The Vanishing of Ethan Carter

 PC
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 854 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 596 out of 854
  2. Mixed: 188 out of 854
  3. Negative: 70 out of 854

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  1. Richard_dias
    Aug 15, 2023
    7
    That's a gorgeous game with a nice narrative, but I came to realize that "walking simulatores" are not my thing. That being said, it seems like The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is a pretty good title for the genre.
  2. lesiuML
    Jul 22, 2023
    5
    I guess I was just expecting something entirely different... At first I was really curious about this game and I thought it will be something like "kingdom come deliverance" walking simulator but short and detective action. How sadly surprised I was when paranormal activities started to happen... I thought this would be a game with realistic down to earth story but I was unfortunatelyI guess I was just expecting something entirely different... At first I was really curious about this game and I thought it will be something like "kingdom come deliverance" walking simulator but short and detective action. How sadly surprised I was when paranormal activities started to happen... I thought this would be a game with realistic down to earth story but I was unfortunately wrong. Game isn't bad but it would be so much better with real life story not some completely nonsense demonic cult story...… Expand
  3. Reviewer13
    Feb 5, 2023
    6
    Complete snooze fest all in all. But the premise was somewhat interesting and the world was pretty. But just didn't personally find it very fun to play.
  4. hileger
    Oct 25, 2022
    7
    Атмосферно простенькие головоломки ,версия redux еще стало круче, спустя несколько лет можно еще поиграть
  5. knur
    Oct 12, 2022
    3
    pros: graphics, nice scenery
    cons: not enough interactions, too much of a walking simulator, predictable and forgettable story.

    Overall - a waste of time.
  6. 4ya5h1
    Oct 3, 2022
    6
    not my type of game.
    at first sight it was pretty good and interesting but i just cant seet for a very long time and just walk in this game. story and quests are too rare. i didnt like gameplay and its not as much story as i want. also game is pretty old and visual is not good so walking is not only uninteresting also it is a little unbeautyfully
  7. gabrielsrc
    Aug 29, 2022
    10
    one of these walking simulator with really good story, really good storytelling and also good game mechanics.
  8. actinium
    Jul 18, 2022
    6
    / /
  9. JustinForgueims
    Jun 2, 2022
    3
    A beautiful walking simulator. Graphics and landscape is the only good part of it.
    You expend most of the time just pressing W, with a few right clicks here and there. So I do not consider this a game. You're not 'playing' just passing through.
    There's no clear objectives so most of the time you don't know what you're supposed to do, where to go, what you need to find and where. So you    A beautiful walking simulator. Graphics and landscape is the only good part of it.
    You expend most of the time just pressing W, with a few right clicks here and there. So I do not consider this a game. You're not 'playing' just passing through.

    There's no clear objectives so most of the time you don't know what you're supposed to do, where to go, what you need to find and where. So you keep walking around and around, until you find something random that hopefully you can use/interact. Not because it makes any sense, just because the world is empty and you can just interact with really few things. Not a lor of options here.
    There's a difference on designing a 'game' without hand-hold and one that is not giving you any hint, so you feel lost most of the time.

    You can even skip parts of the story (I did it by mistake) as nothing is blocking you to keep walking and walking. So it's mainly a narrative story where you can skip parts of this story... great plan devs!    … Expand
  10. dariazzo_
    Apr 11, 2022
    6
    There is something missing here, and it's not the protagonist. I have nothing to say about the creative direction and graphics overall: the game looks stunning and have personality. I firmly question, however, the stiffness of its narration. You can skip all events, and then you are asked to recover them to see the final of the story. Murders can be skipped altogether, leading to theThere is something missing here, and it's not the protagonist. I have nothing to say about the creative direction and graphics overall: the game looks stunning and have personality. I firmly question, however, the stiffness of its narration. You can skip all events, and then you are asked to recover them to see the final of the story. Murders can be skipped altogether, leading to the feeling you have missed a large chunk of content as the game impose you to recover only part of the plot.

    The ending has a classical approach to paranormal, to science fiction, reminiscent of a certain, brilliant, literature. In itself the plot is interesting enough, and the pacing as diversified as possible to keep things interesting. With a better rhythm, less walking and multiple endings according to the amount of secrets you have uncovered, the overall score would have been higher.    … Expand
  11. Ogeday_Han
    Apr 10, 2022
    8
    Got the game free from Epic Store. Story is very interesting, every single clue you find makes you more curious for the rest of the story. Graphics looks stunning. First game area cant stop looking for the view.

