My interpretation of the game is whether or not there was a curse at first, a large majority of the deaths were due to neglect because of the family believing in the curse. While not all of them are like this, a lot of them are completely avoidable if they hadn't thought it was basically gonna happen anyway
absolutely! Molly being locked in her room (with poisonous berries nearby), the swing being so close to the edge of the cliff, the baby left in the tub, etc are all signs of neglect and carelessness
@@Howitchewstofeel5gum I mean I wouldnt go as far as that. We all do stupid shit that increases our odds of dying, and most of the time we get off scott free just due to luck or events not going a little bit more south. Sure we can see all of the bad shit when its pointed out, you never see all of the near misses or what could had been. What hits me is that while most of these deaths are completely avoidable, a lot of them could happen to anyone (or all of us) by accident, that we could become the next finch death if we were just a bit unlucky as most of these deaths while notewrothy and stylized are not terribly unique or out there.
Unfortunately, very few American colleges have academic value anymore. A lot of us teach post-secondary education privately now. And yes, many of us actively use video games in our teaching methods. They have some pretty excellent academic value compared to the garbage mainstream institutions are now pushing and can actually help students CLEP out of quite a few courses.
@@hailsateen9219 Critical race theory, gender studies (which actually has nothing to do with studying gender), the 1619 Doctrine... Most post secondary schools will not allow us to teach history now without altering it to fit a narrative. We could get fired for providing facts to our students. And in some states, they're trying to ban advanced maths, which are essential for a wide range of careers, from carpentry to the sciences. Even philosophy and psychology professors are facing censorship. A lot of the good professors have already jumped ship. We now teach privately and help students CLEP out of as many classes as possible so they have a better chance of success. Other countries still have good post secondary education, but here in the US, proper education is frowned upon by current political trends, and we just don't get paid enough for what we're being told to do in our own classrooms.
@@ValosiTiamata yep I now regret asking you but I'm going to ask you more questions. I need you to define the following terms critical race theory, gender studies, and censorship.... Because these things do not mean what you think they mean. And yes people should be taught the 1619 project. I also want you to explain what narrative education is trying to push. And I'm going to need a citation for banning the advanced maths.
When I finished it. My first impression was that there isn't any supernarural stuff involved. Finch family was always driven by stories. For most of members real life was too boring. The way they came to this continent , the shape of house they build, so far away from civilization. Different hobbies, jobs or interests showed just how unique they all were, talented even. They were incredibly imaginative and living in their own worlds created by their minds. And that is what killed them , they were too careless. House was built on cliff, childrens were left alone. Each new death just pushed them further in their on world , created by imagination. And that created chain link which destroyed them all.
I think that there where definite cases of mental illness in the game, but tbh a lot of what was said in the video you mentioned ('what happened to milton') rubbed me the wrong way. I have a mental illness that has caused behaviors that led to me getting examined for schizophrenia and certain things mentioned did not align with how schizophrenia presents, which is a huge factor in differentiating mental illnesses like I was tested for. Lewis for example did not read as schizophrenic to me, his fantasy world was much more in line with something I've dealt with for a long long time called 'maladaptive daydreaming' which basically means your daydreams grow to the extent of taking over your regular life. Some symptoms include; repetitive movements (lewis successfully processing the fish), highly detailed and vivid world building (his entire daydream universe), the daydream being able to last for hours at a time (he seemed to be daydreaming for the entirety of his work shift or at least a majority of it), and these daydreams are often triggered by real world events (like the stress of his brother going missing). I am not saying the schizophrenia theory is absolutely impossible or anything, just that people often misuse that particular mental illness especially in spooky/thriller type genres.
One of my favourite games! I've used this game when teaching others about writing (as a professional writer, I get a lot of inspiration from the game and have even learned a thing or two from the game's strong storytelling), but haven't really focused on the philosophical aspects before. I'll have even more to digest next time I play it... As for the schizophrenia thing, I think way too many people latch onto that diagnosis because it's a common word and not a lot of people actually know or understand how it's defined in the DSM. I do believe all deaths have an explanation and Walter simply ran away from home. Since his body was never found, it's very possible he's still alive. Louis suffered from depression, not schizophrenia. But more importantly, he suffered from extreme boredom. Working at a job where you literally do the same basic mechanical movement over and over means you're likely to "check out" and go on autopilot. I've worked jobs like that before. As time progressed, he began creating his own little world and making up stories simply to while away the long hours. It was a good escape and even helped against his depression. The problem is, he became so caught up in his little world one night that he started falling asleep and ended up acting out his character. Try imagining a story as you're falling asleep and see if your body doesn't accidentally move with your imagination when you're on the cusp of sleep. Edith Sr. actually seemed the sanest of the lot. She was an avid painter, so it's no surprise she would embellish stories. Sven technically did get killed by a dragon, she just omitted the fact that it was a metal one. Also, her dream about visiting the old house was likely just that - a dream which symbolised her yearning for the old life and those she'd lost. Medication-wise, most prescriptions warn against alcohol use, and considering her death, I would wager the medication was for a heart issue. She may or may not have taken her own life - not because she feared death, but because she feared being taken away from the one place where she could remember those who had gone before her. It was Dawn who barricaded room after room of the house in fear of reality while Edith Sr. urged her to accept it. As for Molly, we again have a logical explanation as you suggested. She was hungry and, as with many children, began eating all sorts of things she shouldn't have such as holly and toothpaste. Toothpaste containing fluoride is toxic to this day, but in previous generations, the ingredients were much worse. Note that her delusions began only after she started eating random things. Chances are, she poisoned herself and died delirious, her final thoughts being shaped by her hunger. I'm honestly a little surprised you didn't discuss synchronicity in regards to the game, because it pops up everywhere. I have a feeling you could do an entire series on this game, with some of the videos revolving around a single character and the symbolism and philosophies their story contains. In terms of games worth discussing for academic value, I would strongly suggest the Bioshock series. Each game in the main trilogy (as well as their DLCs) focus on different moral and social dilemmas. I often use Columbia as a tool in teaching people about racism during Jim Crow and (these days) the dangers of critical race theory. It's amazing how relevant that game is to today. The same goes for the economic dilemma in Bioshock 1 and the existential crises presented in Bioshock 2 and the Infinite DLCs.
You know the video is gonna be good when you hear “needless to say, there are spoilers ahead” This is quite possibly my favorite reoccurring phrase of the channel.
i think the best thery ive seen in this game was that the "family curse" is that its an excuse for all the poor parenting and unfounded mental illness. that the finch monarce has proved up the curse as a shield to her own pain and she seceritly craved the fame and attention the family deaths bring. there a video that explores this more called "The Villain of Edith Finch"
Max you’re a lifesaver. I was just raging about some work I couldn’t complete and needed to walk away from it for a bit, then I see you released a new video. I needed this. Thank you.
