to use the pieces that exist in Portal 2. I love the three new characters you get to spend time with, their backgrounds, and evolution as characters.
What didn't I like? Some of the writing falls flat, specifically motivation of one character feels...unearned? It's too bad because I felt the story was very close, a few more moments of dialogue to build out the character and hint at their backstory would have made a big difference. There was also one puzzle that was, honestly, impossible. You have to stand in a specific spot to get the portal to work, going against every other puzzle in the whole game. I really frustrated me and I eventually had to look up the solution (but only to that one puzzle). It also drags a bit at times. Without the story driving it, its just a series of puzzles - sometimes for a reason and sometimes not. Valve was really, really good at walking that line and these creators come close, but don't quite hit it.
In the end, I really enjoyed this playthrough. I enjoyed the new atmosphere, puzzles, characters...all of it really. And if you love the Portal games, I think you'll really like this one. But you won't love it, and that's where my rating falls off a bit.
First, what did I love? I love that it feels like a Portal game. I love that it presents difficult, but not impossible puzzles. I love that it comes up with new mechanics for how to use the pieces that exist in Portal 2. I love the three new characters you get to spend time with, their backgrounds, and evolution as characters.
What didn't I like? Some of the writing falls flat, specifically motivation of one character feels...unearned? It's too bad because I felt the story was very close, a few more moments of dialogue to build out the character and hint at their backstory would have made a big difference. There was also one puzzle that was, honestly, impossible. You have to stand in a specific spot to get the portal to work, going against every other puzzle in the whole game. I really frustrated me and I eventually had to look up the solution (but only to that one puzzle). It also drags a bit at times. Without the story driving it, its just a series of puzzles - sometimes for a reason and sometimes not. Valve was really, really good at walking that line and these creators come close, but don't quite hit it.
In the end, I really enjoyed this playthrough. I enjoyed the new atmosphere, puzzles, characters...all of it really. And if you love the Portal games, I think you'll really like this one. But you won't love it, and that's where my rating falls off a bit.
2021
Sable was very cute with an extremely strong opening and a solid ending. I really enjoyed traveling around the world, exploring the different people within it, trying to figure out what I was going to become.
One of my favorite moments comes at the very beginning when a member of your village encouraging you on your journey say, "You're going to love it out there, even when you don't." And WOW, that blew me away! What a succinct and beautiful reminder of how we look back on the good and bad times in our lives - especially when we are younger. The game is chock full of that sort of stuff and I really enjoyed hearing it, digesting it, and talking it through with my friends.
Also, the art is beautiful. The style is simply perfect for this sort of adventure and I loved looking at the beautiful world they created for Sable.
A few critiques you should know about going in though: First, it's buggy. Really buggy. Even this many years later it has its hiccups. Nothing game breaking, but its noticeable. Second, the game gets a bit grindy in the latter third. If you want to do everything, you're going to be grinding, which feels like an imposition in this game. I should be exploring and enjoying not grinding. Better explanations on what you need to do next would go a long way. Finally, the while beautiful, at times and in certain locations the colors all blend together and the world loses definition. Mostly at "dusk". I had trouble seeing a few times and some of my vision impaired friends really struggled with this.
Still, with all that, Sable is a great little indie game with a good story and some nice meat to chew on as you step into life. I would 100% give this game to someone entering into college or who is struggling to figure out what's next.
One of my favorite moments comes at the very beginning when a member of your village encouraging you on your journey say, "You're going to love it out there, even when you don't." And WOW, that blew me away! What a succinct and beautiful reminder of how we look back on the good and bad times in our lives - especially when we are younger. The game is chock full of that sort of stuff and I really enjoyed hearing it, digesting it, and talking it through with my friends.
Also, the art is beautiful. The style is simply perfect for this sort of adventure and I loved looking at the beautiful world they created for Sable.
A few critiques you should know about going in though: First, it's buggy. Really buggy. Even this many years later it has its hiccups. Nothing game breaking, but its noticeable. Second, the game gets a bit grindy in the latter third. If you want to do everything, you're going to be grinding, which feels like an imposition in this game. I should be exploring and enjoying not grinding. Better explanations on what you need to do next would go a long way. Finally, the while beautiful, at times and in certain locations the colors all blend together and the world loses definition. Mostly at "dusk". I had trouble seeing a few times and some of my vision impaired friends really struggled with this.
Still, with all that, Sable is a great little indie game with a good story and some nice meat to chew on as you step into life. I would 100% give this game to someone entering into college or who is struggling to figure out what's next.
If you liked Celeste or you liked N64 platformers (or both), then I recommend you check it out. Its short, cute, and a lot of fun.
First thing in this game's favor: it's free! This was a gift from the Celeste team honoring the game's anniversary and you can really feel the original team in this game. All the mechanics from the original game are here but with a 3D platformer spin. The challenges get progressively more difficult, but nothing here is insanely hard. If I can beat it in 3 hours, anyone can.
Second, its a cute game. While not much of a story, the bits that are there are enjoyable and bring you back to the old Celeste world. A few familiar faces pop up throughout and each time its a real joy.
