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Dear Esther: Landmark Edition

Xbox One, PC (Microsoft Windows), iOS, Mac, PlayStation 4 • 2017

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Quick resume

Dear Esther immerses you in a stunningly realised world, a remote and desolate island somewhere in the outer Hebrides. As you step forwards, a voice begins to read fragments of a letter: 'Dear Esther...' - and so begins a journey through one of the most original first-person games of recent years.

Global score

75/100

Genres

Adventure, Casual, Indie, Free To Play

Pros

  • Beautiful and immersive atmosphere
  • Poetic and emotional narrative
  • Stunning visuals and sound design
  • Relaxing and meditative pacing
  • Developer commentary adds depth

Cons

  • Very slow walking speed
  • Minimal gameplay interaction
  • Short playtime
  • Story can be ambiguous or confusing
  • Lack of replay incentives beyond narrative

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    3

    "Players have freedom to explore the island and choose their path and pace, but gameplay is limited to walking and triggering narrative events."

  • Competence
    -3

    "Gameplay involves slow walking with no skill challenges or complex mechanics, focusing on exploration rather than mastery."

  • Competition
    -5

    "No competitive elements or comparison to others; purely a personal narrative experience."

  • Continuation
    2

    "Some players return for multiple playthroughs to uncover more story fragments and listen to developer commentary."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Entirely single-player with no cooperative or multiplayer features."

  • Creativity
    2

    "Players interpret the story and environment creatively, but cannot modify or build within the game."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No elements of control or superiority over others; experience is solitary and introspective."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Strongly immersive and meditative experience allowing players to escape real life through atmosphere and narrative."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily for personal interest in narrative and atmosphere, not out of obligation."

  • Experimenting
    1

    "Some exploration and discovery of randomized narrative elements, but overall gameplay is consistent and limited."

  • Exploration
    4

    "Encourages discovery of new areas, narrative fragments, and environmental details on a mysterious island."

  • Expression
    -3

    "No character customization or player expression; presentation is fixed and narrative-driven."

  • Fantasy
    2

    "Narrative is poetic and abstract with some surreal elements, but grounded in a realistic island setting."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "Experience is solitary with no social or community interaction."

  • Growth
    1

    "Players gain insight and understanding through repeated playthroughs and developer commentary."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related features."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention and slow, deliberate movement rather than casual or background play."

  • Intimacy
    -4

    "Emotional connection is to the narrative and atmosphere rather than social or interpersonal relationships."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management roles; single-player experience."

  • Progression
    2

    "Progression is narrative-based with unlocking story fragments and achievements rather than item or power accumulation."

  • Relaxation
    5

    "Highly relaxing and meditative experience with calming music and slow pacing."

  • Sensation
    4

    "Strong sensory stimulation through visuals, sound design, and music creating emotional impact."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or status systems; experience is personal and introspective."

  • Story
    5

    "Narrative immersion is the core of the experience, with poetic storytelling and branching fragments."

  • Strategy
    -5

    "No strategic or problem-solving gameplay; linear exploration and narrative delivery."

  • Thrill
    -3

    "Atmosphere is eerie and haunting but lacks suspenseful or thrilling gameplay elements."

  • Value
    3

    "Generally considered good value for a short, artistic experience especially at sale prices."

  • Violence
    -5

    "No combat or destructive gameplay; focus on exploration and narrative."

  • Survival
    -5

    "No survival mechanics or threats; stable and safe environment."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026