Just finished this absolutely phenomenal game. I'm still completely floored by what an enormous impact it had on me. A refusal to acknowledge or accept realities seems to be a common theme in the game. I think the fact that Edie kept all the bedrooms EXACTLY the same after a family member died is a testament to this - hell, she even forced her own son to share a room for *years* with his dead brother, forbidding him or anyone from modifying Calvin's side of the room in any way.
When it comes to games as works of art and stories, very few can even fathom how What Remains of Edith Finch is so perfect for describing this. Yet you do it well. Thanks, as always.
Growing up with a schizophrenic family member, and having a schizophrenic friend. Also working in mental health my entire life- this game didn’t make me think of those experiences. I think that theory works for people with no real concept of the illness and only what they heard or imagine it’s like.
I don’t believe schizophrenia was the cause of any of these death’s. I believe Milton explored the house and got lost and eventually smothered in the walls (notice the paintings in some of the pathways) Lewis had such a boring job that he had to make up something in his mind to keep himself happy. Gregory well, he’s a baby. Also I think Barbara fought with Rick in the basement which led upstairs and Rick got pushed and fell onto the table, which led to him getting angry and killing Barbara.
I'm a game student at the University of Utah and I appreciate this video. I should mention that this game is being taught in my Storycrafting for Games class.
It's not that confusing. Their curse is half genetic, half learned behaviour. The Finch family have geniuses left and right. Most of them have artistic talent, and/or academic talent. But they also have mental health issues. They get obsessively focused, they sometimes end up essentially hallucinating. But to them, it's normal. Combine those things with the belief that you are cursed, and you see the family tree wilting.. Oh, and grandma Edith totally killed herself. Listen to that scene. She blatantly tells her daughter the plot, and her daughter isn't listening. To paraphrase: "Mom you are going in a retirement home" "Over my dead body." "You aren't supposed to mix your medication with alcohol!" "I did say this would be our last time all together."
Interesting point of view. I suggest an alternative, more fantastical, view of the plot though: Edie's being able to be the oldest Fich alive by perpetuating the curse story between her family. As soon she had no one else to share her stories or beliefs with, she dies... Kind of a witch tale. What do you think?
@@k4rec4 I like the self perpetuating curse. I think I'm cursed, therefore I'm cursed. Some of the things are caused by their own actions, and like, three are crazy coincidences (dying on the swing/fence, getting sucked into a tornado, maybe the train one though I'm sure he knew trains existed) its easier to see the bad things if that's what you're looking for
The only thing I don't agree with you is in saying that Lewis might've had schizophrenia, because the type of "hallucinations" he has are more similar to Maladaptive daydreaming signs, in which you know things are not real and you are actively moving the story of said 'hallucinations' forward. You chose what happens and what you see, and he only killed himself not because he thought it was real, but because he wanted it to be. Because he found his imagination to be a better place than the real world, and I know how that feels. Other than that, everything else makes a lot of sense. Great video.
I think he was just distracted by the day dreaming and monotony so he got into an accident with the machine. That's why you control 2 things at once, you continue cutting fish and it turns into muscle memory while you really pay attention to and play the day dream side of the screen. Really brilliant way to depict that in my opinion.
@@ScrimmyScrimmyI saw it as he did intend to end himself like the first commenter stated because at the point that we are “crowned” we are no longer in control of cutting the fish and solely in control of moving Lewis around, as I do find it far fetched that with all his muscle memory his head would have ever reached the cutter if he did not intend to, but both theories are still plausible
This was really interesting take on the narrative and theme of this great game. Video games should be taken into consideration for academic research. Games can also convey messages that are philosophically intriguing and thought provoking, narratively touching as well. Your videos are really good, thanks for this one as well!
When I heard Milton being the character in Unfinished Swan, my brain actually broke. What a cool fucking developer. I just played Edith Finch and im glad I finally got around to it
I bought this game quite a while back and took this as an opportunity to finally play through it myself. Quite an experience. Albeit, a very depressing one. Great video as always, Max! :)
The news clip that was played in the beginning is the situation in India as of now, and the quote that you made with regards to the acceptance of games in academics is truely is as real as can get... Love your vids keep em coming
Literally watching this video as part of my initial process to jog my memory on WRoEF for a uni AV class. There's actually a lot of literature on the subject that has popped up over the last 5 years or so. Definitely a respected multimedia in academia these days, certainly moreso than a decade or more ago. Particularly among millenials and gen z
This game made me cry and I struggle with being emotionaly dead alot. The story of Milton and especialy Lewis got to me so much. I want to enjoy my live and become a mangaka or an Tattooartist and not waste away my life as a cashier and emotionaly dead. I want to be able to cry again and not to think about suicide or how worthless everything is again. I will try hard and a part of why is you. You had it even worse that I had and still produce such good work. I hope your life will eventully become much better then it is now, you deserve it Max
To live is to enjoy the one's you love and hold dear im tired of being dead too this life is harsh on the Minded and Mindless to see Pain as it is, is to Understand it and take it to Heart not to throw it away like trash but to move on and do better.
This is one of the games I cite as an example when arguing that videogames are so much more than mindless fun, that many of them are works of art on par with great works of literature and cinema.
Just finished this game. Excellent breakdown. I had a few questions I think you answered them in the best way. I still want to believe that the house itself was cursed and fed off of them by killing them one by one. Beautifully haunting game. Enjoyed it 100%
As a soon to be teacher, I had never thought about using games as a part of education, but I believe it is a great idea. Books and movies are great, but nowadays they don't engage as many students as they used to. I would totally ask some advanced students to play this game to discuss it afterwards. Thanks for the suggestion!
I was in college 10 years ago, and was very lucky to take a Video Game Theory class through the English Department. We covered game theory (which I still don't understand, but we did lol), filmography, player agency vs narrative, how video games teach players how to play/encourage them to use critical thinking skills, how games foster community, etc. It was one of the most engaging and rewarding classes I've ever taken. ASU, at least when I went there, had a Gaming Education Center that specifically focused on taking the lessons video games have about learning and applying them to class room teaching, which is why there was even a Video Game Theory class in the first place.
10:32 "... seek an escape from the pain of reality." I watched my eldest (then somewhere between 17 and 19) complete the Lewis/coronation segment and wept because I understood that gaming had been my escape for decades. (Since autism diagnosis and ADHD medication, there have been no more episodes of severe depression.)
In the unfinished swan there is a little bit of lore hidden in a trial level that can be unlocked, some hidden messages in walls reveal themselves when you paint them
i know it had been years since this was released, but i believe lewis was suffering from maladaptive daydreaming, not total schizophrenia (i am currently working towards going to school for psychology and this game is a special interest of mine)
I didnt really try to find the reason for what happened to Finches. For me that game was like Marquez's "100 years of solitude" - depiction of universally experienced and understood themes of death and lonliness.
Your whole intro is aimed at me :-) as I teach Computer Game Development, and while an old white guy, I have the privilege of living through the whole of video game history; I built my first computer from parts in the 70s, and have loved (and tried to share that love of) video games ever since.
