Dear Esther: Landmark Edition

 Xbox One
Metascore
68

Mixed or average reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 12
  3. Negative: 3 out of 12
  1. Brash Games
    Sep 20, 2016
    90
    Dear Esther: Landmark Edition is an experience that has held my imagination for days after finishing it. It is beautiful yet haunting, sad yet inspiring. It may be short, but it is perfectly paced, and you owe it to yourself to experience this game, it will leave you breathless.
  2. Windows Central
    Sep 19, 2016
    90
    Dear Ester, is in no uncertain terms, amazing. Its mysterious storytelling, haunting soundtrack and stunning visuals create an experience you won't want to wait to throw yourself back into.
  3. Xbox Achievements
    Sep 20, 2016
    85
    If I were rating it purely on its artistic merits, I'd give it 100. As a game, its unique qualities mark it out as something that deserves to be played and experienced, but if you're hoping for something action-packed, you're barking up the wrong tree. Dear Esther: Landmark Edition is a great game that transcends what a video game can be as a medium; a perfect marriage of artistry and ideas that you absolutely need to delve into.
  5. ICXM
    Sep 20, 2016
    85
    Dear Ether could be improved if it featured more interactivity like certain objects you can manipulate. I was always curious about opening the cover of books and reading what they said inside or reading what it said on that lone piece of paper resting under some candles. Other than that, it’s phenomenal and all Xbox One owners who want their minds to be challenged should purchase this title.
  6. XboxAddict
    Nov 15, 2016
    80
    It's an experience, not a game, and it has to be viewed as such. If you can appreciate video games as art and want to enjoy a unique and interesting way to tell a story then definitely give Dear Esther: Landmark Edition a shot.
  7. GamingTrend
    Sep 22, 2016
    80
    A beautifully animated walking simulator. I recommend that you give it a play, because it really is quite a different experience from most mainstream, fast driven, AAA games. It reminded me of a form of meditation because it was simply that immersive.
  8. We Got This Covered
    Sep 19, 2016
    80
    It goes without saying that Dear Esther: Landmark Edition won't be for everyone. However, those who are willing to open their minds and try something different are in for a treat, because Curve Digital has brought a haunting, beautiful and memorable experiences to consoles with this port.
  9. Gaming Age
    Nov 8, 2016
    75
    It's undeniably good… but if you're in the mood for great, you'll need to look at what came after.
  10. ZTGD
    Oct 4, 2016
    50
    I admire Dear Esther for what it did, when it did it. It was a novel concept that came from the humblest of beginnings. Unfortunately, the product of it all is short and unenjoyable. It feels like a dream in the worst way. It’s confusing, fatiguing, and the feeling of relief comes when it’s over. In that way, they couldn’t have done a better job.
  11. Destructoid
    Sep 20, 2016
    45
    The linchpin of these games is to develop a connection with the player. Along with that connection comes emotion. Dear Esther is simply too disconnected from itself to ever connect with me.
  12. XBLA Fans
    Oct 19, 2016
    40
    Sadly for a game that is all about memories, Dear Esther just never does much to leave a lasting one.
  13. TrueAchievements
    Sep 21, 2016
    40
    Dear Esther is a boring slog with little narrative payoff. Although it does encourage an ideal of "interpret as you will", it lacks the foundation and support to drive discussions of death, life, and grief to the point to which it strives. Fortunately, the experience is short, cheap, and a good boost to an achievement score, but beyond that, is worth a pass.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
5.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 20 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 20
  3. Negative: 6 out of 20
  1. gygessgygess
    Oct 2, 2016
    10
    Yes, in this game you will only have the controls of walking. However, it is much more about the experience. Controls should not dictateYes, in this game you will only have the controls of walking. However, it is much more about the experience. Controls should not dictate whether a game has an amazing story or not. Dear Esther's poetic story had me in tears by the end, because it gave me a better story than any other game has ever produced for me, ever. I played Everybody's Gone to The Rapture, Gone Home, and you can even include more popular AAA games like The Last of Us, the Half-Life series, whatever you want to name: no game has produced the emotions this game did. And it's not all very clear, a lot of that emotion isn't necessarily about the game, but it's also just thinking about your life, and the people around you.

    So yes, the input you have is where to walk. But the power you have is to look, see, hear, and experience what you do in this game. If you want something concise but powerful, only a few movies carry the emotional impact of Dear Esther.    … Full Review »
  2. osprey
    Sep 21, 2016
    10
    Beautiful music, beautiful narration, beautiful and poetic story, beautiful environments, in short a beautiful experience. I loved it fromBeautiful music, beautiful narration, beautiful and poetic story, beautiful environments, in short a beautiful experience. I loved it from beginning to end!… Full Review »
  3. dan-man
    Jul 12, 2023
    10
    Everything about this game I adore. It is perfection. The music, the setting, the mood, the writing, the voice acting, the mystery, theEverything about this game I adore. It is perfection. The music, the setting, the mood, the writing, the voice acting, the mystery, the simplicity, the graphics. All of it.… Full Review »
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