I approached Giant Sparrow's debut game with knowledge of their next and more famous project and complete unknown regarding this project. And I was amazed.
The Unfinished Swan will amaze from the very first minute. The game begins... with a white room. There is absolutely nothing in it, and only by the cursor in the center you can understand that the game has even begun. The first intuitive action of the player will be pressing the left mouse button - and the first throw of a clot of black paint. At that moment, you understand everything and immediately raise your eyebrows in surprise. I didn't read the description or look at the screenshots (at least not long enough to remember) so this really came as a surprise to me. The mechanics of coloring the location and gradually orienting in the area in this way is really original and immediately immerses the player in this unusual world. Gradually, different uses are found for it, and even better, it evolves and changes. In each chapter, the player uses different methods of interacting with the environment, the design of locations and goals also change with this. I won't go into detail on these mechanics (because you should see them for yourself), but I'll just say that one of the most amazing things about the game is that towards the end, and even in the epilogue itself, new mechanics appear or new uses are found for them. In such a small story, such changes do not let you get bored and keep you constantly in a state of a little surprise. It's great that the developers did not get hung up on one mechanic and endowed each chapter with their own features.
Another striking aspect of the game is the story. It begins quite simply, but towards the end it develops into an extremely pleasant parable about the path of life, the process and meaning of creativity, and the inevitability of death. I am always moved by stories that can, in such a compact and easy to understand form, provide food for thought about the most monumental aspects and mysteries of our existence, and here is such a story. It also blends perfectly with the gameplay, creating a varied and memorable experience.
Everything else also works on the level. Sound and music, visual style, controls and interface do their job, and the lack of bugs is also nice. The game also has collectible items in the form of balloons, collecting them can open various additional items, such as a set of early game sketches and the ability to use mechanics previously available only at certain points everywhere.
Perhaps my long hiatus from going through story-oriented projects is taking its toll, but I can't help but love The Unfinished Swan. This is an extremely enjoyable little game that both perfectly showcases the talent and ideas of a small Californian studio (which will be even more evident in their next project) and gives a touching story with a galaxy of thoughts on various topics and, in the end, a warm moral. Projects like this are probably what I want to see more in the industry, and that's why The Unfinished Swan really excites me. If you fell in love with What Remains of Edith Finch, then this game will not yield at all in emotions, and if this is the first Giant Sparrow project for you, do not hesitate and boldly plunge into the world of colors and shadows, whiteness and night, creativity and the eternal mystery of our being in this world.
The Unfinished Swan will amaze from the very first minute. The game begins... with a white room. There is absolutely nothing in it, and only by the cursor in the center you can understand that the game has even begun. The first intuitive action of the player will be pressing the left mouse button - and the first throw of a clot of black paint. At that moment, you understand everything and immediately raise your eyebrows in surprise. I didn't read the description or look at the screenshots (at least not long enough to remember) so this really came as a surprise to me. The mechanics of coloring the location and gradually orienting in the area in this way is really original and immediately immerses the player in this unusual world. Gradually, different uses are found for it, and even better, it evolves and changes. In each chapter, the player uses different methods of interacting with the environment, the design of locations and goals also change with this. I won't go into detail on these mechanics (because you should see them for yourself), but I'll just say that one of the most amazing things about the game is that towards the end, and even in the epilogue itself, new mechanics appear or new uses are found for them. In such a small story, such changes do not let you get bored and keep you constantly in a state of a little surprise. It's great that the developers did not get hung up on one mechanic and endowed each chapter with their own features.
Another striking aspect of the game is the story. It begins quite simply, but towards the end it develops into an extremely pleasant parable about the path of life, the process and meaning of creativity, and the inevitability of death. I am always moved by stories that can, in such a compact and easy to understand form, provide food for thought about the most monumental aspects and mysteries of our existence, and here is such a story. It also blends perfectly with the gameplay, creating a varied and memorable experience.
Everything else also works on the level. Sound and music, visual style, controls and interface do their job, and the lack of bugs is also nice. The game also has collectible items in the form of balloons, collecting them can open various additional items, such as a set of early game sketches and the ability to use mechanics previously available only at certain points everywhere.
Perhaps my long hiatus from going through story-oriented projects is taking its toll, but I can't help but love The Unfinished Swan. This is an extremely enjoyable little game that both perfectly showcases the talent and ideas of a small Californian studio (which will be even more evident in their next project) and gives a touching story with a galaxy of thoughts on various topics and, in the end, a warm moral. Projects like this are probably what I want to see more in the industry, and that's why The Unfinished Swan really excites me. If you fell in love with What Remains of Edith Finch, then this game will not yield at all in emotions, and if this is the first Giant Sparrow project for you, do not hesitate and boldly plunge into the world of colors and shadows, whiteness and night, creativity and the eternal mystery of our being in this world.