Hot this week: Dear Esther

Waves lapping against the rusted ruin of a beached trawler. A lonely cottage on a hill, silhouetted against a glowering sky. The blinking light of a tall beacon, beckoning you towards it. The sights and sounds of The Chinese Room’s immersive first-person experience will stay with you long after it’s over.

As you slowly explore this fascinating place, you’ll hear a narrator read out letters and diaries which cleverly link the history of the island to a tragic event that brought your player-character there.

Yet for long spells you’re free to simply soak up the atmosphere – from delightful organic details like babbling streams and wind rippling the long grass to more unusual discoveries, such as a cave full of glowing mineral deposits and jagged stalactites, with strange markings on its walls.

You’re never told where to go, but landmarks naturally draw you towards them, while rocks and steep cliffs naturally funnel you down pathways.

So while you feel like you’re exploring of your own accord, it’s all but impossible to get lost. The winding route you’ll take gives you the chance to look back and spot parts of the island you’ve already visited. Over a couple of easygoing hours, it’s a place you get to know very well.

There’s a lot to admire here, in particular the quite stunning score from award-winning composer Jessica Curry – we strongly recommend playing with headphones so you don’t miss a single note.

With its simple controls this is a wonderful entry-level interactive experience for those who don’t normally play games.

But Dear Esther is not just for newcomers: its haunting story and rich setting should captivate anyone with an open mind. In the mood for something out of the ordinary? Look no further.

Dear Esther

The cult classic

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