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The First Tree

Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux, iOS, Mac, PlayStation 4, Android • 2017

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Quick resume

A beautiful, 3rd-person exploration game centered around two parallel stories: a fox trying to find her missing family, and a son reconnecting with his estranged father in Alaska. Uncover artifacts from the son's life as he becomes intertwined in the fox’s journey towards The First Tree.

Global score

75/100

Genres

Adventure, Indie, Simulator, Platform

Pros

  • Touching and emotional story
  • Beautiful art style and visuals
  • Amazing and fitting soundtrack
  • Relaxing and contemplative atmosphere
  • Unique narrative structure and player message feature

Cons

  • Simple and clunky gameplay mechanics
  • Some tedious and repetitive exploration
  • Short playtime
  • Lack of save points and chapter select
  • Minor bugs and graphical pop-in issues

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    3

    "Players control the fox freely exploring large semi-open levels with some light platforming and item collection, allowing personal pacing and decision on exploration."

  • Competence
    -2

    "Gameplay is simple and straightforward with minimal challenge; controls and jumping mechanics are basic and sometimes clunky, requiring little skill."

  • Competition
    -5

    "No competitive elements or comparison to others; focus is on personal experience and narrative."

  • Continuation
    1

    "Short playtime and some tedious sections may limit long sessions, but emotional impact and atmosphere encourage replay for story and achievements."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Entirely single-player experience with no cooperative or multiplayer elements."

  • Creativity
    4

    "Unique narrative structure combining two parallel stories and player-created messages; artistic visual style and atmospheric design."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No elements of dominance or superiority; interactions are solitary and respectful."

  • Escapism
    5

    "Strongly designed to provide emotional escape and reflection, helping players cope with real-life issues and stress."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily for intrinsic interest in story and atmosphere, not out of obligation."

  • Experimenting
    1

    "Some exploration and discovery of hidden items and story elements, but gameplay mechanics are simple and repetitive."

  • Exploration
    4

    "Encourages discovering new areas, secrets, and collectibles across varied biomes and dreamlike landscapes."

  • Expression
    3

    "Players can compose a personal message at the end, which is shared with others, allowing self-expression within the narrative."

  • Fantasy
    3

    "The game blends realistic emotional themes with a dreamlike, surreal narrative featuring a fox and symbolic storytelling."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "No social or community features; experience is solitary and introspective."

  • Growth
    2

    "Players gain insight into the story and characters, with some personal reflection and emotional growth encouraged."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay without physical activity or health-related mechanics."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention to explore and follow story; some players find pacing slow but not background or casual play."

  • Intimacy
    4

    "Emotional narrative and voice acting foster close connection to characters and themes of family and loss."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management elements; purely single-player experience."

  • Progression
    1

    "Progression through story and collectibles, but no complex item upgrades or power accumulation."

  • Relaxation
    4

    "Calm, soothing atmosphere with gentle music and slow pacing promotes relaxation and emotional flow."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Visually pleasing art style and evocative soundtrack provide sensory enjoyment and emotional stimulation."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or status systems; focus is on personal experience."

  • Story
    5

    "Central to the game; deeply emotional, well-narrated story with strong narrative immersion."

  • Strategy
    -4

    "Minimal strategic or problem-solving elements; gameplay is straightforward and linear."

  • Thrill
    -4

    "Low risk and suspense; experience is controlled and contemplative rather than thrilling."

  • Value
    2

    "Generally considered good value for a short, emotional experience, especially on sale; some feel full price is high for length."

  • Violence
    -5

    "No violent or destructive gameplay; focus on exploration and narrative."

  • Survival
    -5

    "No survival or threat mechanics; stable and safe environment."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026