Dear Esther
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Published by

The Chinese Room Ltd.

Developed by

The Chinese Room Ltd.

Released

Feb 14, 2012

Official Site

Dear Esther

Platforms

Linux, Macintosh, Windows

Genre

Perspective

Pacing

Interface

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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

Dear Esther Windows A waterfall crashing down

Dear Esther Windows Walking back up the stairs along the cliff.

Dear Esther Windows A scene with paper boats

Dear Esther Macintosh A spectacular moonlight view at the path and shore below from high atop the tower

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Promo Images

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User Reviews

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Critic Reviews

GameZebo	Windows	Feb 17, 2012		100
videogamer.com	Windows	Feb 13, 2012	9 out of 10	90
4Players.de	Windows	Feb 15, 2012	90 out of 100	90
Game Informer Magazine	Windows	Feb 13, 2012	8 out of 10	80
Digital Spy	Windows	Feb 15, 2012		80
Gameplay (Benelux)	Windows	Mar 31, 2012	80 out of 100	80
ActionTrip	Windows	Feb 29, 2012	7.7 out of 10	77
Absolute Games (AG.ru)	Windows	Mar 01, 2012	76 out of 100	76
Mana Pool	Windows	Aug 08, 2012	7.4 out of 10	74
Jeuxvideo.com	Macintosh	May 16, 2012	14 out of 20	70