The First Tree

I really liked the idea of this game, but I can't say I enjoyed it that much (even though I usually enjoy games of this genre). It does look nice at the first glance but the flaws become apparent rather quickly. I did not enjoy the pace, wasn't impressed by level design, was a bit put off by janky animation of the fox, and ultimately found the experience quite dragged out and forgettable.

This is why games exist. I've been playing computer games since the mid 1970's -- Star Trek on a PDP-10 was my first. I have never cried playing a game. Until now. We play games to feel something: excitement, amazement, power, joy, silliness, amusement. We laugh. We duck. We shout at the screen. We sigh as we die for the umpteenth time to a stupid cheating boss. But we don't feel awe. Or experience regret. Or feel a sense of loss. Or remember how much we miss our parents and children. Or key in on memories the better part of a century past, even when you're as old as I am. The First Tree is deep: emotionally, profoundly deep. It is tragic and peaceful and awe inspiring. It is painful to play if you've ever had children, if you've ever lost someone special. But there is beauty in that pain, and truth if you'll trust you can bare it and not turn away with a hollow cringe. It is short but intense. Simple exploration of a marvelous world, filled with simple, elegant exploration puzzles: not puzzles, really, more like joyful jumping. Nothing is hidden and nothing is required. You could play this all the way through without ever "solving" a single one. Think exploration puzzles in GW2. But in the end it's worth it to try. Why wouldn't you? This is a wonderful game. The First Tree has done something I never thought possible in a game: it engages us like movies do while leaving us in the driver's seat. It is to computer games what Sleep No More is to theatre. I honestly can't recommend it highly enough. And the denouement is wonderful! Buy this game. Better yet, buy this game for yourself and your children, then hug them close forever.

Overall TFT is average for it's genre, the story and voice acting are well written and emotional enough if mildly banal. The aesthetic is a bit too "my first unity game", there's some janky platforming and the environment is a bit lacking. Most of the run time is padded by "exploring" which is pretty dull. The world is strewn with various detritus, some of which enhances the story others just there to break up the monotony. It would have been nice if some of the more important pieces were a bit more interactive. For the pittance I paid for it on sale it was a decent couple hour jaunt. If you like this kind of game and just feel like chilling and listening to a story it might be worth it. Pro tip, don't fret too much about the collectibles, they don't do much.

To start: If you are looking for any sort of gameplay beyond wandering around looking for collectibles then you won't like this game. It's not going to be for you. If you're willing to overlook that for some downright amazing storytelling and truly beautiful moments, then you should absolutely play this game. The writing is solid, the worlds are very nice to look at, and the very last ending sequence was just beyond words and really needs to be played all the way through to be experienced. It's been awhile since i've played something so GOOD at what it sets out to do, and if you're a fan of "walking simulators" or the only reason you can't get into them is because you need just a little something to keep you going. Buy this game.

Would you like to spend the price of a movie ticket on a two hour interactive indie, narrative driven darling of a game? Then buy this game Would you like to spend less than that but still like the idea? Then buy this game (on special). Beautiful, wonderful voice acting and music. Game play is basic, as long as you know that, you'll be fine. Leave a message to the world.