    Summary:
    Story:9
    Graphics:10
  12. ozzsoffy
    Apr 10, 2022
    10
    'The Vanishing of Ethan Carter' has an amazing story, the all atmosphere of it, the soundtrack, the telling of the story bit by bit, its a lot of fun. also the game is running on a very good game engine and it looks fantastic.
    one small bad sign, is that the game has a bug, that make the game stuck (only the mouse and the zoom works, and the character cant move), because this game do not    'The Vanishing of Ethan Carter' has an amazing story, the all atmosphere of it, the soundtrack, the telling of the story bit by bit, its a lot of fun. also the game is running on a very good game engine and it looks fantastic.
    one small bad sign, is that the game has a bug, that make the game stuck (only the mouse and the zoom works, and the character cant move), because this game do not have a saving at any point system, it was a bummer, but I finished it, so it was good.    … Expand
  13. Wrathzo
    Mar 22, 2022
    7
    The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is a 2014 horror adventure video game developed and published by The Astronauts. The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is set in an open world environment, in which the player can roam around and explore at will; in its opening the game notes that it "does not hold [the player's] hand", and as such features very little by way of explanation to the mechanics.
  14. Tomle1202
    Mar 19, 2022
    6
    The Vanishing of Ethan Carter lacks the proper amount of player's agency to compensate for its beautiful but ultimately boring sandbox that demands too much for too little reward.
  15. FRIST_008
    Jan 2, 2022
    7
    Такой игре позарез нужна или карта, или что-то, что хотя бы говорило в какой области вы что-то не завершили, потому что я банально пропустил вторую головоломку и дошёл до самой последней и так и не понял почему у меня нет концовки, пока не вернулся хрен знает куда обратно... так делать нельзя. История меня вообще никак не зацепила, потому к игре один большой вопрос, где конечный вауТакой игре позарез нужна или карта, или что-то, что хотя бы говорило в какой области вы что-то не завершили, потому что я банально пропустил вторую головоломку и дошёл до самой последней и так и не понял почему у меня нет концовки, пока не вернулся хрен знает куда обратно... так делать нельзя. История меня вообще никак не зацепила, потому к игре один большой вопрос, где конечный вау эффект? Почему такой скучный и банальный сюжет?… Expand
  16. r03vg
    Jan 1, 2022
    8
    Довольно необычный опыт. Всё просто, минималистично, но притом дарит кучу эмоций. Мне понравилось, что игру можно пройти за пару часов. Сейчас не хватает таких проектов.
  17. financialwar
    Dec 19, 2021
    0
    confusing, don't know what to do after I do all the clues and the six scenes revealed.
  18. Noiza
    Dec 19, 2021
    1
    Here is my oppinion: Im very dissapointed by this game.
    It was a promising start of the game, but after a few minutes the game plot was predictable, the mechanic was boring and the game was hollow and boring. The start of the game is like "this game wont take you by the hand" yes, even worse. it gave me a rope i jsut had to follow until the end. if playes like a tube in a open world.
    The    Here is my oppinion: Im very dissapointed by this game.
    It was a promising start of the game, but after a few minutes the game plot was predictable, the mechanic was boring and the game was hollow and boring. The start of the game is like "this game wont take you by the hand" yes, even worse. it gave me a rope i jsut had to follow until the end. if playes like a tube in a open world.
    The game is short, it took me 4 hours, but only because i had to start over three times in a row since the game has either a problem with saving or the game just resets itself on every game start. maybe 2 hours and you are done.
    The puzzles where all mediocore at best but more boring, maybe the targeted audience was kids. one puzzle was with jumpscare moments and the Plot dismanteled itself after the first few puzzles. The End was dissapointing predictable. (and weak)
    The only good thing i can say about this game it that it has some good approaches, nice landscape and it was for free on epic. 20€ is hefty overprized, this game plays more like a Demo of the Unreal Engine rather than a propper game.    … Expand
  19. Mehrshad_MB
    Jul 14, 2021
    6
    From the very first moment of the game it's impossible not to admire the stunning environment and mesmerizing spooky atmosphere. Red Creek Valley is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in-game worlds. However, I think that's the first and last positive point of the game.
    You're alone in a large map with lots of sideways and detours, not knowing what to do, where to head. Confusion in    From the very first moment of the game it's impossible not to admire the stunning environment and mesmerizing spooky atmosphere. Red Creek Valley is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in-game worlds. However, I think that's the first and last positive point of the game.
    You're alone in a large map with lots of sideways and detours, not knowing what to do, where to head. Confusion in finding mission makes the game a perfect "walking simulator". (At least give a damn compass!) Sometimes finding what to do next was like finding a needle in a haystack. Thus I managed to finish the game with the help of walkthroughs on YouTube. (I'm in wonder how can one finish the game without getting help.)
    The story was unique, but this doesn't necessarily mean that it was great. It was a fine emotional story and nothing more than that.
    The game however reminds me of The Murdered Soul Suspect. Both has similar concept and great ideas but in the end, an average game.
    I'm trying to find some positive things to say but I can't find much. Music was good.
    In general I would recommend it for patient people who have free time.
    (July 2021)    … Expand
  20. Dco326
    Apr 19, 2021
    4
    I really didn't like it, the story is meh, some puzzles are really really bad etc. I would not recommend
  21. tufekciero
    Mar 12, 2021
    5
    BRONZ zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
  22. Geralt123
    Feb 21, 2021
    8
    I played this game in 2021 (yes, 2021) and enjoyed it a lot. It is only 10-15 hours, but each hour of dense exploring, story and puzzles.