This is one of my all time favourite games. I played this when it first came out and I decided to replay it today. I cried so hard while playing this that my cat who was sitting on my lap was greatly oncerned! I rushed the game the first time that I played it, but today I really took my time and the details are just mindblowing. I only found out today that there's a Finch character in The Unfinished Swan ( which your vido mentions) I'm yet to play that, but I'll do so soon. I really love your take on teachings related to video games. Some games can be life changing. I'm still not over my terrible heartbreak with Arthur's death in RDR2! I could talk about great video games forever! 💕🎮💕 I totally agree with your view on seeing the beauty in the world, because some days after reading the newspaper I feel like the world should be burnt to the ground and remade!
If you’re interested, Max, I’d love to see you do a deep dive on the religious symbolism in Spyro : A Hero’s Tail (example : the main villain being called the ‘Fallen Dragon’ and looking very snake - like)
3:00 3:05 also emerald queen What’s your OC the EMERALD QUEENS information what’s her/your personal datafiles or infofiles or biographfiles their biography her Anime Backstory birth life to death and Her real name(s) or full name(s) I.e. NAMES OR NAMESAKE: Or NAME ETYMOLOGY: and her CHARACTERISTICS: Her GENDER: AGE: RACE/SPECIES: Human animal earthling or not i.e. alien or not alien HEIGHT: WEIGHT: Anime EYE COLOR: Anime HAIR COLOR: Anime HAIRSTYLE: Anime BLOOD TYPE: 3-SIZE/BUST WAIST HIP MEASUREMENTS: PERSONAL information BIRTHDATE/BIRTHDAY: ETHNICITY: BIRTHPLACE/NATIONALITY/COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Anime/Street fighter FIGHTING STYLE/MARTIAL ART(S): LIKES: DISLIKES: OCCUPATION(S): ORGANIZATION/FACTION AFFILIATION(S): FRIENDS/ENEMIES/RIVAL(S) either friendly or vegeta-like villains/nemesis’s: SKILLS/MASTERY/GOOD AT: ANIME MOVESET/POWERSET/ABILITES: OTHER FORMS akin to super saiyan: MORAL ALIGNMENT: good evil neutral RELATIONSHIPS/friends/girlfriend/boyfriends/whatever: FAMILY/RELATIVES: PERSONALITY: Also BEHIND THE SCENES: for her Her ENGLISH VOICE ACTOR(S): SEIYUU/JAPANESE VOICE ACTOR(S): LIVE ACTION ACTOR(S): Anime manga comics debuts: Also note this wiki template is from CHUN LI on the street fighter wiki google chun li click chun li on street fighter wiki to read her info files and you’ll get what I mean like it’s your own wiki article I’m called Walt Disneytendos 2nd channel
Also here’s my datafiles information on me BRYAKIRA VERYAMA or bryakira bryakiman verasuda or brykashi veranishiyama also what’s my personal datafiles or infofiles or biographfiles my biography my Anime Backstory birth life to death and their real names or full names I.e. ALIAS/TITLE/EPITHET: gaijin mangaka artist writer supreme of earth 4032-877 or (earth-1218 real world) protector of time stone master of manga arts NAMES OR NAMESAKE: unknown for me my mom thought it was cool Or NAME ETYMOLOGY: Bryan means high or noble in Celtic and my CHARACTERISTICS: My GENDER: male any AGE: (17 in irl) age I what it to be anime logic RACE/SPECIES: unknown (mere human earthling irl???) but Any species I want to be Human animal earthling or not i.e. alien or not alien HEIGHT: 64 inches or (5ft 6 inches real height) WEIGHT: unknown Anime EYE COLOR: brown Anime HAIR COLOR: black anime HAIRSTYLE: unknown Anime BLOOD TYPE: unknown 3-SIZE/BUST WAIST HIP MEASUREMENTS: unknown PERSONAL information BIRTHDATE/BIRTHDAY: January 15 2005 ETHNICITY: (LATINO in real life) (JAPANESE in fantasy) BIRTHPLACE/NATIONALITY/COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: (USA California in reality) (JAPANESE in my idealized self) Anime/Street fighter FIGHTING STYLE/MARTIAL ART(S): unknown I only like watching martial arts flicks not practice them LIKES: anime manga light novels anime girls anime fights (puglov90 my ideal girlfriend) hosting anime world warrior tournaments for anime fights to see slacking off in school DISLIKES: my mom dmac227 for stealing my girlfriend bad things happening to me double standard editors school homework math OCCUPATION(S): anime mangaka artist writer supreme of universe/earth 4032-877 master of the manga arts protector of time stone ORGANIZATION/FACTION AFFILIATION(S): my anime studio veramation/studio verayama FRIENDS/ENEMIES/RIVAL(S) either friendly or vegeta-like villains/nemesis’s: unknown (dmac227 because he stole my girlfriend) SKILLS/MASTERY/GOOD AT: drawing manga anime art and writing reading fanfics videogaming fortunetelling ANIME MOVESET/POWERSET/ABILITES: artbending artkenesis my drawings are alive bend redraw or rewrite universe/earth 4032-877 harness energy & shape reality the multiverse to my whim travel the multiverse like dr strange or timetravel OTHER FORMS akin to super saiyan: unknown MORAL ALIGNMENT: good evil neutral chaotic good neutral RELATIONSHIPS/friends/girlfriend/boyfriends/whatever: my anime studio animators puglov90 Kayden Greshaminc Aden the caring one FAMILY/RELATIVES: my mom I hate Joel Vera is my divorced father Sergio Villalobos is my stepfather PERSONALITY: awesome nice funny angry sometimes Also BEHIND THE SCENES: for me My ENGLISH VOICE ACTOR(S): myself or anyone I find SEIYUU/JAPANESE VOICE ACTOR(S): anyone I find LIVE ACTION ACTOR(S): myself making a cameo like Stan lee does Anime manga comics debuts: unknown UNIVERSE/REALITY/TIMELINE IM FROM: universe/earth 4032-877 or (Earth-1218 aka real world) but I have the power to traverse physical and spiritual planes or the multiverse or see the future for alternate timelines to win like dr strange if I could or I want to cause im the writer and artist of the universe or multiverse deal with it what’s your anime powers or the anime things about you Also note this wiki template is from CHUN LI on the street fighter wiki google chun li click chun li on street fighter wiki to read her info files and you’ll get what I mean like it’s your own wiki article now i made mine for you what’s your wiki article make your own info about yourself it’s okay if don’t want to answer your wiki
Hello emerald queen its me bryakira veryama the gaijin mangaka artist supreme of universe/earth 4032-877 the main universe timeline of my anime series im big fan of you and your character also whats your realname or othernames whats your nationality and us state and birthday and 3 sizes also mines american californian my birthday January 15 2005 tell me about it your highness also im known by many pen names while working on anime and manga related projects im brykashi veranishiyama bryakira bryakiman verasuda i travel the mutliverse thinking im not only mangaka in the multiverse or universe also i love emerald queen so much i added her as a part of my anime series smash ball z starring brykuya set in earth 4032-877 main timeline because who doesnt love anime or being an anime character i do like feeling or being like an anime character
BTW im from poland and on one of the best universities in country the course of " video games knowledge" is starting this year. So I guess games are getting into academia right now!
