Gone Home is a thorough and well-designed experience that absolutely squanders itself on a lack-luster main story. In a game that touts itself as a narrative tour-de-force, it is absolutely tragic that it inevitably falls into the tropes of fairy-tale fantasy of yore, and not in the warm fuzzy nostalgic fashion one might expect.
Incredibly ironic in fact, as it makes an excellent representation domestic living in it's time period. A lot of care and love went into designing the house that players will end up exploring every nook and cranny of. However, this is where the characterization begins and ends in this game. The story that transpires as you explore this space, while initially interesting, becomes incredibly disappointing once the game reaches it's quick conclusion. It is so difficult to go into detail without ruining the experience, as so much of the game is about subverting the player's expectations, but it stands to note that not a lot of thought was placed in the story. The ending specifically, is clearly meant to evoke certain emotions, but once one gets over that initial high, they immediately tumble into the wealth of plot holes which dominate the script as if it were Swiss cheese.
It is incredibly frustrating that more effort couldn't have been put into this game's plot. I really wish that it handled it's subject matter in a more mature way, as it deals with deep emotional issues that affect many families in the world. As it stands, the solution it gives to these problems it presents is ultimately a bad solution. The game could pretty much have ended with the words "Let them eat cake", and it would have been no worse than the final image it presents the player.
As it stands, Gone Home is a lovingly crafted and tragically disappointing experience that neglects to fully address the serious issues it brings up. Compounded with a very high price-point for what is offered, it is not a game one can recommend. At a reduced price, it is worth experiencing simply to see the excellent moody atmosphere and the love that went into creating the environment.