This sequence was left optional to the player, as the developers wanted to introduce the player to the character more gradually and give the player more freedom in that discovery.
During the opening scene, the player has Ethan get up from bed -- controlling the speed of the movement using the right stick -- and move around (optional: walk out to the balcony, look at his wedding photo.)
The player is also encouraged to hold down the RT to listen to the character’s thoughts and observations (especially important later for mission objectives.) Here Ethan thinks about showering and getting dressed. If the player takes a look at the wedding photo Ethan remarks that his wife looks more and more beautiful everyday.
When the player moves towards the door they are prompted to lift a note off the floor from Ethan’s wife Grace letting him know she stepped out to pick up supplies for their son Jason’s birthday party -- and because letters are so much more romantic than text messages.
After leaving the bedroom the player can explore the childrens’ room, where Ethan can play a juggling mini-game to try out QTEs (optional: open/close windows, turn lights on/off, use the toilet, look through cage at a bird.)
Ethan must shower and get dressed before heading downstairs. If the player tries to have Ethan go down the stairs in his underwear, he stops, turns around and thinks “I should have a shower and get dressed before I go downstairs.”
When Ethan steps out of the shower, the player directionally moves the controller as Ethan towels off. Ethan can also shave and brush his teeth (using vertical movement of the control) before the player heads back to his bedroom closet to get dressed.
These activities are not only exploratory elements in the game, but also introduce players to the fundamental button mechanics they’ll be using throughout the game; for example in shaving, the player must unfold the movement of the right stick slowly while using the electric razor, as the controller vibrates in effect.
When heading downstairs, the player can participate in a variety of activities -- working on an architectural drawing, racing an RC/vehicle, turning on the TV, flipping through an architectural textbook, turning on the stereo, eating grapes, making a coffee, drinking orange juice, looking through windows, going out to the backyard and playing with a toy sword.
When Ethan’s wife and kids return, Ethan hugs his kids before they run out to the backyard to play. Grace asks Ethan to help her carry the bags of groceries she just brought in. The player can pick up the bags by holding buttons down -- or walk away where Grace chides “Thanks a lot, Ethan.”
Either way Grace asks Ethan how his day has been and whether he got any work done today (necessary for the Happy Birthday Trophy.)
He can tell her if he did or not depending on player choice -- or ignore her where Grace will annoyedly remark that it seems he doesn’t want to talk.
If Ethan sticks around, Grace will ask Ethan to grab some plates and set the table for dinner; the player can either can go into the cupboard or walk away. If the player decides to set the table (also necessary for the trophy) Grace will tell Ethan to be gentle with them, they’re a gift from her mother. If the player doesn’t unfold the movement of the analog stick slowly, the plate clatters and Grace will yell “Ethan! I told you to be careful!”
If Ethan has been extra sweet to his wife he can have a romantic moment with her and kiss her.
Scenes with Ethan’s two sons Jason and Shaun are absolutely essential to the story. The objective of the first scene is to build up a relationship with the kids at all costs -- establishing Ethan as a well-balanced and loving father. This is to have the player implicated in Ethan’s fatherhood role later on.
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