But (and of course there is a but) this is still probably only a 3 out of 5 game overall. As far as free games made over a week or two - yeah it's a five. This is a great game hitting exactly the beats it wants too in exactly the ways it intended. But this is also a very niche game for a niche audience and it does struggle at parts. For instance, the camera can be a real pain. I'd also hoped for a few more story beats, I don't think it would have been too hard to add in a few more characters from the game for you to meet with and slowly progress the story to the ending. Finally, I didn't really like the way it "ends". The goal isn't clear at all and when I got to the ending I didn't even realize it. I think they could have advertised a path or a purpose a bit more clearly.
Still, what a great cute game that I really enjoyed. Thank you Celeste team for this!
First thing in this game's favor: it's free! This was a gift from the Celeste team honoring the game's anniversary and you can really feel the original team in this game. All the mechanics from the original game are here but with a 3D platformer spin. The challenges get progressively more difficult, but nothing here is insanely hard. If I can beat it in 3 hours, anyone can.
Second, its a cute game. While not much of a story, the bits that are there are enjoyable and bring you back to the old Celeste world. A few familiar faces pop up throughout and each time its a real joy.
But (and of course there is a but) this is still probably only a 3 out of 5 game overall. As far as free games made over a week or two - yeah it's a five. This is a great game hitting exactly the beats it wants too in exactly the ways it intended. But this is also a very niche game for a niche audience and it does struggle at parts. For instance, the camera can be a real pain. I'd also hoped for a few more story beats, I don't think it would have been too hard to add in a few more characters from the game for you to meet with and slowly progress the story to the ending. Finally, I didn't really like the way it "ends". The goal isn't clear at all and when I got to the ending I didn't even realize it. I think they could have advertised a path or a purpose a bit more clearly.
Still, what a great cute game that I really enjoyed. Thank you Celeste team for this!
2020
What a great little puzzle game! You're a stickman solving platformer puzzles to get from one puzzle to the next all for some mysterious purpose.
It's a straight forward game with almost no side puzzles or secrets or multiple endings.
The ending is a bit of a trip and an extremely clever idea, but it does leave a ton of open questions, none of which are answered. That's probably where it lost points for me, the ending sets up something amazing but then just sort of...ends. I wish there was more meat there at the end of the game.
Still, what a cute, wonderful game! 4/5
It's a straight forward game with almost no side puzzles or secrets or multiple endings.
The ending is a bit of a trip and an extremely clever idea, but it does leave a ton of open questions, none of which are answered. That's probably where it lost points for me, the ending sets up something amazing but then just sort of...ends. I wish there was more meat there at the end of the game.
Still, what a cute, wonderful game! 4/5
2011
A cute game and certainly echoes of what would eventually become Hades. The story is intriguing but not as deeply examined as I hoped it would be.
There are some mechanics that were pretty frustrating for me. Aiming is a pain. Most of the long distance attacks don't have any sort of lock on mechanics or crosshair, so you have to guess. It's also difficult to figure out where the edges are sometimes. And, my other big critique is that the game itself gest a bit repetitive as things go on. But, it's a 5-6 hour game, so it's not like you're doing anything for that long.
In the end, I liked the game overall and I could see myself playing it again in the future to explore alternate endings and paths. And, if nothing else, this is a pretty cool piece of internet history to what would become one of the best Game Devs in the business.
There are some mechanics that were pretty frustrating for me. Aiming is a pain. Most of the long distance attacks don't have any sort of lock on mechanics or crosshair, so you have to guess. It's also difficult to figure out where the edges are sometimes. And, my other big critique is that the game itself gest a bit repetitive as things go on. But, it's a 5-6 hour game, so it's not like you're doing anything for that long.
In the end, I liked the game overall and I could see myself playing it again in the future to explore alternate endings and paths. And, if nothing else, this is a pretty cool piece of internet history to what would become one of the best Game Devs in the business.
2021
This game was recommended by a friend and fellow streamer, Garytron who said, "This is very much a Roy game" and he was right. I can't express how much I loved this one.
The Artful Escape follows a man stepping into adulthood with a shadow of expectation hanging over his head. One he is ready to embrace (albeit it out of the pressure he feels, not out of a love for that future). And then, out of nowhere, aliens show up and take him on a journey of discovery.
The themes of this game had me locked in, figuring out who you are, developing your own personal style and personal sound. Being challenged to create your own journey and definition of who you are, where you come from, and (most importantly) where you are going. And then, wrapping it up with themes of a legacy ending - of losing the thing that defined you and trying to figure out who you are while others take your place.
What a game. What a spectacular game.
I would consider changing two things about it though:
1. I would make the musical gameplay more difficult. This is really a walking simulator (a fun one!) with a few moments of discovery and a few moments of rockband like playing. But the rockband piece is lacking in difficulty and engagement. I think with a little more work they could have made this part of the game more difficult and much better.
2. I felt the ending was slightly abrupt. No way to talk about this without spoilers, but while not a bad ending, it felt like there could have been just slightly more to it and it would have finished the game perfectly.
Still, what a spectacular game. Running through worlds wailing on the guitar is a true pleasure. Definitely recommended!