4:38 I completely disagree. This feeling of confusion, of bizarre surrealism and sometimes absurdity, everything that makes me feel lost, it's exactly what I'm searching in art. So yes, I like it, more than anything, and I don't think I'm the only one
I think lewisis death isnt suicide, it was an accident because he was distracted by his daydream/ hallucinations. Thats why you have to play 2 things simultaneously to show the distraction from chopping fish. You get into the rhythm with the fish so you barley even glance over to keep cutting, its muscle memory. Your whole focus is on the other half of the screen in his daydream.
Played through this game in its entirety last night. It was certainly original (which I’m always a fan of), haunting, interactive, and extraordinary all at once. Though a dark and depressing atmosphere, I loved it. I would say (in IGN terms) a solid 9/10. Excellent game. Worth the few hours it takes to go through it.
I noticed the majority of the theories intend to explain the game's plot realistically. That's where they are missing the point, in my opinion. The whole house itself is a fantasy: a structure like that would barely stand still, also, how could an old lady live there, for decades? And then there's Odin sailing within a Manor all the way from Europe, a kid that vanishes trough a painting of a door... I believe a fantastic approach, or better, a 'Grimm Brothers' approach, would generate a better theory about the game's happenings.
I think from first start of the game it shows that the house was full of books, the idea itself was that all of the family there loves to play their imagination.. To the point that it killed all of them because they became stuck onto their delusions that connects to the danger of reality. Maybe it hasn't been specifically point but the curse that they have was schizophrenia..it's so bad that kids who haven't even reach the age of 5 had died because they cannot handle their imagination well. I also saw that edith's mother had this book that states to think rationally idk if it's because she was aware the tragic death of her family was linked into too much rely on their imagination.
Even ancient Scythians / Celts smoked ganja, drank mead and mixed psychedelic shrooms with honeyed milk. Enjoying the fruits of one's labor is half the balance, but most in modern society labor improperly. Never feeling truly accomplished, safe or secure in their skills or resources. For good reason.
I think your goal in each video is to say "I'm not saying this game yet again has parallels with Jung's Theory of Synchronicity... but it fucking does"
I played the game to the end. What I think is schizophrenia is the right explanation when it runs in families it indicates it is the most dangerous type. It is caused by many obsessions and when a depression ensues it increases the percentage of it’s appearance in a person… previous wrong beliefs and a tragedy are the most dominant causes; the tragedy sometimes inevitable but the belief is which we have more control of. When such diseases appear in a person they say he is cursed or satan has took control of him but in reality there is an explanation to it. Keep in mind we live in a world where our brain can explain everything that has an effect to change or correct belief may be we can’t explain electricity but we can surely explain schizophrenia… good luck and avoid schizophrenia by re-investigating and in-depth researching before believing in anything… let your brain explain because it is really very powerful in that area your belief your fate. Please let me know your ideas on what I said above
I don't think there is anything supernatual going on (excellent video, btw). I think the entire family has lived away from civilisation for ages now, existing in a space and life that is bland and as a result, they seek something as an escape. And in general, they are just different people. They're a bit eccentric, unique and that is what makes them seek an escape through stories and indulging in imagination. I think they were troubled too - as it is constantly mentioned, and the trauma constantly grew as time passed by due to constant deaths. The need for escape also grew and so did the weird deaths.
Hey Max. When I played this game I also played Dear Esther, and in my opinion they are very similiar experiences. When you find time I would love to hear your interpretation of this game. Well, it is more of an interactive movie than a game. Anyway it is short, simple , amazing and confusing.
I love your analyses, they are almost always thoughtful and interesting. Though in all honesty I don't like the thought of making videogames academic. Personally I think the worst type of art is that which tries to be artistic, rather than simply being. I think that if the wrong kinds of eyes are on the industry we will see a great increase in games trying to be deep to impress others, rather than simply being deep because that's the story they wanted to tell. And I honestly think that will lead to more messes like The Last of Us, rather than gems like Shadow of the Colossus. But again, love your work and respect the intent even if I don't share it.
My interpretation of the game is whether or not there was a curse at first, a large majority of the deaths were due to neglect because of the family believing in the curse. While not all of them are like this, a lot of them are completely avoidable if they hadn't thought it was basically gonna happen anyway
absolutely!
Molly being locked in her room (with poisonous berries nearby), the swing being so close to the edge of the cliff, the baby left in the tub, etc are all signs of neglect and carelessness
I was gonna say, the family curse was being dumb as shit lol.
Bad parenting
@@Howitchewstofeel5gum I mean I wouldnt go as far as that. We all do stupid shit that increases our odds of dying, and most of the time we get off scott free just due to luck or events not going a little bit more south. Sure we can see all of the bad shit when its pointed out, you never see all of the near misses or what could had been.
What hits me is that while most of these deaths are completely avoidable, a lot of them could happen to anyone (or all of us) by accident, that we could become the next finch death if we were just a bit unlucky as most of these deaths while notewrothy and stylized are not terribly unique or out there.
I had a media in society class and someone used The Stanley parable as an example. I think fairly soon video games will be taught in college
Unfortunately, very few American colleges have academic value anymore. A lot of us teach post-secondary education privately now. And yes, many of us actively use video games in our teaching methods. They have some pretty excellent academic value compared to the garbage mainstream institutions are now pushing and can actually help students CLEP out of quite a few courses.
@@ValosiTiamata I am probably going to regret asking this question but what kind of garbage are you referring to?
@@hailsateen9219 Critical race theory, gender studies (which actually has nothing to do with studying gender), the 1619 Doctrine...
Most post secondary schools will not allow us to teach history now without altering it to fit a narrative. We could get fired for providing facts to our students. And in some states, they're trying to ban advanced maths, which are essential for a wide range of careers, from carpentry to the sciences.
Even philosophy and psychology professors are facing censorship. A lot of the good professors have already jumped ship. We now teach privately and help students CLEP out of as many classes as possible so they have a better chance of success.
Other countries still have good post secondary education, but here in the US, proper education is frowned upon by current political trends, and we just don't get paid enough for what we're being told to do in our own classrooms.
@@ValosiTiamata yep I now regret asking you but I'm going to ask you more questions. I need you to define the following terms critical race theory, gender studies, and censorship.... Because these things do not mean what you think they mean. And yes people should be taught the 1619 project. I also want you to explain what narrative education is trying to push. And I'm going to need a citation for banning the advanced maths.
@@hailsateen9219 those weren't questions.
