A sequel to one of the best written narratives of all time, Freebird Games and Kan Gao ride home yet again that they have figured out the meaning of life and are not afraid to show the intimate, emotional, and silent moments of that truth. Finding Paradise is the best iteration of the story it is trying to tell, and it blew away my expectations. It's a drama that can be hilarious, a thriller with sci-fi elements. This is a game and series you need to play, and one that I hope keeps delivering some of the best the industry has to offer.
This review contains spoilers
Collin Reeds is by far the least interesting individual that the Freebird trilogy has focussed on. His is a life with little real trauma or turmoil outside of his early loneliness, rendering the services of Sigmund Corp largely redundant. In fact, the removal of Sigmund Corp was the key to unlocking Collin's final wish. For that reason, this game is likely my least favorite of the three.
However, the great thing about finding paradise is that is also likely the most relatable of the three. Collin has already lived a full and happy life, and the beauty of this game is allowing Collin, in his final moments, to see it for what it is rather than what it could have been. Collin built a family, learned to fly, taught countless co-pilots, and grew old with someone he loved. By all accounts, it was a full life. This game balances the dichotomy of the heavy weight we place on our individual choices with little clarity as to their wisdom with the ultimate meaninglessness of these regrets in the grand scheme of a full life. We all live with regrets and confusion as to where we might have ended up, but, at the end of it all, Finding Paradise illustrates that contentment comes from positively affecting others and seeking out value in the world around us and our place in it.
However, the great thing about finding paradise is that is also likely the most relatable of the three. Collin has already lived a full and happy life, and the beauty of this game is allowing Collin, in his final moments, to see it for what it is rather than what it could have been. Collin built a family, learned to fly, taught countless co-pilots, and grew old with someone he loved. By all accounts, it was a full life. This game balances the dichotomy of the heavy weight we place on our individual choices with little clarity as to their wisdom with the ultimate meaninglessness of these regrets in the grand scheme of a full life. We all live with regrets and confusion as to where we might have ended up, but, at the end of it all, Finding Paradise illustrates that contentment comes from positively affecting others and seeking out value in the world around us and our place in it.