Game Review: The First Tree (Switch)

The First Tree is a short and sometimes irritating game. Ostensibly the story of a fox, it devolves into a maudlin narrative with terrible voice acting, and is barely saved by the gameplay, visuals, and music. I for one am outraged on behalf of the fox who deserves the only starring role in this game.

The First Tree begins in a bleak, white landscape. Players become a mother fox, easily the most gorgeous element in the game. Controls are straightforward, and a small tutorial in the form of a diagram helps demonstrate the fox's unique moves. I set out to explore, but alas, this triggered the story.

It turns out that the fox is but a dream!, an allegory for a man, Joseph, who's suffered a recent loss. Her search for her cubs represents Joseph's flailing for...meaning, I guess? The sparse landscape is littered with items from his past, and those with particular significance must be dug up by the poor fox so that Joseph can ramble about his life. The dialogue is clumsy, heavy-handed, and far less interesting than if the fox were narrating her own adventures.

That said, the gameplay does have a couple of fun features. The fox can double jump to reach high places, and more inaccessible areas need special butterflies as helpers. There are easy puzzles to solve (I love easy puzzles!). One stage in particular is good: the space/sky area, where Joseph's wife Rachel talks about her own past struggles, spurred on by the fox chasing an ephemeral stag across the heavens. Rachel talks less than Joseph, so the ratio of sad human to fox action is excellent.

The music by Josh Kramer is terrific: very soothing piano and strings, the kind you can listen to on repeat. It wouldn't be out of place in an epic adventure, and is a perfect accompaniment to our little fox as she advances through various environs looking for her young. Here's the entire track on Youtube.

Another positive is the reveal of the first tree and its connection to all those lights that the fox collects on her journey. It's unexpected and moving, so kudos to indie developer David Wehle for a strong finish.

Overall, The First Tree is a quick, diverting game, especially when the unseen protagonist is silent. I would play another Wehle game, sure! I'd even help edit his script!

TL;DR: Brief, easy on the eyes and ears, just needs script trim and voice coaching.

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