Gone Home: Console Edition

 PlayStation 4
User Score
4.6

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 493 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 143 out of 493
  2. Mixed: 115 out of 493
  3. Negative: 235 out of 493

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  1. khwwalnw
    Apr 10, 2016
    0
    Less than one hour of "game play". Well there's actually no game play, but it's less than an hour until you get to the end of this walking simulator. Look, they just want your money to spend on patreon.
  2. domandapiano
    Apr 6, 2016
    10
    I don't understand how people seem to keep buying games without realizing what they are first. Unless they are just reviewing this game without actually having played it because of its "Liberal Agenda". Reaching.
  3. KittyBitty
    Apr 4, 2016
    10
    This game is fantastic, it's a great story, with great sound and overall atmosphere. But, don't go in expecting some RPG god. It's a narrative experience, if you want that, then it's absolutely fantastic. But if you need action or "game play" to be entertained, this isn't for you.
  4. Luke_waugh
    Apr 3, 2016
    1
    This game can be completed in less than 3 minutes. Before this game I believed that no game could be considered not a game but this is absolutely not a game. this game can be summarised by saying walk down a hall, the game is done, thats it. The message is nice but these developers must have payed reviews. Do not waste your money
  5. Mikeclonk
    Mar 28, 2016
    10
    Lots of dumb people reviewing this game. Don't listen to the dummies. If you are looking to murder thousands of people that dont look like you, try another game. If you dont get out much and blame other people for your own inadequacies and failures in life, dont play or review this game. If you masturbate too much and get bored really easily, dont play this game. Otherwise youre gonna love this.
  6. fallouts
    Mar 27, 2016
    0
    How did this game get such high scores is beyond me for I saw nothing of value in this one hour walking simulator. There is no replay value either and the gameplay pretty much revolves around you looking at things and hearing background narration. Lame.
  7. creativename
    Mar 23, 2016
    10
    10/10. It was my GOTY when it was released on the PC a few years back. I hope developers continue to make games like this one. If you love games like Dear Esther or Everyone's Gone to the Rapture, then you'll love this game.
  8. HalenFox
    Mar 17, 2016
    7
    Gone Home: Console Edition is a solid narrative experience that enjoys fun playing mind games with the audience. It's a short exploration game that focuses on alternative storytelling and player interaction. You largely get back what you put into the experience. The more you explore and investigate, the more intriguing things you'll discover.

    It is my personal opinion that the game is    Gone Home: Console Edition is a solid narrative experience that enjoys fun playing mind games with the audience. It's a short exploration game that focuses on alternative storytelling and player interaction. You largely get back what you put into the experience. The more you explore and investigate, the more intriguing things you'll discover.

    It is my personal opinion that the game is largely critically acclaimed because of the subject matter the complete narrative deals with. However, it is still a very good game for the less agenda driven and gives players a feeling of how video games may evolve interactive storytelling in the future.

    In summation, this is a largely player dependent experience. If you rush through to the end of the short game, you'll miss many of the things that make the game particularly unique. Yet, if you take full advantage of the exploration, collection marathon, and readable items, you'll discover a reasonably good story wrapped in a unusual and refreshing interactive narrative experience. I recommend picking up for a cheap sale price and sharing with friends.    … Expand
  9. eslave242
    Mar 15, 2016
    0
    There's no way this game is worth money. It's just a walking simulator. Do not pay money for this game. There's no gameplay, no action, no entertainment value at all. Just boring boredom.
  10. fzzywarbles
    Mar 14, 2016
    10
    Honest review 8/10. Felt the need to raise this bar. To the 49 reds - research games before you dive in. Video games, music, movies, TV...All entertainment offers many roads to enjoyment. Some people get off on Marvel movies, some people don't. To score this game 0 shows a complete lack of credibility. That being said I hope you're enjoying *insert random AAA garbage here*
  11. chipadeedoodah
    Mar 11, 2016
    9
    Gone Home is a light RPG experience about a young woman coming home from college trip to Europe, only to find her parents' new house empty. The place is unfamiliar, the phones are out, she's all alone, and it's a stormy night. Where are mom & dad? Where's her little sister?

