Dear Esther (2012) was a really great visual narrative experience. While there is much heated debate concerning walking sims being actual games or not, especially in the gaming community, there is no doubt people all over the world would play them and enjoy them. Of course, they are not for everybody.

In my humble opinion, they are very moving, atmospheric and thought-provoking experiences. I quite enjoy them. Dear Esther was the first walking sim I ever played, and it is probably the first walking sim developed too. When I first played it, it was during a very chaotic and dismal period of my life. This game, with its non-traditional, minimalistic approach to gaming, made an impact on me. It was so moving and meaningful. The impression it left on me has lingered on over the years and remains just as memorable. I have played it maybe ten times total, as it is a very short game.

The story itself, is triggered in small pieces, as you, the character, wanders through the excruciatingly beautiful yet isolated landscape of an unnamed island in the Hebrides. On this haunting journey, you listen to a troubled man read a series of letters to his deceased wife. Details of her mysterious death are revealed as the player moves throughout the island. The way it is done is spell-binding.

Trying to understand the story is the only real objective, although the gorgeous landscape, immersive story-telling, and breath-taking musical scores all make this narrative game a pure work of art. Needless to say, I love this game and highly recommend it, but not if you are looking for challenges or traditional gameplay. If you are looking for a kind of visual novel, one that draws you in with haunting beauty, poignant sorrow, and elated hope, then Dear Esther may be for you.

EDIT: The Chinese Room creators, development and design team created a masterpiece here. Brilliantly well done.)

STORY: 10/10 GAMEPLAY: 10/10 GRAPHICS: 10/10 ART DESIGN: 10/10 MUSIC: 10/10 OVERALL RATING: 10.