* While the gameplay and any shared graphics are from my own play through, all credit goes to Author, Developer, Publisher David Wehle, developed with Do Games. Please show them the love they deserve!
This is a blind playthrough of The First Tree where I ended up finishing the game in one sitting. I didn’t read any reviews, synopses, etc. beforehand. Instead I dropped into the game and let myself experience it. That ended up being the best decision as this game was a roller coaster of emotions I was not expecting! I missed a lot of collecting and exploring. But after experiencing it once, I will play it again and take my time roaming.
“It is the secret of the world that all things subsist and do not die, but retire a little from sight and afterwards return again.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
I played this game about two weeks before I had to say good bye to my cat Allister. He was 18 years old and nearing the end of his life. I knew we didn’t have much time left together and my heart was already breaking. The sniffling you hear is me thinking about him as I play this game. I was sitting there, thinking about life and death. Thinking about how much loss we’ve all had over the past few years dealing with Covid.
This is a beautiful game that broke my heart in all the right ways. It also laid the ground work for the strength and healing I’d need in the coming weeks.
I recommend The First Tree to everyone. Not only to those struggling with loss and life changes. But also to anyone looking for an emotional and heartful message. The game itself is easy, laid back and straight forward. The world is stunning, even in its simplicity. The music built perfectly with the emotions being portrayed. The story and its message are strong and hopeful. I know I’ll be playing it again!
Spoiler warning! The following playthrough and gallery has spoilers. If you haven’t played the game you might not want to see these!
* New to Friday-Highday? Check out the first post and explanation here.