Dear Esther PC
Metascore
75 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 37 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 37
  3. Negative: 3 out of 37
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  1. Gaming Nexus
    Mar 9, 2012
    100
    Dear Esther is an auditory and visual experience that interweaves a consuming narrative and array of emotions. The game's actual value must not be solely based upon its gameplay length, but rather on the random elements and new secrets discovered through multiple playthroughs. Those that brave the journey into the narrative and world of Dear Esther will discover an experience that few games have been available to accomplish in years. Highly recommended.
  2. GameOver.gr
    Feb 14, 2012
    100
    Dear Esther completely changes the language in which we communicate with a videogame; it is an interactive experience whose notion of interactivity demands much more from the players than they are used to.
  3. Multiplayer.it
    Feb 20, 2012
    90
    Dear Esther is a peculiar game. With its beautiful landscapes and script, some people could find it a great experience, others could hate the lack of interaction and the plain gameplay.
  4. Strategy Informer
    Feb 17, 2012
    90
    One of the most haunting and well-executed titles of this or any other generation.
  5. Everyeye.it
    Feb 16, 2012
    90
    Dear Esther. I will take flight.
  6. Gamer.nl
    Feb 15, 2012
    90
    Dear Esther changes a simple hike into an emotional journey. Not just a (short) game, but truly an experience.
  7. 4Players.de
    Feb 15, 2012
    90
    Mysterious, poetical and full of atmosphere – Dear Esther is as magical as a short story from Ray Bradbury. The creative way of storytelling fascinated me from the very first moment.
  8. Bit-Gamer
    Feb 14, 2012
    90
    Dear Esther definitely isn't a product which everyone will appreciate - the walking-talking pace tends to polarise audiences quickly - but those who are tempted to try it out would be much advised to do so. You won't be disappointed.
  9. VideoGamer
    Feb 13, 2012
    90
    The beauty of Dear Esther is that it raises questions about content rather than mechanics.
  10. PC Master (Greece)
    Mar 12, 2012
    88
    The catharsis that sweeps us in the ending can not be explained, nor foreseen. The game's immersion is not only intense, it's unprecedented. Surely it's not a title for everyone, especially for people that are used to "living" their games through interaction with other characters or objects. But it's groundbreaking and succeeds in its goal for the user to live a story, as in a well-written book. [April 2012]
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User Reviews

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User Score
6.6 out of 10

Mixed or average reviews- based on 386 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 101 out of 173
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 173
  3. Negative: 58 out of 173
  1. jthayer09
    10
    To call this a game would be almost entirely inaccurate. This piece is better described as an interactive fiction narrative. The only game play mechanic in this work is to guide your character through the story. However, what makes this piece of work interesting and outstanding is the atmosphere that is created through the narrator's speech, the beautiful graphics, perfect music score, and amazing ambient sound. This is an experience that no one should pass up, my first play-through took up a little over 2 hours of my time; for $10 this is a fantastic deal.… Full Review »
  2. Terezi
    10
    Originally a mod for Half-Life 2, this remake is very different from what you might expect a game to be.
    Calling it an interactive story would     be more accurate. There is no "action", no real items or objectives, you just explore the island while a narrator tells you a story. It is certainly not for everyone, but for people that are looking for an experience rather than a game I would highly recommend it. The visuals and soundtrack are breathtaking, the narrator does an excellent job, and the atmosphere in general is amazing. If you are looking for something different and have the time and patience to immerse yourself into it, this game will provide you with an unforgettable experience.… Full Review »
  3. LD9000
    4
    A pretty visual game, but it is 85 minutes of gameplay for 10$. I cannot seem myself walking through that island again. Maybe at 3$ that would not be so bad… Full Review »
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