When I finished it. My first impression was that there isn't any supernarural stuff involved. Finch family was always driven by stories. For most of members real life was too boring. The way they came to this continent , the shape of house they build, so far away from civilization. Different hobbies, jobs or interests showed just how unique they all were, talented even. They were incredibly imaginative and living in their own worlds created by their minds. And that is what killed them , they were too careless. House was built on cliff, childrens were left alone. Each new death just pushed them further in their on world , created by imagination. And that created chain link which destroyed them all.
I think that there where definite cases of mental illness in the game, but tbh a lot of what was said in the video you mentioned ('what happened to milton') rubbed me the wrong way. I have a mental illness that has caused behaviors that led to me getting examined for schizophrenia and certain things mentioned did not align with how schizophrenia presents, which is a huge factor in differentiating mental illnesses like I was tested for. Lewis for example did not read as schizophrenic to me, his fantasy world was much more in line with something I've dealt with for a long long time called 'maladaptive daydreaming' which basically means your daydreams grow to the extent of taking over your regular life. Some symptoms include; repetitive movements (lewis successfully processing the fish), highly detailed and vivid world building (his entire daydream universe), the daydream being able to last for hours at a time (he seemed to be daydreaming for the entirety of his work shift or at least a majority of it), and these daydreams are often triggered by real world events (like the stress of his brother going missing). I am not saying the schizophrenia theory is absolutely impossible or anything, just that people often misuse that particular mental illness especially in spooky/thriller type genres.
One of my favourite games! I've used this game when teaching others about writing (as a professional writer, I get a lot of inspiration from the game and have even learned a thing or two from the game's strong storytelling), but haven't really focused on the philosophical aspects before. I'll have even more to digest next time I play it...
As for the schizophrenia thing, I think way too many people latch onto that diagnosis because it's a common word and not a lot of people actually know or understand how it's defined in the DSM. I do believe all deaths have an explanation and Walter simply ran away from home. Since his body was never found, it's very possible he's still alive.
Louis suffered from depression, not schizophrenia. But more importantly, he suffered from extreme boredom. Working at a job where you literally do the same basic mechanical movement over and over means you're likely to "check out" and go on autopilot. I've worked jobs like that before. As time progressed, he began creating his own little world and making up stories simply to while away the long hours. It was a good escape and even helped against his depression. The problem is, he became so caught up in his little world one night that he started falling asleep and ended up acting out his character. Try imagining a story as you're falling asleep and see if your body doesn't accidentally move with your imagination when you're on the cusp of sleep.
Edith Sr. actually seemed the sanest of the lot. She was an avid painter, so it's no surprise she would embellish stories. Sven technically did get killed by a dragon, she just omitted the fact that it was a metal one. Also, her dream about visiting the old house was likely just that - a dream which symbolised her yearning for the old life and those she'd lost. Medication-wise, most prescriptions warn against alcohol use, and considering her death, I would wager the medication was for a heart issue. She may or may not have taken her own life - not because she feared death, but because she feared being taken away from the one place where she could remember those who had gone before her. It was Dawn who barricaded room after room of the house in fear of reality while Edith Sr. urged her to accept it.
As for Molly, we again have a logical explanation as you suggested. She was hungry and, as with many children, began eating all sorts of things she shouldn't have such as holly and toothpaste. Toothpaste containing fluoride is toxic to this day, but in previous generations, the ingredients were much worse. Note that her delusions began only after she started eating random things. Chances are, she poisoned herself and died delirious, her final thoughts being shaped by her hunger.
I'm honestly a little surprised you didn't discuss synchronicity in regards to the game, because it pops up everywhere. I have a feeling you could do an entire series on this game, with some of the videos revolving around a single character and the symbolism and philosophies their story contains.
In terms of games worth discussing for academic value, I would strongly suggest the Bioshock series. Each game in the main trilogy (as well as their DLCs) focus on different moral and social dilemmas. I often use Columbia as a tool in teaching people about racism during Jim Crow and (these days) the dangers of critical race theory. It's amazing how relevant that game is to today. The same goes for the economic dilemma in Bioshock 1 and the existential crises presented in Bioshock 2 and the Infinite DLCs.
You know the video is gonna be good when you hear “needless to say, there are spoilers ahead”
This is quite possibly my favorite reoccurring phrase of the channel.
i think the best thery ive seen in this game was that the "family curse" is that its an excuse for all the poor parenting and unfounded mental illness. that the finch monarce has proved up the curse as a shield to her own pain and she seceritly craved the fame and attention the family deaths bring. there a video that explores this more called "The Villain of Edith Finch"
Family curses are usually just repeat behavior and unbroken cycles.
I think the curse is the family's ( especially Edie's) infatuation with death. The way these guys handle death of a family member is just bizzare.
My Family is the same way many families had this where I live
Max you’re a lifesaver. I was just raging about some work I couldn’t complete and needed to walk away from it for a bit, then I see you released a new video. I needed this. Thank you.
Just finished this absolutely phenomenal game. I'm still completely floored by what an enormous impact it had on me.
A refusal to acknowledge or accept realities seems to be a common theme in the game. I think the fact that Edie kept all the bedrooms EXACTLY the same after a family member died is a testament to this - hell, she even forced her own son to share a room for *years* with his dead brother, forbidding him or anyone from modifying Calvin's side of the room in any way.
When it comes to games as works of art and stories, very few can even fathom how What Remains of Edith Finch is so perfect for describing this. Yet you do it well. Thanks, as always.
Growing up with a schizophrenic family member, and having a schizophrenic friend. Also working in mental health my entire life- this game didn’t make me think of those experiences. I think that theory works for people with no real concept of the illness and only what they heard or imagine it’s like.
I don’t believe schizophrenia was the cause of any of these death’s. I believe Milton explored the house and got lost and eventually smothered in the walls (notice the paintings in some of the pathways) Lewis had such a boring job that he had to make up something in his mind to keep himself happy. Gregory well, he’s a baby. Also I think Barbara fought with Rick in the basement which led upstairs and Rick got pushed and fell onto the table, which led to him getting angry and killing Barbara.
Lmao that defff has something to do with mental illnesses running in the family
I think it’s very likely that Lewis had maladaptive daydreaming which is a mental illness that fits what was shown much better then schizophrenia
I'm a game student at the University of Utah and I appreciate this video. I should mention that this game is being taught in my Storycrafting for Games class.
Edith Finch is one of the best games I've played great video!
It's not that confusing. Their curse is half genetic, half learned behaviour.
The Finch family have geniuses left and right. Most of them have artistic talent, and/or academic talent. But they also have mental health issues. They get obsessively focused, they sometimes end up essentially hallucinating. But to them, it's normal. Combine those things with the belief that you are cursed, and you see the family tree wilting..
Oh, and grandma Edith totally killed herself. Listen to that scene. She blatantly tells her daughter the plot, and her daughter isn't listening.
To paraphrase:
"Mom you are going in a retirement home"
"Over my dead body."
"You aren't supposed to mix your medication with alcohol!"
"I did say this would be our last time all together."
Interesting point of view.