    The game works as a period piece, evoking the ethos of mimeographed 'zines and mixtapes in the early 90's. It    Gone Home is a light RPG experience about a young woman coming home from college trip to Europe, only to find her parents' new house empty. The place is unfamiliar, the phones are out, she's all alone, and it's a stormy night. Where are mom & dad? Where's her little sister?

    The game works as a period piece, evoking the ethos of mimeographed 'zines and mixtapes in the early 90's. It works as a mystery, as you rummage through your family's belongings, piecing together who these people are and how they treat one another.

    It's an exploration game and a narrative experience, with no fast action. You wander the house, rummage through drawers and cabinets, looking for clues and solving a few light puzzles. The graphics are technically competent but not compelling. The audio fares better, and the voice acting is great.

    If piecing together an unfolding story from various notes and recordings is your kind of game, you will be richly rewarded. The characters are fleshed out, the story is evocative, the sense of place and time is well-established, and the conflicts have high stakes for those involved. The more you learn, the more the story changes.

    Unfortunately, because the plot of the game deals with some particular themes, and because the game has a slower exploratory pace without a fixed scoring system or any traditional action mechanics, Gone Home has become a lightning rod for the Gamergate crowd. They've tried to turn it into a symbol for their cause instead of just accepting that some art isn't for everybody, and constant vote brigading of Gone Home on various online forums is common. This forum appears to be no exception.

    Believe the professional reviews on this title: If the game as described sounds like something that might be up your alley, then Gone Home will richly reward you. If that's not your thing, then look elsewhere.    … Expand
  12. Frosty1979
    Mar 11, 2016
    0
    This "game" is a joke. It's a short, uneventful walk through a house to get to know that your sister ran away with her lesbian lover. No idea why so called professional critics gave this high marks. Probably they think it would make people more accepting of homosexuality.

    Maybe it would work to some degree, if it would be for free. But no! They charge 20 Dollar for it and market it as    This "game" is a joke. It's a short, uneventful walk through a house to get to know that your sister ran away with her lesbian lover. No idea why so called professional critics gave this high marks. Probably they think it would make people more accepting of homosexuality.

    Maybe it would work to some degree, if it would be for free. But no! They charge 20 Dollar for it and market it as some kind of mystery adventure, Imho that's nothing but a scam.    … Expand
  13. wdiscourse
    Mar 9, 2016
    0
    Total waste of money. Nothing but a walking simulator. Just walk around and click on stuff until you get tired and ask for your money back. Not worth it at any cost. If the game was free, it would cost too much. They should have a refund button on the main menu.
  14. diskostux
    Mar 6, 2016
    1
    When you consider the content versus the price, this game is a total rip off. 20 dollars is ridiculous. The game is extremely boring and at most worth a dollar. Do not buy this game. I feel more ripped of with this game than I do with Dayz.
  15. Gods_Son23
    Mar 5, 2016
    8
    "the only reason why it got good reviews from Critics was because Social Justice Warriors wanting to promote themselves".. Jesus... the BS you read on the internet... Good game. Trust the critic reviews on this one.
  16. gusto43
    Mar 4, 2016
    5
    Critics, professional ones at least, need some form of detachment. This seems to be sorely lacking in the case of Gone Home. Purchasing the Mac version on Steam, for research as much as anything else, I could see what they had tried to do with the story, but the graphics are pretty crude and there is no attempt to introduce meaningful interaction. Yet, on a numerical basis this is ratedCritics, professional ones at least, need some form of detachment. This seems to be sorely lacking in the case of Gone Home. Purchasing the Mac version on Steam, for research as much as anything else, I could see what they had tried to do with the story, but the graphics are pretty crude and there is no attempt to introduce meaningful interaction. Yet, on a numerical basis this is rated the best PS4 game on Metacritic. yes, it's an interesting story, but it's 3 years old, more ambitious projects like Everybody's Gone to The Rapture have superceded it in terms of design and implementation. In my view its overpriced and not sufficiently updated. It obviously doesn't deserve 0 but it clearly doesnt deserve 10.… Expand
  17. SILVERBACK6153
    Mar 3, 2016
    4
    It's literally a walking simulator. Go here, pick up item etc. etc. I would nearly rather walk around my own house than play this game. However, the game is relaxing to play and so is a good stress reliever for those who are stressed out of their minds (probably from buying this game lol).
  18. claytastic
    Mar 2, 2016
    3
    Gone Home simply isn't a game. In fact, it doesn't even deserve the title of being a walking simulator, which is one of the most degrading ways to label a game there is, and this game can't even reach that point. Because at least most walking simulators actually give you open space to roam around. Gone Home just puts you in a house. Not a neighborhood, not a mansion, just a house. While IGone Home simply isn't a game. In fact, it doesn't even deserve the title of being a walking simulator, which is one of the most degrading ways to label a game there is, and this game can't even reach that point. Because at least most walking simulators actually give you open space to roam around. Gone Home just puts you in a house. Not a neighborhood, not a mansion, just a house. While I will admit it's a nice house, it's not a nice game setting. The gameplay is easily the worst part of this game. What do you do? You look for notes and listen to recordings. That doesn't sound fun, does it? If it does, I find this concerning. That means I find a lot of people's opinions concerning because almost every friend or critic I know who has played this game thinks it's brilliant. The simple truth is that it's not, and these people are too blinding by the graphics (which do look good, I'll give it that) and the storytelling, which would be okay if the storytelling was actually interesting. The way the story is told isn't anything special, and neither is the story itself. I won't spoil the story in case you want to play this garbage for yourself, but just know that it isn't worth your time. I learned that the hard way. 3/10.… Expand
  19. KahnArtizt07
    Mar 2, 2016
    9
    I felt the game was definitely too short for a $20 price tag, but that doesn't mean it's not worth playing. It's an exploration based first person game about a girl who comes home from college and finds no one is home. You explore the house and try to figure out where everyone is, all the while discovering all sorts of great 90s references and Easter eggs (X-files on VHS, the JFKI felt the game was definitely too short for a $20 price tag, but that doesn't mean it's not worth playing. It's an exploration based first person game about a girl who comes home from college and finds no one is home. You explore the house and try to figure out where everyone is, all the while discovering all sorts of great 90s references and Easter eggs (X-files on VHS, the JFK assassination novel, etc). It's better to go in knowing nothing about the game, as I did, but you will still enjoy it either way. $20 is a little steep and it doesn't have a platinum trophy but if you can get it on sale, I highly recommend Gone Home. Excellent writing, atmosphere, solid graphics and sound design, and a very personal story. If you like games like Everybody's Gone to the Rapture, Firewatch, or Dear Esther, this game is of similar style and quality.

