Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 20
  2. Negative: 0 out of 20
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. May 20, 2014
    92
    Perhaps most surprising is just how broadly the game appeals. Those looking for a challenge will certainly find one, but lovers of immersive storytelling can be captivated by Pinwheel and the patient’s memories without the puzzles getting in the way.
  2. May 16, 2014
    90
    As long as we are looking for a cure for Alzheimer's disease, we may still play at war against the cerebral dementia. At least in Ether One it's worthy and highly-exalting gameplay. Both new and charismatic adventure game has undeceived us.
  3. May 14, 2014
    90
    Ether One nails its puzzles, atmosphere, and sound (ambient and voice acting). It also nails its story -- whether or not you decide to fully unravel its world and its mysteries -- culminating in a, well, refreshing, smart finale that will stay on my mind for years to come.
  4. Apr 14, 2014
    90
    Ether One might well represent the apex of its particular subgenre. It engages the player at every level they might want to engage it, and rewards them handsomely for plunging into its depths.
  5. Mar 27, 2014
    90
    Ether One provides a platform to explore dementia - a very common incurable mental illness - for anyone who has had direct experience in the past, whilst delivering a subtle rudimentary level of understanding to those who haven’t.
  6. Mar 25, 2014
    90
    Ether One would still prove itself a touching story, but it is doubtless that the crux of the game I played was restoring the projectors and learning more about Pinwheel.
  7. Pelit (Finland)
    Sep 5, 2014
    87
    The game is a little too fond of genre conventions like fixing broken machines and conveying storyline through letters and other notes. Other than that Ether One is an excellent adventure title. It's nonlinear, charming and as challenging as you want it to be. [Sept 2014]
  8. Apr 12, 2014
    83
    If you enjoy the sort of puzzles found in Myst, then you'll feel right at home in the clever, exploration-focused world of Ether One.
  9. Apr 7, 2014
    82
    An exceptional collection of puzzles bound by narrative which gets a little ahead of itself.
  10. Jun 11, 2014
    80
    As gamers, it’s heartening to see such serious and prevalent issues being treated with the weight they deserve in a medium more inclined to hand you a gun and point you towards the finish line; Ether One is a decent alternative to mainstream mindlessness, a thought-provoking and moving experience for those willing to commit.
  11. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Jun 5, 2014
    80
    The best exploration game yet? Ether One has a great story and a few interesting mechanics that will bring you an unique gaming experience. [Issue#242]
  12. May 12, 2014
    80
    Ether One is a sharp, unique game that deals with a tragic subject in an empathetic way, and it’s definitely worth checking out.
  13. Apr 29, 2014
    80
    It might not appeal to everyone, but Ether One is an exceptional example of what can be done with simple game design. It has a quality not commonly seen in smaller indie titles, and the courage to do things a little differently.
  14. Mar 26, 2014
    80
    The world of Ether One is a superbly detailed and well thought-out place. The gameplay hearkens back to an age when you needed three pages of notes to solve a single puzzle. The story is both heartbreaking and horrifying, as well as intriguing and enigmatic.
  15. Apr 19, 2014
    79
    It's not a cheery story, but it's one well told and worth at least the three or so hours it takes to appreciate without the sometimes unintuitive puzzles, or as long as they take to solve.
  16. Apr 1, 2014
    75
    No matter if you want a great story or a complex puzzle game, Ether One won't disappoint you. A great experience that, even though it has some issues, is worth experiencing.
  17. Apr 3, 2014
    71
    Ether One is an interesting first-person adventure that explores human mind and the causes of dementia in a very original way. Technically surprising, considering the low-budget nature of the title, it deserves to be tried, even if the slow pace could distance action-oriented players.
  18. May 2, 2014
    70
    For an adventure game, Ether One does some pretty interesting things that allow it to break free from the genre’s mold.
  19. Apr 2, 2014
    70
    A fascinating indie adventure about lost memories and dementia, partially ruined by a trembling frame rate.
  20. Mar 27, 2014
    70
    Unearthing the story at your own pace is wonderful. However, Ether One goes too far in that direction and puzzles become tedious exercises in trying combinations of different items you acquired in a completely different area.

Awards & Rankings

User Score
6.5

Mixed or average reviews- based on 53 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 53
  2. Negative: 14 out of 53
  1. Mar 26, 2014
    9
    Ether One is a gem of a game. The developers, being an indie studio and having to work with limited resources, delivered on a promise toEther One is a gem of a game. The developers, being an indie studio and having to work with limited resources, delivered on a promise to engage the player in a story that will stick with you for a long time after finishing it. A unique experience that can only be had in a game that is obsessed with delivering a story that is true to itself, Ether is truly an example of why indie games have been romanticized as much as they have.

    Giving this a 9/10 score is a no-brainer for me, and I advise everyone that reads this to pick it up; you won't regret it.
    Full Review »
  2. Mar 29, 2014
    9
    Ether One is the first game in a long time to challenge my problem solving. Ether One tests the player in a such a way as not to slow the paceEther One is the first game in a long time to challenge my problem solving. Ether One tests the player in a such a way as not to slow the pace down to a halt. Stuck on a puzzle - no problem, you can continue to explore and take in the deep and touching story at your own pace. This makes Ether One a suitable game for players of all skill levels. With a beautifully simple control set and an ingenious approach to inventory and item management/collecting. Many players will find themselves with a curious collection of items in their possession which will bring out the hoarder in everyone!

    I highly recommend this game to seasoned and new gamers alike.
    Full Review »
  3. Jun 19, 2015
    1
    I found this game extremely boring, I found the pacing of the game to be really slow. I play games to have fun, I do understand the meaning,I found this game extremely boring, I found the pacing of the game to be really slow. I play games to have fun, I do understand the meaning, but I am reviewing a game ,not a movie. Full Review »