Item: The First Tree™
Rating: 94
Author: Dinsun

Our Site Score

94/100

The First Tree is a poetic and deeply emotional experience that everyone should play at least once. It’s not a 'fox simulator' in the traditional sense; rather, it’s a beautiful narrative journey that uses the fox as a vessel to tell two parallel stories about loss, family, and reconnection. The writing is intimate and poignant, building to an ending that is truly unforgettable.

The world is absolutely stunning. From the magical, shifting landscapes to the orchestral soundtrack, every element is designed to pull you into Joseph's story. The fact that this was created by a one-man team (David Wehle) makes the level of polish and emotional depth even more impressive.

While the gameplay is light—mostly exploration with some simple platforming—it serves the story perfectly. It’s a short experience, taking about two hours, but it stays with you long after the credits roll. It’s a masterclass in indie storytelling that proves games can be a powerful medium for personal, human narratives.

Reviewed on: Mon Feb 26 2024

Dinsun Review

I respect the ambition of 'The First Tree,' but as a game, it leaves a lot to be desired. You spend most of your time running across vast, empty landscapes that, while pretty, offer very little meaningful interaction. The dual-narrative is its strongest point, yet the connection between the fox and the narrator often feels forced. The platforming is floaty and occasionally frustrating, which breaks the immersion of what is supposed to be a meditative experience. It’s a short journey—maybe two hours—and while it has its emotional moments, I prefer my games to have a bit more 'game' in them. If you want a story, read a book; if you want an experience, this might suffice on a deep discount.

Overall Stats

Pros & Cons

Evocative art style
Poignant soundtrack
Meaningful narrative themes

Floaty controls
Empty environments
Very short duration

Technical Report

Performance: Occasional frame drops in lush areas; controls feel unoptimized for touch.

Accessibility:

Subtitles

Audience Fit

Buy if: You prioritize atmosphere and emotional storytelling over gameplay mechanics.

Skip if: You get bored easily by 'walking simulators' or lack of combat.

Similar Games:

1433033831
1271711406

Reviewer Context

Reviewer: Dinsun
Hardware: iPhone 15 Pro
Playtime: 2 hours
Status: Finished Story

The Game

Available on: iPhone, iPad, iPod

1524841987

$4.99 13+★4.5 155 reviews

Author : David Wehle

Pubish Date : Sat Oct 03 2020

Last Update Date : Tue Nov 17 2020

Support Languages : English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Traditional Chinese

Genres :

Version 1.3Tue Nov 17 2020

Thanks for playing The First Tree! I updated the language info in the App Store. Subtitles are available in English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), and Korean.
The First Tree is a third-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. Players take control of the fox on a poignant and beautiful journey that crescendos at the source of life, and perhaps result in an understanding of death. Along the way, players can uncover artifacts and stories from the son's life as he becomes intertwined in the fox’s journey towards The First Tree.
Features:
• Not a "fox simulator," but an emotional, intimate story by a one-man team with an ending you won't soon forget.
• Featuring a gorgeous, orchestral soundtrack by acclaimed artists like Message to Bears, Lowercase Noises, and Josh Kramer.
• A short story-driven game (about 2 hours long) with some light puzzle solving, platforming, and no enemies.
Requires iOS 10.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
"A tranquil and personal journey through a magical, shifting landscape." - IGN
The First Tree is a third-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. Players take control of the fox on a poignant and beautiful journey that crescendos at the source of life, and perhaps result in an understanding of death. Along the way, players can uncover artifacts and stories from the son's life as he becomes intertwined in the fox’s journey towards The First Tree.
Features:
• Not a "fox simulator," but an emotional, intimate story by a one-man team with an ending you won't soon forget.
• Featuring a gorgeous, orchestral soundtrack by acclaimed artists like Message to Bears, Lowercase Noises, and Josh Kramer.
• A short story-driven game (about 2 hours long) with some light puzzle solving, platforming, and no enemies.

Ratings & Reviews

4.5 out of 5 with 155 Counts

★★★★★

Age Rating 13+

The First Tree is a third-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. Control the fox on a poignant journey through a shifting landscape, uncovering artifacts from the son's life as the two narratives intertwine toward an emotional climax.

Features

Intimate, Emotional Story

Orchestral Soundtrack

Stunning Art Direction

Light Puzzle & Platforming

Controller Support

Tips

Exploring the World

Take your time to find artifacts hidden in the landscape. These are not just collectibles; they provide crucial context to the parallel story of Joseph and his father.