The First Tree

I had this game in my backlog for so long and wanted to play it, just to feel extremely disappointed when doing though (sorry, David!). I really expected the game to be an adventure game, but the adventure was very much limited to walking and finding ways to find all the collectables, which I failed in btw, since going "backwards" on the map is limited. Instead of PLAYING two parallel stories, only one of them is really playable. The voice acting was okay, but this game triggered several compyright claims on YT - a HUGE red flag for content creators. Even for the list-rice, I can confidently say, that there is better content available on Steam. Again, sorry, David. This did not fulfil my expectations of an adventure game. I have to admit though, the graphics ARE beautiful!

If this had been just a walking simulator with a story, I would have loved it. Simply following a path through nature, listening to relaxing music, and unraveling the story would have been a great experience. But the jumping and collecting, which are required to progress, as well as the lack of clear direction at times, made the game feel tedious rather than relaxing. Also, since I'm sensitive to sound, the complete lack of audio options was a major downside for me.

This has been in my backlog for awhile. I went in hoping for a better use of the animal and environment and got a lot of grief exploration through a narrative that didn't rly connect for me. There's parts where the environmental art and music rly work, and I'm very appreciative that the main path of the game doesn't stretch into the 2hour mark. The music might even be the standout star of the game. But, the key issue is over-spacing the environments, where sections of the game feel too spread out. Ironically, the most emotional section of the game for me was a bug where a ghost deer didn't despawn and I was able to push it all the way across the entire level, until I was forced to leave it behind because of a jumping section. I had gotten attached to the deer as I pushed it over the level and was actually sad to have to leave them behind. If you're more like me and are more interested in a game about animals, I recommend Shelter or Shelter 2.

Good game. The tranquil environments and touching narrative come together to create a memorable journey. Exploring each area reveals small pieces of the story that gradually build toward an emotional conclusion. A thoughtful adventure that leaves a lasting impression through its atmosphere and storytelling.

I really wanted to like this game. The visuals and score are polished and stunning, the voice acting is good...but the writing is just okay. The game's poignant message and vivid, heartfelt memories of what it was like to grow up in rural Alaska just can't make up for its clunky execution and awkward dialogue, which feels more akin to being read a novel than listening to an actual conversation (this may be great for some people, but I did not enjoy it). We were teased and denied with getting to hear more from Rachel; at one point she asks, "Have I ever told you what my mom was like?" and I expected some elaboration, but never got any. I also did not enjoy the "fox half" of the plot. The ending made no sense, and it seemed entirely unrelated to the story presented to us by Joseph and Rachel. I also don't think the information about this game on the store page does a very good job of preparing you for the fact that this game is almost entirely about grief...after all, [spoiler]Joseph's dad is dead and all three of the fox's cubs die too[/spoiler]. You have to be ready for a game with that kind of heaviness, and I really wasn't. Gameplaywise, I wasn't expecting much from a walking …

If you like story narrated games and walking sims