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CRITIK

What Remains of Edith Finch

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of What Remains of Edith Finch
Item: What Remains of Edith Finch
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2017

GenresAdventure, Indie, Puzzle and Logic, Drama, Mystery, Single Player, First Person Perspective

AvailableApr 24, 2017

PlatformXbox Series X, PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

DeveloperGiant Sparrow

Overview

What Remains of Edith Finch is a collection of short stories about a cursed family in Washington State. Each story offers a chance to experience the life of a different family member with stories ranging from the early 1900s to the present day. The gameplay and tone of the stories are as varied as the family members 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. It's a game about what it feels like to be humbled and astonished by the vast and unknowable world around us. You'll follow Edith Finch as she explores the history of her family and tries to figure out why she's the last Finch left alive.

Elsewhere

8.6

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

100%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of What Remains of Edith Finch has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the majority of critics. Many critics praised the game's narrative, describing it as immersive, engaging, and emotionally powerful. Nintendo Insider and NintendoWorldReport both highlighted the mysterious setting and captivating premise of the game, while Pocket Gamer UK commended its bold and exciting approach to storytelling, which seamlessly balanced grim deaths with light-hearted humor. Switch Player went as far as calling it a "storytelling masterpiece" that is both tragic and life-affirming. The game's ability to explore the tragic history of the Finch family through the exploration of their home and unique sequences was also highly praised by IBTimes UK and CGMagazine. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, there were a few critics who had some reservations about the storytelling in What Remains of Edith Finch. Slant Magazine mentioned that while each story in the game had its own unique aesthetic and storytelling device, they didn't always translate into emotionally resonant experiences. The game's fragmented narrative structure, which tells a series of compact and remarkable stories, was also noted by the Washington Post. However, these criticisms were in the minority and did not overshadow the overall positive sentiment towards the game's storytelling. In conclusion, the story of What Remains of Edith Finch is widely regarded as a standout feature of the game. Critics praised its immersive and engaging narrative, powerful storytelling, and the emotional impact of the tragic retellings and painful memories. The game's ability to explore the history and tragedies of the Finch family through unique sequences and the inventive and imaginative nature of the storytelling were also highly regarded. While a few critics had reservations about the fragmented narrative structure and the emotional resonance of some stories, the overwhelming consensus among critics is that the story of What Remains of Edith Finch is a compelling, emotional, and memorable experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics laud What Remains of Edith Finch for its immersive and emotionally powerful narrative, with praise for its unique storytelling approach that balances tragedy and humor. Despite some reservations about emotional resonance and fragmented storytelling, the game is widely hailed as a storytelling masterpiece that explores the tragic history of the Finch family through innovative and captivating sequences.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

54%

Mixed (50-79)

46%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of What Remains of Edith Finch are generally positive. Many critics praise the unique and ethereal experience of exploring the abandoned Finch home and delving into the final moments of deceased family members' lives. Nintendo Insider describes the gameplay as "feeling unique and ethereal," while Switch Player mentions that it consists of "interactive vignettes that immerse players into the lives of the Finch family members." This indicates that the gameplay successfully creates a captivating and immersive narrative experience. Additionally, critics like Xbox Achievements and Game Rant highlight the variety of gameplay experiences offered in each scene, with different gameplay features, art styles, and control devices. This variety adds depth and interest to the gameplay, making it engaging and enjoyable for players. On the other hand, some critics express concerns about the limited interaction and lack of challenge in the gameplay. App Trigger describes it as a "mechanically linear experience with limited interaction," while Gamers' Temple states that it is "relatively light on gameplay" and not challenging. Slant Magazine criticizes the intentional un-fun and brutal gameplay mechanics, which they believe reflect the theme of the game but may not be enjoyable for all players. These criticisms suggest that the gameplay may not appeal to those seeking more complex or challenging gameplay experiences. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the gameplay in What Remains of Edith Finch is a unique and engaging experience. The shifting gameplay and perspectives, as mentioned by Game Informer, keep players consistently surprised and excited for the next scene. The clever writing, level design, and inventive gameplay ideas, praised by Pocket Gamer UK and IBTimes UK, contribute to a captivating narrative experience. While some critics express concerns about the limited interaction and lack of challenge, the majority of reviewers appreciate the variety of gameplay experiences and the emotional engagement provided by the game. The positive aspects of the gameplay outweigh the negatives, making What Remains of Edith Finch a highly recommended experience for players who value storytelling and immersive gameplay.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics praise What Remains of Edith Finch for its unique and ethereal gameplay that immerses players in the lives of the Finch family. The game offers a variety of engaging experiences with different gameplay features and art styles. While some critics note the limited interaction and lack of challenge, the majority appreciate the captivating narrative and emotional engagement it provides. Overall, the shifting perspectives and inventive gameplay ideas make it a highly recommended experience for players who value storytelling and immersive gameplay.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

