Video Games Suck - Dear Esther

Holy shit, I didn't expect a game that isn't really a game but more of an interactive visual novel to be so fucking interesting. Apparently this game started out as a mod for Half-Life 2 about 4 years ago but was completely reworked and done with professional level graphics and more dialog. This is probably the best looking source game to date and was incredibly atmospheric and interesting. I shit my pants a little in surprise!

Dear Esther basically starts you off on an island right outside of a lighthouse and as your traverse through the environments, the narrator tells different stories, some about himself, some and about a hermit, and some about the road to Damascus. It is very creepy and very atmospheric as you wander through the game learning different parts of the story. The best part of it is, replaying it will you give you different parts of the story allowing for replay value. Also, as you progress the narrator becomes increasing delusional and starts confusing all the stories he is telling. The writing in the game is pretty damn fantastic and incredibly interesting, and as far as story-telling goes for video games, the writing was definitely at least standard novel level (not shitty Michael Bay movie level like most fucking games are *Cough* Mass Effect/Cowa Doody *cough*).

As I said the game is by far the best looking source game to date and looks pretty damn impressive when compared to most games. Travelling through the caves was probably some of the most thrilling parts just getting to see the beautiful areas that someone created, but the outdoor areas have a lot to bring as well and are equally as impressive. One of the coolest part of this game is all the little details in the background that you might miss the first time around, ghosts, blinking lights, etc are all scattered throughout the environment and certain things disappear if you stare directly at them. The only downside to the game is that it is basically a visual novel and only clocks in at around 60 to 90 minutes long. However, I hope the developers make a ton of cash so that they can make some longer/more interactive sequels.

9/10