    Don't listen to the bad user reviews. I have a feeling it's all the same guy because he keeps talking about how "social justice warriors" are the only people who like it. WRONG! He also is an idiot because he gets the plot twist all wrong. No spoilers, but the game's narrative is about your sister, he thinks it's about you, which leads me to think he either wasn't paying full attention or just skimmed a plot summary online without fully absorbing it.    … Expand
  20. pjh3000
    Feb 29, 2016
    0
    I want my money back. This is just a walking simulator. Based on the price they charge, it's a scam. There is literally no content for this game. You just walk around and click on stuff until you get bored.
  21. StophJS
    Feb 27, 2016
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The absolute only reason this game was well received was because it has atmosphere, and centers around a lesbian relationship in a non exploitative way.

    My experience of playing this game was one of very high initial hopes, slowly fading into resignation to the fact that game wasn't going to do anything more than it had already presented. Purely from a presentation standpoint, there's every reason to think it might be great when you first start out. It's got great voice acting, and a very quiet tension like you're actually in this house and learning whatever it might have to tell you. Unfortunately all it has to tell you is that the daughter is a lesbian, the father is a failed writer, and the mother has the hots for some dude at work. That's it. That's the game.

    The developers of this game clearly thought that having the player walk through a house and figure out some girl was a lesbian was enough narrative to complete a story, but it isn't. It's relevant, and unusual, and of-the-times. But it's not the basis of a game worth playing, let alone one you would pay $20 for.

    If there's any silver lining here, it's that indie developers in the future might look to this game and gain some inspiration as to what can be done with a very minimalist environment and story-telling approach like this. I just hope those developers come up with an interesting story.    … Expand
  22. Saikron
    Feb 25, 2016
    6
    I always feel like I'm in crazy town when I read reviews or press on this game. It's not the best or worst thing ever. It's not a revolutionary example of storytelling in games. It's not part of some secret liberal agenda to make us all gay.