I suggest an alternative, more fantastical, view of the plot though: Edie's being able to be the oldest Fich alive by perpetuating the curse story between her family. As soon she had no one else to share her stories or beliefs with, she dies...
Kind of a witch tale. What do you think?
@@k4rec4 I like the self perpetuating curse. I think I'm cursed, therefore I'm cursed. Some of the things are caused by their own actions, and like, three are crazy coincidences (dying on the swing/fence, getting sucked into a tornado, maybe the train one though I'm sure he knew trains existed) its easier to see the bad things if that's what you're looking for
condescending much? lol
The only thing I don't agree with you is in saying that Lewis might've had schizophrenia, because the type of "hallucinations" he has are more similar to Maladaptive daydreaming signs, in which you know things are not real and you are actively moving the story of said 'hallucinations' forward. You chose what happens and what you see, and he only killed himself not because he thought it was real, but because he wanted it to be. Because he found his imagination to be a better place than the real world, and I know how that feels. Other than that, everything else makes a lot of sense. Great video.
I think he was just distracted by the day dreaming and monotony so he got into an accident with the machine.
That's why you control 2 things at once, you continue cutting fish and it turns into muscle memory while you really pay attention to and play the day dream side of the screen.
Really brilliant way to depict that in my opinion.
@@ScrimmyScrimmyI saw it as he did intend to end himself like the first commenter stated because at the point that we are “crowned” we are no longer in control of cutting the fish and solely in control of moving Lewis around, as I do find it far fetched that with all his muscle memory his head would have ever reached the cutter if he did not intend to, but both theories are still plausible
This was really interesting take on the narrative and theme of this great game. Video games should be taken into consideration for academic research. Games can also convey messages that are philosophically intriguing and thought provoking, narratively touching as well.
Your videos are really good, thanks for this one as well!
When I heard Milton being the character in Unfinished Swan, my brain actually broke. What a cool fucking developer. I just played Edith Finch and im glad I finally got around to it
I heard Milton married a painter woman in the THE UNFINISHED SWAN world and had a child(so another Finch)named Monroe
One of my favorite gaming experiences
Who ever knew that video games would evolve from Pong to one day, something like this?
I bought this game quite a while back and took this as an opportunity to finally play through it myself. Quite an experience. Albeit, a very depressing one.
Great video as always, Max! :)
Great game. Was like playing a novella found on a dusty shelf in the corner of an old library
You always let me speechless Max. Im just helping with the algorithm.
i havent finish it, but i cant deny a Max video when it drop!
Not a video game, but the talk of mysteries that weren't necessarily meant to be solved really makes me want a video about Twin Peaks.
The news clip that was played in the beginning is the situation in India as of now, and the quote that you made with regards to the acceptance of games in academics is truely is as real as can get... Love your vids keep em coming
Literally watching this video as part of my initial process to jog my memory on WRoEF for a uni AV class. There's actually a lot of literature on the subject that has popped up over the last 5 years or so. Definitely a respected multimedia in academia these days, certainly moreso than a decade or more ago. Particularly among millenials and gen z
This game made me cry and I struggle with being emotionaly dead alot. The story of Milton and especialy Lewis got to me so much. I want to enjoy my live and become a mangaka or an Tattooartist and not waste away my life as a cashier and emotionaly dead. I want to be able to cry again and not to think about suicide or how worthless everything is again. I will try hard and a part of why is you. You had it even worse that I had and still produce such good work. I hope your life will eventully become much better then it is now, you deserve it Max
To live is to enjoy the one's you love and hold dear im tired of being dead too this life is harsh on the Minded and Mindless to see Pain as it is, is to Understand it and take it to Heart not to throw it away like trash but to move on and do better.
@@soulextract640 thanks man, have a good life ♡
Life is never worthless we had worth and meaning to our own lives based on what we choose to have in them
This is one of the games I cite as an example when arguing that videogames are so much more than mindless fun, that many of them are works of art on par with great works of literature and cinema.
Loving the videos Max
While watching a play through I just thought Lewis’ was possibly depression and daydreaming as a coping mechanism and not being able/want to leave
Sweet, new game getting analyzed!
Just finished this game. Excellent breakdown. I had a few questions I think you answered them in the best way. I still want to believe that the house itself was cursed and fed off of them by killing them one by one. Beautifully haunting game. Enjoyed it 100%
Thanks for covering this awesome little game Max.
one mintue into the introduction and I am subscribing, what a creative goal you have I love it truly!
As a soon to be teacher, I had never thought about using games as a part of education, but I believe it is a great idea. Books and movies are great, but nowadays they don't engage as many students as they used to. I would totally ask some advanced students to play this game to discuss it afterwards. Thanks for the suggestion!
One of my teachers would use songs and tv shows(quite a while ago)
Max Derrat? More like Max Badass. Love your vids, man.
Love your comment, man! 😄👍
#maxbadass
I liked this video Max!👍
Good luck! You'll need it!
I was in college 10 years ago, and was very lucky to take a Video Game Theory class through the English Department. We covered game theory (which I still don't understand, but we did lol), filmography, player agency vs narrative, how video games teach players how to play/encourage them to use critical thinking skills, how games foster community, etc. It was one of the most engaging and rewarding classes I've ever taken. ASU, at least when I went there, had a Gaming Education Center that specifically focused on taking the lessons video games have about learning and applying them to class room teaching, which is why there was even a Video Game Theory class in the first place.
10:32 "... seek an escape from the pain of reality." I watched my eldest (then somewhere between 17 and 19) complete the Lewis/coronation segment and wept because I understood that gaming had been my escape for decades. (Since autism diagnosis and ADHD medication, there have been no more episodes of severe depression.)
I played this game once almost a year ago and I still think about it randomly at least 2-3 times a week.
I love this game, it's great
Just finished it, that was deep. Thanks for the analysis
In the unfinished swan there is a little bit of lore hidden in a trial level that can be unlocked, some hidden messages in walls reveal themselves when you paint them
Awesome vid, i was really looking forward to this one. I just wish it was like 20-30m vid essay xD
Great content as always
i know it had been years since this was released, but i believe lewis was suffering from maladaptive daydreaming, not total schizophrenia (i am currently working towards going to school for psychology and this game is a special interest of mine)
Brilliant video!
The only “hole” I would say exist in your theory is that Edith jr sounded that she understood the truths, yet still died. Other then that good video 👍
I am glad that I came across your channel.
Me too!✌😊
I didnt really try to find the reason for what happened to Finches. For me that game was like Marquez's "100 years of solitude" - depiction of universally experienced and understood themes of death and lonliness.
Your whole intro is aimed at me :-) as I teach Computer Game Development, and while an old white guy, I have the privilege of living through the whole of video game history; I built my first computer from parts in the 70s, and have loved (and tried to share that love of) video games ever since.
Opened this video to watch it instead of doing my gaming class homework, which was to play the game... your goal has succeeded.
