Introduction
Dear Esther is a 2012 remake of a Source engine mod released in 2008. It is not a run in the mill FPS. There is no HUD, scores , weapons ,NPC , runnning or jumping. Its an unconventional gameplay in every sense of the word.I stumbled upon this game so i thought i would share this experience with you all.
| Developer(s): | thechineseroom,Robert Briscoe |
| Artist(s): | Robert Briscoe , Ben Andrews (concept art) |
| Writer(s): | Dan Pinchbeck |
| Composer(s): | Jessica Curry |
| Engine: | Source |
| Platform(s): | Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, Linux |
Gameplay and Graphics
Dear Esther is a short exploration game where the player has to wander an abandoned island trying to find a way to the blinking beacon on top of a radio tower. The gameplay is simple with just one objective – Walk the path towards the next level. But as dull as the gameplay seem, its makes up for it with some stunning sceanic visuals, excellent background soundtrack and narration which all blends together to give a walking novel experience. The story is abstract, just a series of monologue of a man’s letter to Esther, narrating it as the game progresses. The player is free to draw his/her conclusion of the story based on the narrations which makes it a unique experience.
The narration is triggered when specific areas of the island is reached or sometimes at random locations. Exploring the island by going off the specified path is like finding lost pages of a book to comprehend the story.
The graphics are nothing less than spectacular. The island covered with foliage basking in the setting sun, the underground rocks riddled with glowing patterns, the night-sky illuminating the path, plunging waterfalls inside the tunnels making it a mesmerizing game.
Conclusion
This is more like a well-crafted art piece than a game. I would recommend this game to anyone looking for a game with a difference.
This sub two hour game delivers a unique gameplay which is sure to leave a everlasting imagery in your mind.So give it a try;if you are a stiry lover then you will surely like it.