Haunting...haunted...the story of loss told through a deserted Hebridean island and the disembodied voice of another. Whether this is a “game” or not will be argued for a long time; as a piece of narrative however, Dear Esther stands tall. It's stunning landscapes have been completely re-worked for this stand-alone release, and it shows: the wild, wind-blown slopes of the island now teem with flora swaying in the wind, the caves are jaw-droppingly beautiful. If you enjoyed the original HL2 mod, then you will love this; if you want more from your interactive entertainment than simply shooting many men until they stop, then this is well worth a look. It may be short, but it is an obvious labour of love, and stunningly, breathtakingly gorgeous...it may even manage to touch something in your jaded soul.

Haunting...haunted...the story of loss told through a deserted Hebridean island and the disembodied voice of another. Whether this is a “game” or not will be argued for a long time; as a piece of narrative however, Dear Esther stands tall. It's stunning landscapes have been completely re-worked for this stand-alone release, and it shows: the wild, wind-blown slopes of the island now teem with flora swaying in the wind, the caves are jaw-droppingly beautiful. If you enjoyed the original HL2 mod, then you will love this; if you want more from your interactive entertainment than simply shooting many men until they stop, then this is well worth a look. It may be short, but it is an obvious labour of love, and stunningly, breathtakingly gorgeous...it may even manage to touch something in your jaded soul.