    The graphics are beautiful, even though they are from 2014. The whole atmosphere sucked me in immediately. The atmosphere is mysterious, but this is *not* a horror game! More like a supernatural detective game. Story is good, I was curious what is    I played this game in 2021 (yes, 2021) and enjoyed it a lot. It is only 10-15 hours, but each hour of dense exploring, story and puzzles.

    The graphics are beautiful, even though they are from 2014. The whole atmosphere sucked me in immediately. The atmosphere is mysterious, but this is *not* a horror game! More like a supernatural detective game.

    Story is good, I was curious what is going on there.

    Puzzles are medium to easy, depends.

    So for anyone looking for a small game with lots of mystery, I can really recommend it.    … Expand
  23. bancandrei
    May 14, 2020
    8
    The potential is there for a straight 10, but it does get a bit boring at times. However it is a great game about exploration, a pretty great ending to tie things up and at least one great puzzle with the rooms in the house changing (I believe it may be optional though). Definitely worth checking out both for fan of walking simulators and adventure games
  24. penebullone
    Oct 14, 2020
    7
    Приятная игруха на 4-5 часов, супер графон, неплохой супер мистический сюжет, я ощутил флэшбеки по великолепному Алану Уэйку, плюс этот прекрасный лес сделан просто нереально. Музыка ну просто очень красивая.

    Из минусов – игра настолько "не ведёт тебя за руку" (с), что в двух местах нужно было смотреть прохождение, и то, поиск нужного "триггера" по скриншоту леса занял минут 20. В этот    Приятная игруха на 4-5 часов, супер графон, неплохой супер мистический сюжет, я ощутил флэшбеки по великолепному Алану Уэйку, плюс этот прекрасный лес сделан просто нереально. Музыка ну просто очень красивая.

    Из минусов – игра настолько "не ведёт тебя за руку" (с), что в двух местах нужно было смотреть прохождение, и то, поиск нужного "триггера" по скриншоту леса занял минут 20. В этот момент я почувствовал себя в симуляторе поиска закладок. Не представляю, как кто-то проходил её без руководства.    … Expand
  25. Crimert
    Aug 21, 2020
    7
    The story of The Vanishing of Ethan Carter was good. The atmosphere was really cool. It made me feel like a private detective. Actually, it's more like a "paranormal" detective game. If you like these kinds of games, you must give it a try. 3hrs on record.
  26. bergcamp101
    Aug 10, 2020
    10
    Beautiful masterpiece. This is the one in a million case, when astonishing graphics works together with creative mystic plot, combining each other.
  27. ewenr
    Jun 30, 2020
    8
    A stunningly beautiful walking simulator with some interesting puzzles and a good story.
  28. Muyrka
    Apr 26, 2020
    8
    Superb story with some twists. Supernatural detective style.
    Very good game in a row with Edith Finch and Gone Home.
    Recommended!
  29. 4y4
    Feb 15, 2020
    8
    The scenery is stunning. The story is engaging and enjoyable and the atmosphere is immersive.
  30. patron11
    Jan 10, 2020
    8
    The scenery and music in this game are absolutely stunning. Very nice setting and awesome graphics combined with a smart and eventful story. The end includes a pretty big plot-twist and i really didnt see it coming. Some Puzzles can be kind of hard so be prepared to figure it out by yourself if you are dedicated enough or to use Google sometimes. I would recommend to get it in a sale,The scenery and music in this game are absolutely stunning. Very nice setting and awesome graphics combined with a smart and eventful story. The end includes a pretty big plot-twist and i really didnt see it coming. Some Puzzles can be kind of hard so be prepared to figure it out by yourself if you are dedicated enough or to use Google sometimes. I would recommend to get it in a sale, since its very short playtime though. Absolutely recommend to buy it if you are into Puzzles, great atmospshere and detective-stuff!

    8/10    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

43
#43 Best PC Game of 2014
32
#32 Most Discussed PC Game of 2014
40
#40 Most Shared PC Game of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 66 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 56 out of 66
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 66
  3. Negative: 0 out of 66
  1. SpazioGames
    Oct 28, 2015
    85
    The Vanishing of Ethan Carter it's a lovely experience that enchants the player with its narrative, and landscapes. Even the sound is fitting in this smart game whose only real problem is the duration.
    Read full review
  2. Games Master UK
    Dec 21, 2014
    78
    A gorgeously crafted experience that's cramped by the occasionally obtuse signposting. [Christmas 2014, p.68]
  3. CD-Action
    Dec 13, 2014
    80
    Some minor disappointments did not prevent me from soaking in the atmosphere worthy of Lovecraft’s horror stories. [Dec 2014, p.46]
See all critic reviews »