The First Tree for Nintendo Switch review

I hesitate to call The First Tree a game, because it’s much more an experience. I’ve never played a game like it before, as it is like no other. You play as a fox looking for her cubs as a young couple talks to each other in the background, both stories of which are intertwined in the fox’s world. The beautiful cell-shaded graphics compliment the incredibly emotional, deep, and relatable story, and there are times that you forget about the fox’s story all together. Mix this all with a calming (and amazing) piano music score, and it truly is a special game in these regards. This is what I saw in the trailer and what persuaded me to buy the game. That being said however, the actual design for the game isn’t great. It’s impressive being made by only one person, but gameplay itself is bland. The entire game mainly consists of running around the world as a fox, picking up balls of light and looking for pillars of light that prompt the dialogue and continue the story. A big problem however is that these pillars of light can be dug up in any order, and seem like they can be missed completely, shuffling the otherwise impactful story. There is some 3D platforming as well, but nothing intricate or special. The game lacks any sort of challenge, and where there was challenge I only found frustration, to which I cheated through that particular portion.

The First Tree is an experience and a game like no other. Though it is only roughly 2 hours long, the visuals, narrative, and music really impacts you in a deep way. So deep in fact, that it sometimes feels like you are eavesdropping on a conversation that you should not be listening to. The price is a little steep, being $9.99 US ($12.50 CA) for a short game, but for some this may be fine for just a story (Like a movie ticket). It’s best enjoyed in one play-through with no distractions, and audio is an absolute must. In fact, I doubt that I would be able to play it in multiple bursts like any other games.

I think I’d rate the game at about a 72/100, but really compliment the creator of the game, as it was pretty much a one-man operation. I would only recommend buying The First Tree if you're at a low in life and need sage advice to help you out. Again, you will find no game here, but what you will find are stunning visuals, powerful music, and an incredibly real and thought-provoking story.