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

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. AaronB
    Feb 13, 2015
    10
    Great game. Love the realism of the landscape, very atmospheric and draws you into the world of Ethan Carter. This is interactive fiction on a grand scale. More please!
  2. Avadon
    Sep 26, 2014
    10
    Lovely story, lovely ending, amazing visuals, sound and environments. Took me about 6 hours to complete while taking my time exploring. The reconstruction of crime scenes can seem a bit weird at first until you realize the game's logic (could have been better explained), but after that it all flows nicely. As I said, the game looks phenomenal, but it is quite demanding. With everythingLovely story, lovely ending, amazing visuals, sound and environments. Took me about 6 hours to complete while taking my time exploring. The reconstruction of crime scenes can seem a bit weird at first until you realize the game's logic (could have been better explained), but after that it all flows nicely. As I said, the game looks phenomenal, but it is quite demanding. With everything maxed including 16xQCSAA, it fluctuated between 50 and 80 fps on my system (4790k, 16g ram, OC 780 Ti), with only 2 exceptions in small areas where it plummeted to below 20 fps for some reason. But at least it looks the part, so it's forgiveable, unlike many recent AAA terrible ports that chug for no visible reason. In general, it's one of the most enjoyable short, focused, reasonably priced indie games I've played. I suggest you buy this and support small studios that produce such small gems. Don't even wait for a sale, the price is fine for what you get, go for it.… Expand
  3. fusrodah
    Oct 6, 2014
    10
    "A narrative experience that does not hold your hand". Completely lives up to the sentence mentioned in the very beginning of the game. An immersive, open world-ish adventure game that'll really fascinate players who don't mind investigating and walking around a lot. As an adventure veteran, I expected the game to be a lot more challenging than how it turned out to be, nevertheless,"A narrative experience that does not hold your hand". Completely lives up to the sentence mentioned in the very beginning of the game. An immersive, open world-ish adventure game that'll really fascinate players who don't mind investigating and walking around a lot. As an adventure veteran, I expected the game to be a lot more challenging than how it turned out to be, nevertheless, enjoyed the story and the graphics a lot.… Expand
  4. Rex_richards
    Dec 22, 2014
    10
    OK so if you look around you might see some general truths about this game - its a resource hog, it stutters when you try and run, it looks beautiful, it is better with subtitles off, it has a very annoying feature towards the end where if you have not discovered all the bits, you have to wander off all over again and find them which is tedious in the extreme. Also, it makes you finishOK so if you look around you might see some general truths about this game - its a resource hog, it stutters when you try and run, it looks beautiful, it is better with subtitles off, it has a very annoying feature towards the end where if you have not discovered all the bits, you have to wander off all over again and find them which is tedious in the extreme. Also, it makes you finish scenes before you can save. It is really hard initially to work out what to do, and annoyingly I had to google it, so lost out on the experience a bit
    BUT aside from this, the reason I will suggest this should be a 10, is that the puzzles so to speak are not really difficult, as in unlike many adventure games they don't need weird illogical connections to be made. In other words, anyone can figure out what to do to win. The other great thing is that the puzzles dont get harder or weirder as you go along, they are fairly consistent. So unless you are really really mentally off your game, you won't get stuck, and you can immerse yourself and just really enjoy a great game.    … Expand
  5. neanderthaljr
    Sep 26, 2014
    10
    What I can say for The Vanishing of Ethan Carter?
    I do not want to leave the Red Creek Valley.

    How such a small group of developers can do a good job?

    The sound is excellent, the graphics not to mention, beautiful work done in Unreal, say by the way, I'm not sure, nor is the Unreal 4.

    But beware, it may seem like a short game, but for me it was worth the experience !!
  6. charmer
    Dec 13, 2014
    10
    The game itself might not have been perfect at release, especially the save system, but the patches released shortly afterwards took care of that and several other glitches.

    The game experience is unique and rewarding for those who pay attention. There is a handful of key locations and scenes in the open world that give away tidbids of the story. Some are associated with a puzzle, some    The game itself might not have been perfect at release, especially the save system, but the patches released shortly afterwards took care of that and several other glitches.

