Dear Esther

Moby ID: 54821
Windows Specs

Description official description

Dear Esther is the commercial remake of a Half-Life 2 modification of the same name first released in 2007. This version was redesigned entirely for the Source engine. The game is set on a remote, desolate island somewhere in the outer Hebrides. It is entirely story-driven and has no action sequences. It is possible to swim in certain section, but the player's character is immediately called back when he dies. The player walks the protagonist around, exploring the island, while a narrator gradually releases information about the meaning, hinting at a motorway accident. While he moves towards an aerial through four chapters with a linear design, the significance of the accident and the link to the island become apparent. Through its slow pace and the classical-driven music, the focus is more on the ambiance and the experience, than on actual gameplay, even though there are hardly any scripted parts.

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Screenshots

Promos

Credits (Windows version)

77 People (47 developers, 30 thanks) · View all

Art
Environment Design
Producer
Narrative Design
Concept Art
Voice Acting
Technical Audio
Programming
Soundtrack recorded at
  • Phoenix Sound
Soundtrack recorded and mixed by
Soundtrack arranged by
String Contractor
Assistant String Contractor
Soundtrack performed by
Voiceovers recorded at
  • Middle Street Audio
Studio Engineer
Press and PR
Community-Based Translations
[ full credits ]

Reviews

Critics

Average score: 79% (based on 43 ratings)

Players

Average score: 3.3 out of 5 (based on 50 ratings with 0 reviews)

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Discussion

Subject By Date
Meditative / zen Cantillon (75341) Apr 4, 2020

Trivia

Awards

  • 4Players
    • 2012 – Best Story of the Year
  • GameStar (Germany) / GamePro (Germany)
    • 2012 - #5 Best Indie Game / Mod of the Year (Readers' Vote)

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Identifiers +

  • MobyGames ID: 54821
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Contributors to this Entry

Game added by Sciere.

Macintosh added by Kabushi. Linux added by Iggi.

Additional contributors: Patrick Bregger.

Game added February 21, 2012. Last modified March 10, 2024.