    It's a one hour long, thesis project quality walking simulator with an emotional story. It's not worth $10.
  23. Spidor
    Feb 24, 2016
    7
    It's not that it's not interesting, because it is. It's also well written, and it meshes, and it's cohesive. It just all feels a little underwhelming at time, like using an advanced surgical laser to write your name on a grain of rice. I guess I'm okay with the lo-fi drama of it all, and I like the build-up. I just wish there was a little more plot meat on these bones. Maybe I'm just tooIt's not that it's not interesting, because it is. It's also well written, and it meshes, and it's cohesive. It just all feels a little underwhelming at time, like using an advanced surgical laser to write your name on a grain of rice. I guess I'm okay with the lo-fi drama of it all, and I like the build-up. I just wish there was a little more plot meat on these bones. Maybe I'm just too much of a jaded "gamer" for this everyday mortal drama. Maybe this is what Gone Home has taught me more than anything.… Expand
  24. MNecromancer
    Feb 6, 2016
    10
    This seems to be a divisive game, so it's not for everyone. It's an empathy game, like the Vanishing of Ethan Carter, Everybody's Gone to the Rapture, or The Beginner's Guide. If you haven't tried any of these, then this is the perfect entry to try out this new genre of gaming.

    This kind of game is for someone who loves strong narrative and exploration because it offers little else. The    This seems to be a divisive game, so it's not for everyone. It's an empathy game, like the Vanishing of Ethan Carter, Everybody's Gone to the Rapture, or The Beginner's Guide. If you haven't tried any of these, then this is the perfect entry to try out this new genre of gaming.

    This kind of game is for someone who loves strong narrative and exploration because it offers little else. The game is full of wonderful artifacts that let you get to know the characters in the game better than you would your closest allies in a game like Mass Effect. If that sounds like a good idea to you, then you must buy it. If not, then definitely find something else to play.    … Expand
  25. willlow
    Jan 23, 2016
    2
    DO NOT BUY THIS GAME. seriously save your TWENTY dollars. save that money use it for something else.

    have you played everybodys gone to the rapture? I hope to god you havent. either way you don't need to play this game cause its the same boring game more or less that is extremely short like laughable short. this game should have been 5 dollars and even then the experience was    DO NOT BUY THIS GAME. seriously save your TWENTY dollars. save that money use it for something else.

    have you played everybodys gone to the rapture? I hope to god you havent. either way you don't need to play this game cause its the same boring game more or less that is extremely short like laughable short. this game should have been 5 dollars and even then the experience was painful.

    I heard a positive endorsement from this game on the podcast DLC. this game is terrible. I like artistic games and unique games which is another reason I took a chance on this game.

    this game was like an hour long. you walk around a house looking at things and when you pick up certain items a voice of this girl starts talking about her past very similar to the rapture when you had to keep following that stupid light thing.

    that is the whole game right there. looking at a map of this house going to certain areas hearing this girls voice. if you like picking up things and looking at them with no climax to a game then this is it.

    this game actually hurt deep because I value money and fullbright, majesco and midnight city decided to charge 20 dollars for this extremely static painfully boring experience.

    how did this win game of the year on pc?? I dont understand????? this seriously makes me disgruntled at the game and game related media industry. I gave it a 2 cause there was a couple ok things to look at like a picture of a comic book or a drawing this teenage girl did before she tells you about a boring life story of hers in her cliche life is strange lead character rip off voice while you walk NOT RUN around this house. oh yeah you can't run. so you walk slow as hell through this house while it rains outside. id rather be out in that rain although the rain sfx sound like static. you can crouch but you cant run. rant over.