    The game experience is unique and rewarding for those who pay attention. There is a handful of key locations and scenes in the open world that give away tidbids of the story. Some are associated with a puzzle, some are not. The game is quite minimalistic in game mechanics but the gorgeous environment and music make up for that aplenty.

    On the other hand, you might get stuck a couple of times as it is not always apparent what to do next. I take that as a positive though. I knew in advance the game is of the short variety so I didn't take the speedrun approach and explored the heck out of the beautiful photogrammetrized world. When I finally got stuck towards the end, I had already spent over 5 hours in the game.

    The originality of the authors to take the FP engine, normally associated with mindless action, and merge it with adventure elements and a genuine mystery plot, must be commended. I agree with the authors that this is the future of gaming, or at least one of them.

    Bottomline, with the patches available now, I recommend The Vanishing of Ethan Carter to any player willing to try something new.    … Expand
  7. Theguyoo
    Sep 26, 2014
    10
    Loved it. Stunningly beautiful, visual fidelity easily holds its own against any recent AAA title. Combined with the diverse atmospheric soundtrack, this game is the most immersive gaming experience of the decade.

    Gameplay is similar to something like 'Gone Home', only more creative in its challenges. Some really unique mind bending puzzles here and voice acting is top notch all round.    Loved it. Stunningly beautiful, visual fidelity easily holds its own against any recent AAA title. Combined with the diverse atmospheric soundtrack, this game is the most immersive gaming experience of the decade.

    Gameplay is similar to something like 'Gone Home', only more creative in its challenges. Some really unique mind bending puzzles here and voice acting is top notch all round.

    A few complaints: I did find myself wising there was a little more to discover, even if only a written piece or some dialog. Also, when there is any narration, accidentally clicking the mouse will skip it with no way of replaying, so a future update to fix this would be great.

    Keep in mind it's only about 4 hours long, but at 20 dollars it's more than reasonable.

    I really hope this game does well, this is exactly the kind of interactive story the gaming industry needs.    … Expand
  8. Avodeskorm
    Jan 29, 2015
    10
    Probably the only so-called 'walking simulator' game I've enjoyed so much, I played it multiple times. Played it 5 times over again, 20 hours overall.
    The writing style, the atmosphere, the characters, the subtext, the, the... THE EVERYTHING?!
  9. 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
  10. JoseCarlos_SGDF
    Sep 27, 2014
    10
    Simplesmente cativante. Poderia ficar jogando por horas apenas observando a paisagem. Esse é certamente o sentido de que os jogos de aventura devem ir. Esta é a nova narrativa e técnica que jogos como Dreamfall deve seguir. Incrível! cenário, música / som, imersão e narrativa de histórias. Brilhante!
  11. gjmoss1
    Sep 27, 2014
    10
    This game is one of the best I have played in ages the atmosphere is amazing and a really beautiful game. I payed 15 pounds for it from GOG and it's the best 15 pound I have spent in years. Great game 10/10
  12. infin
    Sep 28, 2014
    10
    Ethan Carter is a super creepy immersive game. I enjoyed the complete absence of any player directions, having to feel your way through every puzzle. It was like trying to play the game in the dark. it's very spooky, for the amount of time I have been playing it I am always waiting for something super scary to happy and then it finally did. Watch out!
  13. roughsleeper
    Sep 25, 2014
    10
    Earphones and a dark room with a measly Core2Duo@3.2 4GB on SSD and Nvidia 570 card plays maxed with a bit of stutter if I spin quickly while cacking my pants at a creak on the stairs.

    I MUST make one suggestion, turn the subtitles off. At least try it: They break it for me. The rest is spot on. Its atmospheric, spooky, cool, interesting, visually stunning and after 2hrs solid play    Earphones and a dark room with a measly Core2Duo@3.2 4GB on SSD and Nvidia 570 card plays maxed with a bit of stutter if I spin quickly while cacking my pants at a creak on the stairs.

    I MUST make one suggestion, turn the subtitles off. At least try it: They break it for me. The rest is spot on.

    Its atmospheric, spooky, cool, interesting, visually stunning and after 2hrs solid play intriguing but too darn scary after the day I've had. It's not run around jump scary, imagine it's an entire world to match the feeling of playing either of the original two classic cakpants Thief levels back in the day.

    It draws you in through sights and sounds. Within 30 minutes you'll have had a WTF??! moment. Anyone who's played it will know. It's fantastic storytelling.