Love your videos
Honestly I think a lot of the death could have been avoided. It was the anxiety and fear that caused them.
The fact that life is fleeting and that we only have one makes it special. Life wouldn't be special and precious if we lived forever.
This is one of my all time favourite games. I played this when it first came out and I decided to replay it today. I cried so hard while playing this that my cat who was sitting on my lap was greatly oncerned! I rushed the game the first time that I played it, but today I really took my time and the details are just mindblowing. I only found out today that there's a Finch character in The Unfinished Swan ( which your vido mentions) I'm yet to play that, but I'll do so soon. I really love your take on teachings related to video games. Some games can be life changing. I'm still not over my terrible heartbreak with Arthur's death in RDR2! I could talk about great video games forever! 💕🎮💕
I totally agree with your view on seeing the beauty in the world, because some days after reading the newspaper I feel like the world should be burnt to the ground and remade!
Thanks for this. Thank you Max.
One of the best games of all time
Sometimes the only thing remaining is simplicity.
I’m in high school senior year and we had this game as an assignment so it’s being introduced slowly :)
If you’re interested, Max, I’d love to see you do a deep dive on the religious symbolism in Spyro : A Hero’s Tail (example : the main villain being called the ‘Fallen Dragon’ and looking very snake - like)
Never thought I would see religious symbolism and Spyro in the same sentence, I'm surprised to say the least.
3:00 3:05 also emerald queen What’s your OC the EMERALD QUEENS information what’s her/your personal datafiles or infofiles or biographfiles their biography her Anime Backstory birth life to death and
Her real name(s) or full name(s) I.e. NAMES OR NAMESAKE:
Or NAME ETYMOLOGY:
and her
CHARACTERISTICS:
Her
GENDER:
AGE:
RACE/SPECIES:
Human animal earthling or not i.e. alien or not alien
HEIGHT:
WEIGHT:
Anime EYE COLOR:
Anime HAIR COLOR:
Anime HAIRSTYLE:
Anime BLOOD TYPE:
3-SIZE/BUST WAIST HIP MEASUREMENTS:
PERSONAL information
BIRTHDATE/BIRTHDAY:
ETHNICITY:
BIRTHPLACE/NATIONALITY/COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:
Anime/Street fighter FIGHTING STYLE/MARTIAL ART(S):
LIKES:
DISLIKES:
OCCUPATION(S):
ORGANIZATION/FACTION AFFILIATION(S):
FRIENDS/ENEMIES/RIVAL(S) either friendly or vegeta-like villains/nemesis’s:
SKILLS/MASTERY/GOOD AT:
ANIME MOVESET/POWERSET/ABILITES:
OTHER FORMS akin to super saiyan:
MORAL ALIGNMENT: good evil neutral
RELATIONSHIPS/friends/girlfriend/boyfriends/whatever:
FAMILY/RELATIVES:
PERSONALITY:
Also BEHIND THE SCENES: for her
Her
ENGLISH VOICE ACTOR(S):
SEIYUU/JAPANESE VOICE ACTOR(S):
LIVE ACTION ACTOR(S):
Anime manga comics debuts:
Also note this wiki template is from CHUN LI on the street fighter wiki google chun li click chun li on street fighter wiki to read her info files and you’ll get what I mean like it’s your own wiki article I’m called Walt Disneytendos 2nd channel
Also here’s my datafiles information on me BRYAKIRA VERYAMA or bryakira bryakiman verasuda or brykashi veranishiyama also what’s my personal datafiles or infofiles or biographfiles my biography my Anime Backstory birth life to death and
their real names or full names I.e.
ALIAS/TITLE/EPITHET: gaijin mangaka artist writer supreme of earth 4032-877 or (earth-1218 real world) protector of time stone master of manga arts
NAMES OR NAMESAKE: unknown for me my mom thought it was cool
Or NAME ETYMOLOGY: Bryan means high or noble in Celtic and my
CHARACTERISTICS:
My
GENDER: male any
AGE: (17 in irl) age I what it to be anime logic
RACE/SPECIES: unknown (mere human earthling irl???) but Any species I want to be
Human animal earthling or not i.e. alien or not alien
HEIGHT: 64 inches or (5ft 6 inches real height)
WEIGHT: unknown
Anime EYE COLOR: brown
Anime HAIR COLOR: black
anime HAIRSTYLE: unknown
Anime BLOOD TYPE: unknown
3-SIZE/BUST WAIST HIP MEASUREMENTS: unknown
PERSONAL information
BIRTHDATE/BIRTHDAY: January 15 2005
ETHNICITY: (LATINO in real life) (JAPANESE in fantasy)
BIRTHPLACE/NATIONALITY/COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: (USA California in reality) (JAPANESE in my idealized self)
Anime/Street fighter FIGHTING STYLE/MARTIAL ART(S): unknown I only like watching martial arts flicks not practice them
LIKES: anime manga light novels anime girls anime fights (puglov90 my ideal girlfriend) hosting anime world warrior tournaments for anime fights to see slacking off in school
DISLIKES: my mom dmac227 for stealing my girlfriend bad things happening to me double standard editors school homework math
OCCUPATION(S): anime mangaka artist writer supreme of universe/earth 4032-877 master of the manga arts protector of time stone
ORGANIZATION/FACTION AFFILIATION(S): my anime studio veramation/studio verayama
FRIENDS/ENEMIES/RIVAL(S) either friendly or vegeta-like villains/nemesis’s: unknown (dmac227 because he stole my girlfriend)
SKILLS/MASTERY/GOOD AT: drawing manga anime art and writing reading fanfics videogaming fortunetelling
ANIME MOVESET/POWERSET/ABILITES: artbending artkenesis my drawings are alive bend redraw or rewrite universe/earth 4032-877 harness energy & shape reality the multiverse to my whim travel the multiverse like dr strange or timetravel
OTHER FORMS akin to super saiyan: unknown
MORAL ALIGNMENT: good evil neutral chaotic good neutral
RELATIONSHIPS/friends/girlfriend/boyfriends/whatever: my anime studio animators puglov90 Kayden Greshaminc Aden the caring one
FAMILY/RELATIVES: my mom I hate Joel Vera is my divorced father Sergio Villalobos is my stepfather
PERSONALITY: awesome nice funny angry sometimes
Also BEHIND THE SCENES: for me
My
ENGLISH VOICE ACTOR(S): myself or anyone I find
SEIYUU/JAPANESE VOICE ACTOR(S): anyone I find
LIVE ACTION ACTOR(S): myself making a cameo like Stan lee does
Anime manga comics debuts: unknown
UNIVERSE/REALITY/TIMELINE IM FROM: universe/earth 4032-877 or (Earth-1218 aka real world) but I have the power to traverse physical and spiritual planes or the multiverse or see the future for alternate timelines to win like dr strange if I could or I want to cause im the writer and artist of the universe or multiverse deal with it what’s your anime powers or the anime things about you
Also note this wiki template is from CHUN LI on the street fighter wiki google chun li click chun li on street fighter wiki to read her info files and you’ll get what I mean like it’s your own wiki article now i made mine for you what’s your wiki article make your own info about yourself it’s okay if don’t want to answer your wiki
Hello emerald queen its me bryakira veryama the gaijin mangaka artist supreme of universe/earth 4032-877 the main universe timeline of my anime series im big fan of you and your character also whats your realname or othernames whats your nationality and us state and birthday and 3 sizes also mines american californian my birthday January 15 2005 tell me about it your highness also im known by many pen names while working on anime and manga related projects im brykashi veranishiyama bryakira bryakiman verasuda i travel the mutliverse thinking im not only mangaka in the multiverse or universe also i love emerald queen so much i added her as a part of my anime series smash ball z starring brykuya set in earth 4032-877 main timeline because who doesnt love anime or being an anime character i do like feeling or being like an anime character
BTW im from poland and on one of the best universities in country the course of " video games knowledge" is starting this year. So I guess games are getting into academia right now!