    save your money.    … Expand
  26. ZekeThompson
    Jan 19, 2016
    6
    I am a little confused by what I just played. I have heard great things over and over about this game and was very much looking forward to playing it but after two hours I was left wanting more way more than what I paid for. First off I have no problem with "Walking Sims" Journey and Everyone Has Gone To The Rapture were great and Gone Home is too. But what I took from the other games andI am a little confused by what I just played. I have heard great things over and over about this game and was very much looking forward to playing it but after two hours I was left wanting more way more than what I paid for. First off I have no problem with "Walking Sims" Journey and Everyone Has Gone To The Rapture were great and Gone Home is too. But what I took from the other games and not this one was a sense of closure. You are literally walking through a house and while the mystery of being alone is intensifying, finding out why is not. Yes the story in enough to see you through the end but I feel like the back story about the Uncle was way more interesting and wasn't fully developed. I just feel like there wasn't enough. Why not walk the backyard or a shed something else I mean for 19.99 its just not enough. Which is a shame because this could have been a perfect game.… Expand
  27. NotANerd
    Jan 18, 2016
    10
    This was one of my favorite games of 2013. The game relies entirely upon atmosphere and its interesting take on story telling and it excels on both fronts. It is a short experience, taking about 2 hours or so to take in all the details and finish the game, but I feel like buying this game is like buying a good movie; an experience that is so enjoyable that you can view it again and again.This was one of my favorite games of 2013. The game relies entirely upon atmosphere and its interesting take on story telling and it excels on both fronts. It is a short experience, taking about 2 hours or so to take in all the details and finish the game, but I feel like buying this game is like buying a good movie; an experience that is so enjoyable that you can view it again and again.
    If you feel like some of the best moments in games can come from finding scattered notes or if you are just a fan of riot grrrl punk music then get this game.    … Expand
  28. GreenMachineG
    Jan 13, 2016
    9
    Gone Home is a must-play game. Period. Do yourself a favor and play it right now. Do not look anything up for the game, just go for it. The game keeps you guessing around every corner and turn, and the brilliance in story-telling here is something you won't want to miss. Steve Gaynor and team brought a master-piece to the gaming world a few years ago on PC, and bringing Gone Home toGone Home is a must-play game. Period. Do yourself a favor and play it right now. Do not look anything up for the game, just go for it. The game keeps you guessing around every corner and turn, and the brilliance in story-telling here is something you won't want to miss. Steve Gaynor and team brought a master-piece to the gaming world a few years ago on PC, and bringing Gone Home to consoles for more to play makes me so happy. PLAY IT!

    9.0/10    … Expand
  29. VagrantPeters
    Jan 12, 2016
    0
    I can't stress this enough - if you have never played this game - DON'T. It is possibly the highest rated piece of garbage ever released. The professional critics are dead wrong - under two hours of 'game play' which would be forgiveable if it was awesome, it however is an uneventful shi+ show. Seriously, watch a play through on you tube if you don't believe me. I do this as a publicI can't stress this enough - if you have never played this game - DON'T. It is possibly the highest rated piece of garbage ever released. The professional critics are dead wrong - under two hours of 'game play' which would be forgiveable if it was awesome, it however is an uneventful shi+ show. Seriously, watch a play through on you tube if you don't believe me. I do this as a public service - this game is trash.… Expand
  30. Andre00x
    Jan 12, 2016
    7
    I can't believe I just paid 20$ for a game that last 1 hour.....Story is good. I wish it was longer and maybe add more hidden things. Not really worth the price though...
  31. ErikHellstrom
    Jan 12, 2016
    10
    Go in blind, play the game. You won't regret it.
    Should I tell you anymore? No.
    Should you play Gone Home? Yes.
    Does this review have to be any longer? No.
    Should you play Gone Home? Yes.
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Awards & Rankings

27
#27 Best PS4 Game of 2016
31
#31 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2016
35
#35 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Gameblog.fr
    Apr 21, 2016
    80
    Gone home is a beautiful story told with talent. The total immersion and storytelling brings a sense of renewal in the world of video games. Unfortunately, its lifespan is too short: two hours are enough to see the end. This console port is, by the way, excellent.
    Read full review
  2. GameSpew
    Apr 9, 2016
    60
    It’s a shame that Gone Home is a bit of a non-starter. It has a lot of potential; the game is genuinely captivating whilst you’re playing it – it’s just unfortunate that it leaves you so disappointed once you’ve reached its conclusion. The human story it tries to tell is relatable, but it’s a story that’s so ordinary it’s barely even worth telling. By all means, play Gone Home for the exploration; for the 90’s nostalgia and for its down-to-Earth quirks, but don’t go into it expecting anything mindblowing. Expect a grounded story about a typical family and you won’t be disappointed, but anything else will leave you feeling rather underwhelmed.
    Read full review
  3. Playstation Official Magazine Australia
    Mar 31, 2016
    70
    Don’t look at its brevity with a frown: Gone Home is a hugely important game with something meaningful to say. [April 2016, p74]
See all critic reviews »