97%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of the critics praised the Graphics and Visual Design of What Remains of Edith Finch, with many describing it as beautiful, stunning, and visually impressive. They commended the attention to detail in the environments, particularly in the Finch household, which was described as one of the most fully realized homes in a game. Critics like Nintendo Insider, Easy Allies, and Game Informer highlighted the incredible level of detail in the rooms, with each one filled with photographs, drawings, toys, and other memorabilia that added to the immersive experience. The visuals were also lauded for enhancing the atmosphere and detail of the game, with Game Rant and Washington Post noting the unique and immersive visual design. While the overall sentiment towards the Graphics and Visual Design of What Remains of Edith Finch was positive, there were a few critics who had some reservations. Slant Magazine mentioned that while each story in the game had its own unique aesthetic, some visual elements felt trivialized by their presentation. They felt that certain visual devices, such as Walter Finch's bomb shelter or Barbara Finch's disappearance, did not translate into emotionally resonant experiences. However, this was a minor criticism in comparison to the overall positive reception of the game's visuals. In conclusion, the Graphics and Visual Design of What Remains of Edith Finch received high praise from the majority of the critics. The game was commended for its beautiful and stunning visuals, attention to detail, and immersive environments. Critics like NintendoWorldReport, Pocket Gamer UK, and TheSixthAxis highlighted the game's visual flair and style, while others, such as Game Informer and God is a Geek, praised the integration of visuals with the storytelling. Although there were a few minor criticisms regarding certain visual elements, the overall consensus among the critics was that the Graphics and Visual Design of What Remains of Edith Finch were very good.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics raved about the stunning graphics and visual design of What Remains of Edith Finch, praising the attention to detail in the Finch household and immersive environments. While some critics had minor reservations about certain visual elements, the overall consensus was highly positive, with the game being lauded for its beautiful visuals and integration with storytelling.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

100%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of the critics praised the sound design and music of What Remains of Edith Finch, with many highlighting its positive impact on the overall experience. NintendoWorldReport commends the well-acted narration and captivating soundtrack, while Switch Player describes the music, voice-acting, and scripting as outclassing the competition and enhancing the immersive experience. XBLA Fans also praises the vocal performances and the use of music, particularly the melancholy tunes, which adds to the overall emotional journey of the game. Xbox Achievements mentions the subtle audio design and fantastic voice acting, with the soundtrack perfectly complementing the strange tales. While the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, there are a few critics who do not provide specific feedback on the sound design and music. Game Rant mentions the clever and effective use of the DualShock 4's speaker but does not delve into the overall quality of the sound design. TheSixthAxis simply states that the voice acting is well done without elaborating further. Although these critics do not offer any negative opinions, their lack of detailed analysis on the sound design and music leaves room for interpretation. In conclusion, the sound design and music of What Remains of Edith Finch are highly praised by the majority of the critics. The positive feedback includes well-acted narration, captivating soundtrack, fantastic vocal performances, and the ability of the music to complement the emotional journey of the game. While a few critics do not provide specific feedback on the sound design and music, their overall positive sentiment aligns with the consensus of the majority. The haunting yet beautiful music is seen as a significant contributor to the overall experience of the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about the sound design and music in What Remains of Edith Finch, praising its impact on the immersive experience. Highlights include well-acted narration, captivating soundtrack, and fantastic voice performances that elevate the emotional journey. While some critics lack detailed feedback, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with the hauntingly beautiful music standing out as a major asset to the game's atmosphere.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

