Developer – Brian Wilson

Publisher – Whitethorn Games

Platforms –  Xbox Series S|X, PS5 , PC (Reviewed)

Review copy given by Publisher

When first looking at the Forest Cathedral Trailer , I was intreigued as it had all the elements to be a groundbreaking first-person environmental thriller, promising a unique blend of 2D/3D connected puzzles and a narrative based on the real-life struggles of Rachel Carson against the harmful pesticide, DDT. However, what could have been an engaging experience turned out to be a frustrating and poorly executed venture.

The game starts with an intriguing premise: players take on the role of Rachel Carson, a scientist investigating the effects of DDT on a mysterious island. The narrative, however, fails to deliver on its promise. The attempt to weave a gripping story around Carson’s discoveries falls flat, leaving players disconnected and disinterested. The storytelling lacks depth, and the promised reimagining of Carson’s experiences feels more like a mishmash of disconnected events than a cohesive narrative.

One of the game’s touted features is the unique gameplay mechanic of switching control between Rachel in the 3D world and the “Little Man” inside her environmental scanning tools. In theory, this idea could have added depth to puzzle-solving and platforming. In reality, it feels clunky and poorly implemented. The transitions between the 2D and 3D worlds are jarring, leading to frequent moments of frustration rather than engagement.

The meticulously crafted forested island, described as teeming with life impacted by DDT, falls short of expectations. While the concept of exploring an ecosystem in peril is appealing, the execution is lackluster. The visuals lack polish, and the impact of DDT on the environment feels superficial. The promised density of trees, animals, fish, and insects fails to create a believable and immersive world.

The sound design, featuring a fully voiced narrative and an enchanting original soundtrack, is one of the few redeeming qualities of The Forest Cathedral. The voice acting adds some emotional weight to the otherwise lackluster storytelling, and the soundtrack creates a fitting atmosphere. However, good audio alone cannot salvage a game plagued by fundamental issues.

The Forest Cathedral ultimately disappoints as a game that could have brought attention to the environmental issues surrounding DDT and Rachel Carson’s contributions. The potential for a thought-provoking experience is buried under the weight of poor execution, lackluster storytelling, and frustrating gameplay mechanics. Save yourself the disappointment and look elsewhere for a truly immersive environmental thriller.