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Estranged: The Departure

Nintendo Switch, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux • 2020

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Quick resume

Estranged: The Departure follows the story of a fisherman, stranded on a mysterious island during a violent storm. Little does he know his adventure has just begun, and the island is home to more than it first seems.

Global score

86/100

Genres

Action, Adventure, Casual, Indie, Puzzle

Pros

  • Immersive atmosphere and story
  • Good graphics and lighting for indie game
  • Puzzle solving and exploration
  • Low price or free
  • Regular updates and developer engagement

Cons

  • Short game length
  • Some combat feels unsatisfying
  • Linear gameplay with limited novelty
  • Minor bugs and glitches
  • Lack of save system in early versions

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    3

    "Players explore a mysterious island with some freedom, solving puzzles and progressing the story, though gameplay is mostly linear."

  • Competence
    2

    "Game involves puzzle solving and some combat, but combat is described as simple and sometimes unsatisfying; puzzles are straightforward."

  • Competition
    -5

    "No evidence of competitive or ranked modes; focus is on single-player experience without comparison to others."

  • Continuation
    2

    "Players express anticipation for sequels and replay for achievements, but game is short and some find it easy to put down."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Entirely single-player with no multiplayer or cooperative elements mentioned."

  • Creativity
    1

    "Some environmental interaction and puzzle solving, but mostly following designed paths and scripted events."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No social dominance or power over others; single-player narrative focus."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players enjoy immersive atmosphere, suspense, and story as a form of escape and relaxation."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest and nostalgia; no indication of obligation or pressure."

  • Experimenting
    -2

    "Gameplay is mostly linear with limited experimentation; some exploration and puzzle solving allow minor novelty."

  • Exploration
    3

    "Exploration of diverse environments and uncovering story elements is a key part of the experience."

  • Expression
    -5

    "No character customization or player expression; fixed protagonist and presentation."

  • Fantasy
    3

    "Game features fictional story with zombies and mysterious corporations, providing imaginative fiction."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "No social or community features; purely solo play."

  • Growth
    2

    "Players learn puzzles and game mechanics, but limited skill development or complexity."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity involved."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention during play; not designed for background or casual intermittent play."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No social or emotional relationship building; single-player narrative only."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management elements."

  • Progression
    2

    "Players collect items and unlock new areas, but progression is linear and limited."

  • Relaxation
    3

    "Atmosphere and pacing provide a balance of suspense and calm moments, offering a relaxing experience."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Visuals and audio create immersive sensory experience with atmospheric effects and occasional scares."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or status systems."

  • Story
    4

    "Strong narrative focus with immersive story, audio logs, and environmental storytelling."

  • Strategy
    1

    "Some puzzle solving and light combat require basic planning, but overall straightforward gameplay."

  • Thrill
    3

    "Suspenseful atmosphere and occasional scares create moments of thrill and tension."

  • Value
    4

    "Players appreciate the game’s quality and content relative to its low price or free availability."

  • Violence
    1

    "Includes combat with zombies and mercenaries, but violence is moderate and not the main focus."

  • Survival
    2

    "Some survival elements like limited ammo and avoiding threats, but not highly challenging."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026