100%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in What Remains of Edith Finch has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the critics. Many critics, such as NintendoWorldReport and Xbox Achievements, praised the voice acting for being well-acted and fantastic, respectively. The actress who plays Edith was specifically highlighted by PlayStation Country for her brilliant voice work. The performances were described as incredible and unnervingly real by Push Square and VideoGamer, respectively. These positive opinions indicate that the voice acting successfully enhances the immersive experience of the game and adds to the emotional impact of the storytelling. While the majority of the critics had positive opinions about the voice acting, there were no negative opinions mentioned in the reviews provided. This suggests that there were no significant flaws or issues with the voice acting in What Remains of Edith Finch. The absence of negative comments further supports the notion that the voice acting was of high quality and well-received by the critics. In conclusion, the voice acting in What Remains of Edith Finch was highly praised by the critics. The performances were described as well-acted, fantastic, brilliant, incredible, and unnervingly real. These positive opinions indicate that the voice acting successfully enhanced the immersive experience of the game and added to the emotional impact of the storytelling. With no negative opinions mentioned, it can be inferred that the voice acting was consistently impressive throughout the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in What Remains of Edith Finch was very good.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics unanimously praise the voice acting in What Remains of Edith Finch as well-acted, fantastic, and brilliant, enhancing the immersive experience and emotional impact of the game. No negative feedback suggests flawless execution and high quality throughout.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

92%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The opinions of the critics regarding the technical performance of What Remains of Edith Finch vary across different gaming platforms. On the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Insider praises the Switch port, stating that it runs well with occasional moments of stutter or frame drops. NintendoWorldReport also finds the Switch version to be technically sound, with only minor hangups and a encountered bug. Pocket Gamer UK shares a similar sentiment, describing the Switch performance as pretty great with only slight graphical stutters. These positive opinions highlight that the game performs well on the Nintendo Switch, providing a smooth and enjoyable experience overall. However, on the Xbox One, XBLA Fans mentions noticeable texture pop-in when loading from a save, although it does not significantly impact the overall experience. Xbox Achievements also notes rare stutters and pauses to load in an area, but they do not detract from the overall experience. These criticisms suggest that while the Xbox One version may have some technical hiccups, they are infrequent and do not greatly affect the gameplay. On the PlayStation 4, App Trigger mentions a few technical hiccups that break immersion, Game Rant points out texture pop-in issues, and God is a Geek notes occasional frame-rate issues when saving. IGN and TheSixthAxis both mention noticeable performance dips and brief moments of stuttering. Video Chums highlights texture load-in issues after loading or selecting a story to replay, which breaks immersion. These negative comments indicate that the PlayStation 4 version of the game has more technical issues compared to the other platforms. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that What Remains of Edith Finch generally performs well across all platforms, with the Nintendo Switch version receiving positive feedback for its smooth performance. While some technical issues are present on the Xbox One and PlayStation 4, they are not significant enough to detract from the overall experience. It is worth noting that the critics' opinions on the technical performance are mixed, with some experiencing more issues than others. However, the general sentiment suggests that the game's technical performance is satisfactory, with occasional hiccups that do not hinder the overall enjoyment of the game.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics praise Nintendo Switch for smooth performance with minor hiccups, Xbox One has occasional texture pop-ins, and PlayStation 4 faces more technical issues. Overall, What Remains of Edith Finch performs well on all platforms, with Switch standing out for its enjoyable experience.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

36%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

14%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of What Remains of Edith Finch are quite varied. Nintendo Insider and NintendoWorldReport both highlight the positive aspects of the game's replay value. Nintendo Insider mentions that while the short length may deter some, the engrossing story makes it worth playing multiple times. NintendoWorldReport also praises the short length of the game, stating that it makes it perfect for replaying or showing to others. This suggests that the game's story and immersive experience are strong enough to warrant multiple playthroughs, which is a positive aspect for players who enjoy revisiting games. On the other hand, critics like Windows Central and XBLA Fans express a more negative view of the replay value. Windows Central states that the game has low replay value, which is typical for the genre. XBLA Fans describes the game as a narrative-based "walking simulator" with little challenge and no replay value, except for achievements that involve simple activities. These opinions suggest that the lack of gameplay variety and challenge may limit the game's appeal for players seeking replayability. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards the positive side. Several critics, such as Arcade Sushi, The Sydney Morning Herald, and TheSixthAxis, emphasize the engrossing and memorable experience of the game, despite its short length. Game Rant and Gamers' Temple, however, express concerns about the game's short length and lack of replayability, which may not satisfy players looking for a traditional adventure game. Despite these mixed opinions, the overall sentiment seems to be that while the game may not offer extensive replay value, its captivating story and immersive experience make it worth revisiting for some players. This sentiment is supported by critics like Video Chums and Gameplanet, who express a desire to revisit the game to relive its stories, and Washington Post, which highlights the game's rewarding nature for multiple playthroughs.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics are divided on the replay value of What Remains of Edith Finch. Some praise its engrossing story and short length, making it worth replaying, while others criticize its lack of challenge and gameplay variety. Overall, most critics agree that the game's captivating narrative and immersive experience justify revisiting it, even though it may not offer extensive replay value for all players.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

