Dear Esther
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Released

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Platforms

Linux, Macintosh, Windows

Genre

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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 Macintosh A cave and ship that has run aground long ago in distance

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

Dear Esther Windows Slowly dredging through the foliage

Dear Esther Macintosh The base of the beacon tower

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Promo Images

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User Reviews

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Critic Reviews

Splitkick	Windows	Feb 24, 2011	9 out of 10	90
Gamegravy	Windows	May 21, 2015	9 out of 10	90
Game Informer Magazine	Windows	Feb 13, 2012	8 out of 10	80
The Escapist	Windows	Feb 25, 2012		80
Eurogamer.it	Windows	Feb 23, 2012	8 out of 10	80
GameTrailers	Windows	Feb 24, 2012	7.5 out of 10	75
Mana Pool	Windows	Aug 08, 2012	7.4 out of 10	74
GamingUnion.net	Windows	Feb 20, 2012	7 out of 10	70
Hooked Gamers	Windows	Feb 20, 2012	5 out of 10	50
Destructoid	Windows	Feb 13, 2012	4.5 out of 10	45