Dear Esther 12+

Enjoying wondering around but unfortunately I have no sound coming through on my iPhone 7S, even though I have volume level turned up on the game control as well as on the actual phone. Such a shame as it’s definitely not as atmospheric as it could have been. Disappointed.

After spending quite a while slowly trudging around a rocky landscape in the form of an avatar who can’t seem to step over any stone that’s over 10cm tall, I started to get bored. Any chance of... something obvious for a game like this... y’know... what’s it called again? Oh, that’s it.... A MAP??
I can’t honestly give this one star because the graphics are superb and the atmosphere would be great if there were anything going on within it. Wish there were a ‘music off’ option as the slow piano/violin music is annoying when the only other sounds are naturalistic ones which are quite well done. a ‘walk faster’ option would be nice too.
Another fault is that the narrative seems to be completely disconnected to anything happening on the screen, and we never have any clue who these people are or any reason why we’re expected to be interested in them or their lives.
Update: Have just finished the game. Due to the similarities between one place and any other in in this game, I didn’t even realise I was somewhere I hadn’t been before until the game was suddenly over. I can’t spoil the ending for you because there’s nothing to be spoiled.

Read the title of this review before you buy. Dear Esther manages to achieve through the mechanics of a first- person game, a beautiful and haunting story with delightful scenery , narrative and music. I’m afraid if you’re looking for shooting things or jump scares, you may feel short-changed. On the other hand, if you are open to a virtual form of high art, a compelling meditation on isolation, exploration and thought provoking storytelling, then this app Is more than worth the small entry fee. You may only play through once in a blue moon, but you’ll never forget the first playthrough experience.