This is a game that was given away in the Epic Store years ago (holy crap, just looked it up, more than 7 years ago!) that I claimed and never really considered playing it. At some point since then, also years ago, I actually decided to download it, my reasoning being that having it there would force me to play it.
Well, I finally did.
I already knew it was a “walking simulator” game. Not sure if that’s a derogatory term or not -a game with minimal interaction, basically an interactive movie with no decision making- and I also knew that kind of games usually evokes a wide range of emotions by touching complex themes and subjects. In other words, I didn’t need convincing to play it; just motivation and taking the time to do it.
I finally played it and, to be straightforward, it wasn’t what I expected. I think I understand what the team behind wanted to show but it feels like they didn’t develop the story as much as they would’ve wanted because the ending felt rushed.
Usually, when you want to keep things up to interpretation, you give possible explanations or alternatives for people to think about and debate and make up their own headcannon. A clear example is Inception’s ending where we, the audience, cannot say for sure if Cobb ever wakes up or stays dreaming forever. There’s clearly two possible endings the movie presents to you.
In the case of What remains of Edith Finch, there is no possible explanation or even a remote hint of an explanation for the cause of the untimely deaths of the family members. And the problem with that is any possible explanation you as a the audience could come up with will always feel like a reach. I’ve read some theories saying the old house is a monster that influences the family and causes their deaths, or that Edie was the one behind all the deaths/murders. And the problem is there is no mention or hint of paranormal happenings in the whole game so saying an inanimate object is a monster feels like the biggest reach possible. Edie being behind the deaths also doesn’t seem plausible (Barbara disappearing or dying when Edie was with Sam in the hospital).
Again, you could somehow make those theories make sense, but the amount of assumptions required for it to work is just too much.
But back to my experience with the game. Like I already said, the ending felt rushed. I think there was space to share more about Edie’s experience after Dawn and Edith left, or the relationship between Edith and her mother or Edith and Edie. I think doing any of those could’ve given more weight to the ending because to be honest I never felt invested in Edith’s story so her fate did nothing for me.
I still enjoyed the game, I felt for the family and the permanent state of grief they must have been in. I’m glad I played it.