Comprehensive Review and Philosophical Insights ofWhat Remains of Edith Finch


Game Features


• Storyline

• Rich in Magical Realism:The game centers on the protagonist,Edith Finch,who returns to her family's old mansion to uncover the mysterious deaths of her relatives.It is imbued with magical realism,telling a series of bizarre yet profound stories that explore life,fate,and human nature.Each family member's tale is both absurd and thought-provoking,delving into the depths of the human psyche.

• Multi-perspective Storytelling:The game employs a multi-perspective approach,allowing players to explore the history of the Finch family through different characters'eyes.This technique pieces together a fragmented yet complete world,oscillating between reality and illusion,and delivering a powerful and thought-provoking experience.

• Emotional Depth and Reflection:Despite its focus on the heavy theme of death,the game ultimately conveys a sense of reverence for life and encourages players to reflect on their own attitudes towards living.Each member of the Finch family lived in their own way,prompting players to ponder the question,"How do I want to live my life?"


• Gameplay

• Simple Controls,Accessible to All Ages:The game's controls are extremely simple,using only basic keys such as↑,↓,←,→,shift,and space throughout the entire experience.This makes it easy for players who are not skilled at gaming to pick up and play.

• Exploration and Puzzle-solving:Players need to explore the old mansion,search for clues,and solve puzzles to unlock various rooms and uncover the stories of each family member.This combination of exploration and puzzle-solving keeps players curious and eager to uncover the family's secrets.

• Unique Interactive Experience:The game's interactive design is very clever.For example,using mouse clicks and directional shifts to interact with the environment makes it feel as if players are truly exploring the rooms alongside Edith.Additionally,the game employs various innovative techniques,such as controlling characters within comic panels and using dynamic subtitles as gameplay prompts.


• Graphics and Sound

• Stunning Visuals with Meticulous Attention to Detail:The game's graphics are exceptional.Each family member's room is highly personalized and full of charm.From the weathered walls to the antique furniture,the changes in lighting and the textures of materials,every detail seems to tell a story about the characters.

• Outstanding Sound Effects and Atmosphere:The game's sound design is also top-notch.The opening music,Bach BWV 1007,is lively and resonant,immediately capturing players'attention.American composer Jeff Russo's original scores,such asEdith's ThemeandThe End,are deeply moving and leave a lasting impression.


• Drawbacks and Limitations

• Short Playtime:The game has a relatively short playtime,with most players completing it in 2–3 hours.Some may feel that it ends too quickly and leaves them wanting more.

• Potential for Motion Sickness:In certain scenes,such as when young Molly transforms into a cat,players who are not accustomed to the experience may experience motion sickness.Additionally,the shifting perspectives and unique visual effects in the game can sometimes cause dizziness.


Philosophical Insights


• Reflection on Death and Life
The game explores the inevitability of death and the fragility of life through the mysterious deaths of the Finch family members.Death is not the end but part of the story of life.As the game suggests,"Death is a strange thing.We fear it so much,yet we want to know what it is like.To disappear from the living and enter the unknown."Each family member's story prompts players to reflect on the meaning of life and how to find meaning in our finite existence.


• Legacy of Family and Memory
A core element of the game is the legacy of family memories.The stories and experiences of family members are preserved through words,objects,and environments,becoming part of the family's history.This legacy is not only a tribute to the past but also an inspiration for the future.The title of the game,"What Remains of Edith Finch,"refers to the heritage she leaves behind through her writings and memories.Family memories become a bridge for players to explore and understand their own identities.


• Intergenerational Transmission and Collective Unconscious
The game also explores the concept of intergenerational transmission,where emotions and psychological states can be passed down through families.The phenomenon of"intergenerational transmission"in psychology suggests that the experiences and emotions of family members can resonate across different generations.Additionally,the game draws on Jung's theory of the collective unconscious,implying that the stories of family members may reflect common archetypes and emotional experiences deep within the human psyche.Each family member's story can be seen as a reflection of an individual's inner world,mirroring the shared human experience.


• Confrontation and Avoidance
The game presents two contrasting attitudes:confronting death and avoiding it.Edie(Edith's mother)confronts the family"curse,"even preserving rooms and scarves for each family member,while Dawn(Edith's grandmother)tries to escape it by keeping Edith in the dark about the family's tragedies.This contrast explores the importance of facing fate and accepting reality.Ultimately,Edith chooses to confront her family's history,finding a way to reconcile with it by recording and commemorating each member's story.


• Reconciliation of the Individual with the Whole
The game explores how individuals can achieve wholeness when faced with the burden of family and history.Jung's theory of"individuation"suggests that individuals need to integrate consciousness and the unconscious to achieve a complete personality.In the game,Edith reconciles with her family and herself by exploring her family's history.This reconciliation is not only about accepting the past but also about looking forward to the future.


• Memory and the Meaning of Existence
The game emphasizes the importance of memory in defining our identities.The stories of family members are preserved through memory,becoming part of their existence.As the game says,"Death is not truly gone;being forgotten is."Through memory and storytelling,the lives of family members continue,and their experiences become part of future generations.This emphasis on memory reminds us that every life has unique value and meaning.


Conclusion
What Remains of Edith Finchis not just a game but a profound artistic work filled with philosophical contemplation.Through its stunning visuals,unique storytelling,and deep themes,the game invites players to explore family history while reflecting on the meaning of life and the shared human experience.Although the game is relatively short,its philosophical depth and emotional resonance leave a lasting impression.