92%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment towards What Remains of Edith Finch is overwhelmingly positive, with the majority of critics praising the game for its exceptional storytelling and innovative gameplay experiences. Nintendo Insider describes it as an "exceptional experience" that will change the way players think about video game storytelling. NintendoWorldReport also highlights the game's captivating story, variety in gameplay, and well-acted narration as standout features. The game is hailed as a storytelling masterpiece by Switch Player, who emphasizes its tragic yet life-affirming nature, making it an unforgettable experience. IBTimes UK highly recommends playing the game, praising it as an astonishing patchwork of inventive ideas rich in unforgettable moments and an essential addition to the history of video game storytelling. Windows Central and XBLA Fans both commend the game for its compelling story, stunning graphics, and emotional complexity. While the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, there are a few criticisms mentioned by some critics. Game Rant mentions that some players may be disappointed by the game's ending and graphical issues. Slant Magazine notes that the fragmented storytelling may not cohere into a complete story, although it suggests that this may be intentional. Video Chums mentions that the game's short length and high price point may make it a questionable value proposition. Overall, the critics' opinions align in their praise for What Remains of Edith Finch. The game is hailed as a fantastic, moving, and memorable experience that sets new standards for storytelling in video games. Critics such as Pocket Gamer UK, Xbox Achievements, and Push Square describe it as one of the best stories in gaming, with incredible voice work, fully realized environments, and a new golden standard for the genre. The game's emotional impact, attention to detail, and exploration of death are also highly praised by CGMagazine, God is a Geek, and GamingTrend. The positive consensus among the critics highlights the game's ability to immerse players in a thought-provoking narrative and leave a lasting impact.

TL;DR

Critics rave about What Remains of Edith Finch as a storytelling masterpiece that revolutionizes video game storytelling. Praise for its exceptional narrative, innovative gameplay, and emotional depth is unanimous. Some critics mention minor flaws like the ending and price, but the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive. The game is described as a moving, memorable experience that sets new standards for the genre, with incredible voice work and fully realized environments. Critics agree that it's one of the best stories in gaming, offering a thought-provoking narrative that leaves a lasting impact.

CRITIK

Reviews

163 reviews found

100

XBLA Fans

Xbox One

Sep 1, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

What Remains of Edith Finch is an absolutely beautiful and emotionally complex game. It celebrates life and should not be missed.

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100

IBTimes UK

Xbox One

Jul 24, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review highly recommends playing the game, describing it as an astonishing patchwork of inventive ideas rich in unforgettable moments. It praises the game as interactive storytelling at its finest and an essential addition to the history of video game storytelling.

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100

Gaming Age

PlayStation 4

Jun 7, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game deserves to be played, remembered, discussed, and considered long after playing.

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100

TheSixthAxis

PlayStation 4

Apr 28, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

What Remains of Edith Finch is a short but fantastic experience that should be experienced by as many people as possible.

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100

GamingTrend

May 2, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

What Remains of Edith Finch is a phenomenal game that sets the bar for video game narrative design, offering a wonderful rumination on death and life.

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100

Push Square

PlayStation 4

Apr 26, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Giant Sparrow delivers beyond expectations with a moving, intriguing story, incredible voice work, and a fully realized home. What Remains of Edith Finch is described as the genre's new golden standard.

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God is a Geek

PlayStation 4

Apr 26, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game sets a new benchmark for storytelling and deals with death in a delicate and poignant way.

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GameCrate

May 4, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is praised for its meaningful storytelling and exploration of death, but the lack of clear answers may feel anticlimactic.

Arcade Sushi