    I'm betting its 8 or 9 easily on an average after a few reviews. If not, my 15 spondoolies have paid for themselves already. Exceptional except.....

    sort out the Spiderwebs though.    … Expand
  14. ugurano
    Oct 2, 2014
    10
    very nice graphic, working perfect, no glitches and more. have nice story. when your look a good game go and buy this here.

    its fantastic game, and have realy nice image
  15. szszsz
    Sep 29, 2014
    10
    deep, immersive story only for someone who can dive into it. comparable to lynch's movies.
    lack of narration and lack of story logic (on first glance) forces you into rethinking the whole story everytime you encounter new hints - hints that are subtle and easy to be unnoticed.
    you can rush through the game in 2 hours and understand nothing, or you can give it 4-5 hours of wandering    deep, immersive story only for someone who can dive into it. comparable to lynch's movies.
    lack of narration and lack of story logic (on first glance) forces you into rethinking the whole story everytime you encounter new hints - hints that are subtle and easy to be unnoticed.

    you can rush through the game in 2 hours and understand nothing, or you can give it 4-5 hours of wandering around and solve the main mystery. the choice is yours, but my advice is stay away from this game if youre casual CoD-like gamer :).

    p.s best played during the night, with lights off and headphones on    … Expand
  16. Rasmin
    Sep 26, 2014
    10
    I knew little of this game, but had seen a preview for it the other day and thought I'd give it a shot. I am nearly finished with the game, and I think it is worth creating an account and giving a positive score for. Yes, it is that impressive. The game is gorgeous, it has incredible sound design, the gameplay elements are fun and intuitive, and the atmosphere throughout has beenI knew little of this game, but had seen a preview for it the other day and thought I'd give it a shot. I am nearly finished with the game, and I think it is worth creating an account and giving a positive score for. Yes, it is that impressive. The game is gorgeous, it has incredible sound design, the gameplay elements are fun and intuitive, and the atmosphere throughout has been refreshing, especially in a mystery type game. I won't give any spoilers, but the story needed to be good in my opinion being it is a mystery, and it delivers. It can be intensive on your computer at times, but only if you are running at max settings. Mine stuttered a few times, and my PC is mid range. Nothing I'd consider immersion breaking or annoying even, but it should be noted. If you are on the fence about this one, I say for the twenty dollar price range, you can't go wrong. I only stopped playing long enough to write this review I was that impressed.… Expand
  17. Mottii
    Sep 27, 2014
    10
    Interesting story, unexpected ending , stunning graphics , great sound and really nice atmosphere. After finishing this game I don't want to leave the Red Creek Valley. What else can I say?. Perfect work of a small group of developers.
  18. captainnick
    Sep 27, 2014
    10
    An immersive, spell-binding experience from beginning to end; The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is an interactive story similar to the Amnesia games, using intrigue and melancholy in the place of constant tension. The voice acting is well done, and the score is simply superb. The game does not give you hints, direction, or (as it says in the beginning) "hold your hand." You'll need to use theAn immersive, spell-binding experience from beginning to end; The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is an interactive story similar to the Amnesia games, using intrigue and melancholy in the place of constant tension. The voice acting is well done, and the score is simply superb. The game does not give you hints, direction, or (as it says in the beginning) "hold your hand." You'll need to use the clues provided to draw conclusions and solve relatively elementary puzzles to piece together what happened in the small Wisconsin town.

