Metascore
68

Mixed or average reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 12
  2. Negative: 3 out of 12
  1. 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.
User Score
5.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 20 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 20
  2. Negative: 6 out of 20
  1. 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. 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. 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 »