The Artful Escape follows a man stepping into adulthood with a shadow of expectation hanging over his head. One he is ready to embrace (albeit it out of the pressure he feels, not out of a love for that future). And then, out of nowhere, aliens show up and take him on a journey of discovery.
The themes of this game had me locked in, figuring out who you are, developing your own personal style and personal sound. Being challenged to create your own journey and definition of who you are, where you come from, and (most importantly) where you are going. And then, wrapping it up with themes of a legacy ending - of losing the thing that defined you and trying to figure out who you are while others take your place.
What a game. What a spectacular game.
I would consider changing two things about it though:
1. I would make the musical gameplay more difficult. This is really a walking simulator (a fun one!) with a few moments of discovery and a few moments of rockband like playing. But the rockband piece is lacking in difficulty and engagement. I think with a little more work they could have made this part of the game more difficult and much better.
2. I felt the ending was slightly abrupt. No way to talk about this without spoilers, but while not a bad ending, it felt like there could have been just slightly more to it and it would have finished the game perfectly.
Still, what a spectacular game. Running through worlds wailing on the guitar is a true pleasure. Definitely recommended!
2020
I play this game way too much not to rate it 5 stars. If it's not a 5-star game, why am I putting in hundreds and hundreds of hours??
2019
Cute game, but hard to figure out a lot of it. If you like puzzle/mystery games this is a good one. There is some early hand holding and then quickly it gets harder. I enjoyed it overall, but not sure I would play it again or recommend it to most players
3/5
3/5
2022
There is nothing to this game. They came up with a really clever idea and the start of the mystery is great, but it leads to nothing. There is no ending. There is no story. There is no reason. You just solve puzzles for the sake of solving them and have "multiple endings" depending on how you lose.
I really can't recommend this one. It's a really, really cute idea that simply isn't executed.
I really can't recommend this one. It's a really, really cute idea that simply isn't executed.
2017
A cute little game about a robot who loves.
This isn't really a game. It's the original game, with most of the story taken our, replaced with another story that doesn't fit, and a few more things to burn.
I was really, really disappointed with this one. The first game was SO GOOD. One of my all-time favorites. But this game is just...not a good addition. It feels like someone had a clever idea and they figured they could make some money off of it so they put it together.
My biggest frustrating is the new story doesn't fit at all with the rest of what is going on in the world, so nothing that happens makes any sense. They even call this out at one point when a character you didn't talk to mails you a letter at the end telling that they didn't know you, but here is some story to try and get you through this next part. Just poor execution overall.
Get the original game and play it, but skip this one.
I was really, really disappointed with this one. The first game was SO GOOD. One of my all-time favorites. But this game is just...not a good addition. It feels like someone had a clever idea and they figured they could make some money off of it so they put it together.
My biggest frustrating is the new story doesn't fit at all with the rest of what is going on in the world, so nothing that happens makes any sense. They even call this out at one point when a character you didn't talk to mails you a letter at the end telling that they didn't know you, but here is some story to try and get you through this next part. Just poor execution overall.
Get the original game and play it, but skip this one.
A wonderful successor to the first game, takes the ideas of Talos Principle and expands them in to something fantastic. It also forces you to really deal with differing ideas of the world and how actions and words change people.
What if you discovered something that would change the future of humanity? What would you do - change everything? Undermine the current power structures? Create new ones?
All while being a really engaging puzzle game. Highly, highly recommended if you're in to that sort of thing.
The only little downfall is it can get tedious at times. There are A LOT of people to talk too, and you really need to talk to them over and over and over again. That slows down the game, but is also necessary for the game? So I'm not sure how I really feel about it.
What if you discovered something that would change the future of humanity? What would you do - change everything? Undermine the current power structures? Create new ones?
All while being a really engaging puzzle game. Highly, highly recommended if you're in to that sort of thing.
The only little downfall is it can get tedious at times. There are A LOT of people to talk too, and you really need to talk to them over and over and over again. That slows down the game, but is also necessary for the game? So I'm not sure how I really feel about it.
2015
I still don't like horror games, but this one is pretty amazing.
Exploring the ideas of what makes us human, who are we really, can we recreate ourselves...and if so, what does that mean for us? It is a truly breathtaking experience and horrifying from beginning to end.
Some really freaky moments as well for those who like to scream.
If you can handle horror games and spooky moments and getting attacked by monsters and also want an engaging and thoughtful story, this is the game for you.
Exploring the ideas of what makes us human, who are we really, can we recreate ourselves...and if so, what does that mean for us? It is a truly breathtaking experience and horrifying from beginning to end.
Some really freaky moments as well for those who like to scream.
If you can handle horror games and spooky moments and getting attacked by monsters and also want an engaging and thoughtful story, this is the game for you.
2020
A cute little game dealing with grief in unique ways. Seems focused on being a game for children, which is actually a win for the game overall as I think it introduces the topics of death and grief to children in fantastic ways, but it was a bit too kiddy for me, which knocked it down a few points.
If I had kids, this would have been 5/5 though.
If I had kids, this would have been 5/5 though.