GameSpot's Best Games of 2017 has finally kicked off, so join us as we unveil what we thought were the 10 best games released this year. We recently revealed that the #10 spot went to Nier Automata this year. At the coveted #9 spot is What Remains of Edith Finch, which is available on the PC, Xbox One and PlayStation 4. Read on to see why we chose it as one of the best for 2017.
While What Remains of Edith Finch might look like a simple walking simulator at first glance, but its engrossing story makes it one of the most compelling games of the year. It shouldn't be missed, even by people who don't care for the genre.
You play as titular character Edith Finch as you explore your family's old, mysterious, and larger-than-life estate. The premise is that there may or may not be a curse that ends up killing all members of your lineage in strange and unexpected ways. As you walk through the labyrinthine mansion and explore the rooms of your fallen family members, the game flashes back and allows you to relive your relatives' last moments. You take control of distant cousins, long-lost uncles, and more as you play out the moments leading to their bizarre deaths. What Remains of Edith Finch ends up feeling a bit like "Final Destination" in this regard, but these vignettes are often wonderfully imaginative and haunting, sticking with you long after you've completed the journey.
The narrative can be funny, dark, or heartbreaking, but it's always gripping and well-paced. What Remains of Edith Finch feels like a great page turner of a book that is full of unexpected twists and turns. It's a game that you'll want to recommend to friends as soon as you finish it. Without giving too much away, one of its greatest strengths is that it tells a story that can only effectively be conveyed through a video game. The impact is bolstered by top-notch voice acting and a surreal and magical world that is somehow still rooted in reality. If you decide to give What Remains of Edith Finch a shot, you'll be treated to one of the most surprising and riveting hits of the year.
