When I first played To the Moon 7 years ago I had certain expectations. The game was talked a lot about, with people describing it very emotional and moving. The “I cried” sentiment around it, in fact, turned into the same bandwagon stock phrase/meme similar to whatever would form around any hugely popular game. And I liked it. It didn’t move me in the same ways it seemed to affect people and it was mechanically annoying at times, but it was also a nicely put together story that I was glad to go through and could easily recommend to others. Though, I also said that the free Mirror Lied from the same developers was a much more engaging title and still stand by that.
Then A Bird Story happened. An absolutely pointless title with a story that could’ve and should’ve been told in about 10 minutes Since that was supposed to be somewhat of a prequel to Finding Paradise, my expectations were quite a bit lower this time around. And even with that, Finding Paradise managed to disappoint, despite having a strong central story.
What worked really well about the first foray into whatever this “franchise” could be called was the central story of the dying patient and their memories. The whole “reshaping memories to fulfill the dying wish” concept and the controllable characters were a great framing device, but nothing more. They had personalities, the whole concept of snooping around someone’s memories was examined on the side a bit, but they were there just to enhance the main story.
This time around, the main story might be somewhat simpler, but it’s still really strong and interesting in its concept. Except, the game decides to focus far more on whatever “meta” narrative that’s happening, unnecessary references and fanfic quality writing instead. I’m not sure if the developers were afraid that their main story is weak or if they just got too involved with whatever “lore” they’ve created, but every time you settle in a nice storytelling pace, it gets brutally interrupted by something obnoxious and unnecessary. Secret plots of whatever their name scientist doctor people! Even more terrible interactive “puzzle”, mini-game interjections! Sequel teasers! Overly extended jokes that get old before they begin! This game truly has everything. And it led to a really unpleasant experience, where every time I was finally ready to completely get into the story and emphasize with anything or get excited about any plot development, the game Assassin’s Creed-ed itself narratively and the only thing I could think of was “bugger off”.
Finding Paradise could’ve been as interesting as To the Moon. Instead, despite its very strong story it does everything far worse than what To the Moon did. Or a lot of other similar games that have popped up since To the Moon appeared, some of which are free. Unless you really want a fanfic based on To the Moon and are too lazy to imagine it yourself, don’t bother with this game.