Home is Where One Starts... similar games & best alternatives
Home is Where One Starts...
2015
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Quick resume
Home is Where One Starts... is a short, first-person exploration game in the same vein as Dear Esther or Gone Home. It’s a story about childhood, hope, and the miracle of memory. You play as a little girl from a broken home somewhere in the American South.
Global score
77/100
Genres
Adventure, Indie
Pros
- Beautiful and melancholic narrative
- Relaxing atmosphere and music
- Free exploration with non-linear storytelling
- Good voice acting
- Affordable price especially on sale
Cons
- Very short gameplay duration
- Minimal interactivity and challenge
- Invisible walls limit exploration
- Lack of subtitles for non-english speakers
- Low replay value beyond achievement hunting
Motivations
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Autonomy4
"Players freely explore the environment in any order with no explicit goals or time pressure, embodying personal freedom of action."
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Competence-3
"Gameplay involves simple exploration and interaction with objects, with minimal skill or challenge."
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Competition-5
"No competitive elements or comparison to others; focus is on personal experience and narrative."
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Continuation1
"Short game with limited replay value, but some players engage in multiple runs to find all achievements."
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Cooperation-5
"Entirely single-player experience with no cooperative or multiplayer components."
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Creativity2
"Players can explore and interpret the story in their own way, but no creation or modification mechanics."
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Domination-5
"No elements of exerting control or superiority over others; experience is personal and equal."
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Escapism4
"Players use the game as a relaxing, nostalgic escape from real life, immersing in memories and atmosphere."
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Expectation-4
"Players engage voluntarily out of personal interest in narrative and exploration, not obligation."
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Experimenting3
"Encourages exploration and discovery of story fragments in non-linear order, inviting curiosity."
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Exploration5
"Core gameplay is free exploration of a detailed environment to uncover memories and narrative pieces."
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Expression-4
"No character customization or environmental modification; presentation is fixed by the developer."
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Fantasy-5
"Grounded in realistic, autobiographical themes and settings without fantasy or improbable elements."
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Fellowship-5
"Solo experience with minimal social interaction or community involvement."
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Growth2
"Players gain insight and emotional understanding through narrative exploration, though no skill growth."
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Health-5
"Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related mechanics."
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Idle3
"Can be played in short sessions; some players use it as a relaxing break or background experience."
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Intimacy1
"Emotional connection to the narrator's story but limited social or relational interaction."
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Leadership-5
"No leadership or management roles; player follows a personal narrative without directing others."
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Progression2
"Progression through unlocking story fragments and achievements, but no power or item accumulation."
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Relaxation5
"Strong emphasis on calm, soothing atmosphere, music, and slow-paced exploration for relaxation."
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Sensation3
"Enjoyable visual and auditory aesthetics create pleasant sensory experiences."
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Status-5
"No social recognition or status systems; experience is private and personal."
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Story5
"Narrative immersion is central, with voiceover storytelling and environmental clues driving the experience."
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Strategy-4
"Minimal strategic or problem-solving elements; gameplay is straightforward exploration."
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Thrill-5
"No suspense, risk, or tension; experience is peaceful and contemplative."
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Value3
"Generally considered good value for its price, especially on sale, given its artistic and narrative quality."
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Violence-5
"No combat or destructive gameplay; focus is on exploration and reflection."
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Survival-5
"No survival or threat avoidance mechanics; environment is safe and stable."
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Last update: 06/03/2026