What remains of Edith Finch is the ideal Christmas ghost story

Initially, what the title suggests is a bold claim, especially because What Remains of Edith Finch isn’t a Christmas story, nor does it, technically, involve ghosts. However, by the end of this article, even if you don’t agree with me, you’ll understand where I’m coming from when I say it’s an ideal Christmas ghost story.

When we think of Christmas we often picture Santa, a decorated tree, and a heap of presents ready to be torn open in a pre-Christmas dinner haze. Then we’re left with cheesy films and good food to keep us merry throughout the remainder of the day. Yet the festive period is about so much more than commercialised traditions – it’s also about ghosts too. Ghost we can unlock using our PS.

Prepare for a ghost story perfect for gathering around the fire at Christmas

Ghost stories are an age-old Christmas tradition spanning back to Victorian England, where the supernatural was a fascination to the populous. Seances, mediums, palm reading – all of it evoked intrigue, a curiosity further provoked by what’s been dubbed the “Charles Dickens effect”. The love of the macabre was sealed, and while not every nation shares in the ghost story tradition, it’s a tradition that’s still going strong today.

Which brings me back to PS Plus’ What Remains of Edith Finch. Set in Washington, Edith returns to the Finch home in an attempt to uncover her family’s history in the hopes of learning why she’s the final member of the family still alive. I’ll be upfront about it: there are no ghosts in this game. At least, not in the spectator sense. However, there are the memories of the departed that Edith must relive to discover the truth, and thus broad definition of ghosts is an integral part of the narrative. After all, what are ghosts if not echoes of the past?

Fans have described the game as a “haunting” experience, with the use of “haunting” further reinforcing this connection between the game, ghosts, and, ultimately, Christmas. The only difference between traditional ghost stories and the ones within the game is the medium by which we experience them. Arguably though, by being able to interact with these mysterious tales of death, disease, and pain, we gain a contemporary refresh of an old tradition.

Granted, none of the stories told within What Remains of Edith Finch cause a shriek, nor will you jump out of your seat as you explore the cold, dead house of the Finch family. However, you’ll still feel on edge, a sense that you’re being watched by an “other” very real and at the front of your mind throughout the playthrough. It has a similar vibe to Gone Home in that respect, with players never quite sure of what type of game they’re playing; it creates a sense of unease, sometimes dread even, as you try to figure out if you’re overreacting.

Keeping all that in mind, the next time you sit down to enjoy a cosy night in with your loved ones this Christmas, why not add a touch of the supernatural into your home? What Remains of Edith Finch won’t scare you, but it’ll cause goosebumps all the same, with you needing to snuggle up to your loved ones for both warmth and comfort only adding to the festive tradition of ghost stories during the Holidays.