So, the Finch family was the royal line from Kind Hearts and Coronet?
just beat the game, and wow, great story, and had so many questions, especially with Milton.
so glad I found your channel! I'm trying to find good games to teach in literature classes! :) will definitely have students play Edith Finch!
4:38
I completely disagree. This feeling of confusion, of bizarre surrealism and sometimes absurdity, everything that makes me feel lost, it's exactly what I'm searching in art. So yes, I like it, more than anything, and I don't think I'm the only one
I don't think you're either. 😉
what a beautiful video man, +1 subscriber, thank you for it
Very well said! Humble and insightful :) Thank you
came here after studying this game for a university class! it was the digital text at uoft, highly recommend
I think lewisis death isnt suicide, it was an accident because he was distracted by his daydream/ hallucinations.
Thats why you have to play 2 things simultaneously to show the distraction from chopping fish. You get into the rhythm with the fish so you barley even glance over to keep cutting, its muscle memory. Your whole focus is on the other half of the screen in his daydream.
Never clicked on a video so fast
My friend had me play it two days ago, so good.
10:33
Max sounding a little sus here
Joseph Anderson also has a theory about the curse of WRoEF. Check out his video.
The baby Gregory section was too much, and not much gets to me. That did, though. I love the game overall.
Studying English & Film at Edinburgh Napier University and this game is being taught in my class
Wow.... Great video man... I cried
Wow. Tears are high praise. Thanks man.
Played through this game in its entirety last night. It was certainly original (which I’m always a fan of), haunting, interactive, and extraordinary all at once. Though a dark and depressing atmosphere, I loved it. I would say (in IGN terms) a solid 9/10. Excellent game. Worth the few hours it takes to go through it.
I noticed the majority of the theories intend to explain the game's plot realistically. That's where they are missing the point, in my opinion. The whole house itself is a fantasy: a structure like that would barely stand still, also, how could an old lady live there, for decades? And then there's Odin sailing within a Manor all the way from Europe, a kid that vanishes trough a painting of a door... I believe a fantastic approach, or better, a 'Grimm Brothers' approach, would generate a better theory about the game's happenings.
I think from first start of the game it shows that the house was full of books, the idea itself was that all of the family there loves to play their imagination.. To the point that it killed all of them because they became stuck onto their delusions that connects to the danger of reality. Maybe it hasn't been specifically point but the curse that they have was schizophrenia..it's so bad that kids who haven't even reach the age of 5 had died because they cannot handle their imagination well. I also saw that edith's mother had this book that states to think rationally idk if it's because she was aware the tragic death of her family was linked into too much rely on their imagination.
I was wondering, what are your thoughts on escapism as a whole?
Even ancient Scythians / Celts smoked ganja, drank mead and mixed psychedelic shrooms with honeyed milk. Enjoying the fruits of one's labor is half the balance, but most in modern society labor improperly. Never feeling truly accomplished, safe or secure in their skills or resources. For good reason.
1:33 Underwater scene 💙. Everytime Max does these videos on video games, I want to play! 😛
You would love the game, Kalypso. I'm certain of that. It's a great introduction to the medium.
I think your goal in each video is to say
"I'm not saying this game yet again has parallels with Jung's Theory of Synchronicity...
but it fucking does"
I played the game to the end. What I think is schizophrenia is the right explanation when it runs in families it indicates it is the most dangerous type. It is caused by many obsessions and when a depression ensues it increases the percentage of it’s appearance in a person… previous wrong beliefs and a tragedy are the most dominant causes; the tragedy sometimes inevitable but the belief is which we have more control of. When such diseases appear in a person they say he is cursed or satan has took control of him but in reality there is an explanation to it. Keep in mind we live in a world where our brain can explain everything that has an effect to change or correct belief may be we can’t explain electricity but we can surely explain schizophrenia… good luck and avoid schizophrenia by re-investigating and in-depth researching before believing in anything… let your brain explain because it is really very powerful in that area your belief your fate. Please let me know your ideas on what I said above
i am a media studies major and i am planning on writing my bachelor thesis about either edith finch or hellblade :D
I love the idea of academia and gaming.
Oh wow never thought I would see such a video from you. Edit I saw the Milton Video 1 years ago😂
I don't think there is anything supernatual going on (excellent video, btw). I think the entire family has lived away from civilisation for ages now, existing in a space and life that is bland and as a result, they seek something as an escape. And in general, they are just different people. They're a bit eccentric, unique and that is what makes them seek an escape through stories and indulging in imagination. I think they were troubled too - as it is constantly mentioned, and the trauma constantly grew as time passed by due to constant deaths. The need for escape also grew and so did the weird deaths.
I need to play this game again
PApers Please, Beholder, or Recettear might be good games to cover in the future?
Hey Max. When I played this game I also played Dear Esther, and in my opinion they are very similiar experiences. When you find time I would love to hear your interpretation of this game. Well, it is more of an interactive movie than a game. Anyway it is short, simple , amazing and confusing.
The first walking simulator. Great experience.
I love your analyses, they are almost always thoughtful and interesting. Though in all honesty I don't like the thought of making videogames academic. Personally I think the worst type of art is that which tries to be artistic, rather than simply being. I think that if the wrong kinds of eyes are on the industry we will see a great increase in games trying to be deep to impress others, rather than simply being deep because that's the story they wanted to tell. And I honestly think that will lead to more messes like The Last of Us, rather than gems like Shadow of the Colossus. But again, love your work and respect the intent even if I don't share it.
I'd love to hear why you think so low of The Last of Us.
Loved this game. If I ever become rich as fuck, I'm totally building my house similar to the Finch house.
Love this game so much.
I just finished this game, ny game play didn't have any part with a kite? Whos memory is that?
Gonna watch this after work I like the game didn’t like the drowning part about the baby made me stop the game for a bit
This game is so God Damn sad that even this video almost makes me cry
Why is Walters grave not at the cemetery like everyone else's?
On a side note, I got literally sick because of the way that camera moves around