Empathy: Path of Whispers is an atmospheric and story-driven adventure game where you explore a seemingly abandoned world through the emotions and memories of the people who once inhabited it, trying to restore the world’s lost balance by journeying through its past.
Empathy: Path of Whispers has a barely good story, but the lack of gameplay is something really unforgettable.
Empathy wants to be a narrative-first game, that much is clear. But the constant distractions, menial busywork, and tedious puzzles constantly distract from the pacing that's so critical to a story like this, and the end result is something that doesn't really work well as either a puzzle game or a narrative experience.
Empathy focuses on everyone but yourself. Your identity is loosely defined as “a child” by an anonymous narrator in the beginning, and that’s about all you get. You’re a metaphorical blank slate.
While it may not indulge as much on its aesthetic to better hide the distinct lack of gameplay, Empathy: Path of Whispers can't excuse itself for letting its eye go too far a stray from keeping its player both focused and interested in the tale being spun.
An interesting adventure that provides some cool sights and an intriguing narrative. Unlocking memories via wave-length puzzles is quirky and charming to begin with, however quickly becomes rote. Could have done with a wider variety of better designed challenges, but as it is it's an enjoyable experience.