    If you enjoyed Amnesia, Dear Esther, or any of the Myst games, do not let this one slip by.    … Expand
  19. Bekpower
    Sep 27, 2014
    10
    Simplesmente fantástico, o melhor gráfico que já vi no PC, ambiente envolvente, você se sente um verdadeiro detetive, e um apreciador de paisagens vendo o visual lindo o jogo te proporciona, e ainda roda em Directx 9, então é o melhor jogo já produzido nessa API ! recomendadíssimo !
  20. EmmaT
    Sep 28, 2014
    10
    This game is an unbelievable experience, a merge between Lynch's Twin Peaks and the universe of H. P. Lovecraft. I've never seen such a beautiful game, a new kind of storytelling.
  21. Alphamale1983
    Oct 2, 2014
    10
    This is probably the prettiest game I've ever played. I'm constantly stopping and simply enjoying the views around me. It's worth to get it just for the sightseeing nevermind the gameplay...
  22. Bzyk1975
    Oct 10, 2014
    10
    Absolutely awesome stuff! If you like weird fiction, Lovecraft, Poe and - in some way - True Detective, you'll be happy playing this marvelous title. But remember - this isn't shooter! It's FPP, not FPS! If you'll understand this, you'll fall in love with this game!
  23. MattCobosca
    Oct 19, 2014
    10
    Great atmosphere, music and graphics. Very interesting story, unfortunately really short. Definitely worth to play, although it should be longer (it's about 5 hours of game-play).
  24. Sabapathy
    Oct 26, 2014
    10
    This is simply one of the best games I have ever played. The excellent visuals, haunting score coupled with an amazing and intimate story are enough to take you to another world. Red Creek valley is a beautiful place that you will never want to leave....... I was left longing for more. Kudos to the development team and hope they keep making amazing stuff like this.
  25. ChrisDoubleU
    Oct 29, 2014
    10
    The first PC game I played was Myst, and boy did this bring back memories. Graphically it's beautiful, the music is just fantastic, and the story was amazing. This game plops you into a world and tells you nothing else, you have to solve the mystery yourself just like in Myst. I highly recommend it.
  26. DamienWayne
    Oct 31, 2014
    10
    The first thing you notice is that this game is stunning. The scenery is absolutely beautiful in every respect, especially the lighting. I took so many screenshots while I walked around, every area is just so picturesque. The controls feel smooth as well, although that's not really a big deal since it's basic fps style movement.

    This story is amazing. It's not predictable at all, but    The first thing you notice is that this game is stunning. The scenery is absolutely beautiful in every respect, especially the lighting. I took so many screenshots while I walked around, every area is just so picturesque. The controls feel smooth as well, although that's not really a big deal since it's basic fps style movement.

    This story is amazing. It's not predictable at all, but every puzzle is interesting and challenging, and adds to the story as you go. The ending to this game is one I did not see coming, and was a shock(in a good way). I couldn't really find anything wrong with this game, I would recommend to anyone who loves a good story and puzzle solving.    … Expand
  27. LuckieLuuk
    Jan 9, 2015
    10
    This is one of the best games I have ever played. If you like atmospheric games, puzzles, story and the fact that you have to think I believe you will enjoy it too.
    If you want you can play it through and just watch how beautiful it is, enjoy the excellent story and entertaining puzzles. But if you really want to enjoy this game, and take full advantage of what this experience have to    This is one of the best games I have ever played. If you like atmospheric games, puzzles, story and the fact that you have to think I believe you will enjoy it too.
    If you want you can play it through and just watch how beautiful it is, enjoy the excellent story and entertaining puzzles. But if you really want to enjoy this game, and take full advantage of what this experience have to offer then take your time and examine everything, get to know the Carter family, their relation to eachother and so on. Remember everything and the ending is excellent. I´d recommend playing with a friend as well so you can talk to eatchother about who is who, what is what and why that is and so on. Play it with your Girl/Boy friend :)    … Expand
  28. cajari
    Feb 14, 2015
    10
    Excellent stuff, intensive story and beautiful graphics. Totally worth to buy. This game is one of very few what needs to be made as movie also. It really went into my feelings. Emotional **** Funny stuff, example "Gaylord" -poster somewhere middle of game. Listen carefully every video and it makes the game feel like a movie.

    Only fault of this game was it's shortness, but that didnt    Excellent stuff, intensive story and beautiful graphics. Totally worth to buy. This game is one of very few what needs to be made as movie also. It really went into my feelings. Emotional **** Funny stuff, example "Gaylord" -poster somewhere middle of game. Listen carefully every video and it makes the game feel like a movie.

    Only fault of this game was it's shortness, but that didnt bother me enough to change my score. 10/10.    … Expand
  29. RealGaming
    Apr 25, 2015
    10
    Well what can i say. Its one of the createst games of our time. You actually fell like you are inside of the story a lovable story and gameplay, which come with some excellent graphics.
  30. nnssdd11
    Oct 18, 2015
    10
    Very Good aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
prev
Page:

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 »