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I'll probably pass on this one. If it's not a ringing endorsement coming from Mr. Indiefag himself, I'm not sure it's worth the time.
I have a friend from college names Esther. I'm going to her wedding in August. Aaaand... that's all I got.
Whoah. Oddly timed, being I suggested this mod in one of your posts a couple days ago.
I loved it when I first played it, even though I found a ton of bugs just walking about the first area. I loved how that, if you replay it, some OTHER audio diaries play at random intervals. The first time through, I never actually heard one beginning with 'Dear Esther'.
I loved it when I first played it, even though I found a ton of bugs just walking about the first area. I loved how that, if you replay it, some OTHER audio diaries play at random intervals. The first time through, I never actually heard one beginning with 'Dear Esther'.
I played this a few days ago after reading the RPS article and have literally just finished playing it through for a second time.
After finishing it the first time, I was aware that I had not been that unsettled by a game (or indeed, anything) for a very long time. Nor had I experienced anything like this in game before.
One thing that plagued me though was that it didn't seem to take advantage of the gaming as a medium, evidenced by how easily it could be converted into a short story (ie. by printing out the script) or even a very short film without loosing a great deal. I might get around to posting a blog talking about just that along with my take on the plot and narrative itself.
Either way, I really enjoyed it and would recommend it (with the same cautions that Anthony gave).
After finishing it the first time, I was aware that I had not been that unsettled by a game (or indeed, anything) for a very long time. Nor had I experienced anything like this in game before.
One thing that plagued me though was that it didn't seem to take advantage of the gaming as a medium, evidenced by how easily it could be converted into a short story (ie. by printing out the script) or even a very short film without loosing a great deal. I might get around to posting a blog talking about just that along with my take on the plot and narrative itself.
Either way, I really enjoyed it and would recommend it (with the same cautions that Anthony gave).
@Syn
While recommending the game to a friend yesterday, I realised that I could barely even explain the structure of the game coherently, let alone what about it made it so unnerving for me. Spoiling it is nearly impossible due to the nature of the story itself, so all I can really do is recommend that you download and play the game. Failing that, the script (and soundtrack) is available for download as well - could be interesting to see what it effect it has without the game (or voice actor) helping to convey its meaning.
While recommending the game to a friend yesterday, I realised that I could barely even explain the structure of the game coherently, let alone what about it made it so unnerving for me. Spoiling it is nearly impossible due to the nature of the story itself, so all I can really do is recommend that you download and play the game. Failing that, the script (and soundtrack) is available for download as well - could be interesting to see what it effect it has without the game (or voice actor) helping to convey its meaning.
just finished the game (about a minute ago). syn: Myst is a good comparison, when playing it at one point (without reading your message) that game came to mind.
i have theories about what might be happening in the game, of course, but you dont get explicit answers. but what the narrator mentions throughout, combined with some of the grand bits of writing/pictures on the rock you'll see seems to hint at something... rather unfortunate. rather sad.
besides that, music pops up at points - some conventional music, other bits being atmospheric music/sound effects sorta stuff (sure there's a more intelligent word for that which i dont know :P ). this, of course, contributes greatly to the feel.
no spoilers, but maybe that'll give you a little bit of an idea of how it's unsettling?
i have theories about what might be happening in the game, of course, but you dont get explicit answers. but what the narrator mentions throughout, combined with some of the grand bits of writing/pictures on the rock you'll see seems to hint at something... rather unfortunate. rather sad.
besides that, music pops up at points - some conventional music, other bits being atmospheric music/sound effects sorta stuff (sure there's a more intelligent word for that which i dont know :P ). this, of course, contributes greatly to the feel.
no spoilers, but maybe that'll give you a little bit of an idea of how it's unsettling?
just finished the game (about a minute ago). syn: Myst is a good comparison, when playing it at one point (without reading your message) that game came to mind.
i have theories about what might be happening in the game, of course, but you dont get explicit answers. but what the narrator mentions throughout, combined with some of the grand bits of writing/pictures on the rock you'll see seems to hint at something... rather unfortunate. rather sad.
besides that, music pops up at points - some conventional music, other bits being atmospheric music/sound effects sorta stuff (sure there's a more intelligent word for that which i dont know :P ). this, of course, contributes greatly to the feel.
no spoilers, but maybe that'll give you a little bit of an idea of how it's unsettling?
i have theories about what might be happening in the game, of course, but you dont get explicit answers. but what the narrator mentions throughout, combined with some of the grand bits of writing/pictures on the rock you'll see seems to hint at something... rather unfortunate. rather sad.
besides that, music pops up at points - some conventional music, other bits being atmospheric music/sound effects sorta stuff (sure there's a more intelligent word for that which i dont know :P ). this, of course, contributes greatly to the feel.
no spoilers, but maybe that'll give you a little bit of an idea of how it's unsettling?
@jesusofwales, feighnt:
thanks for trying, I'm just more interested now, and I must find a way to play this. The fact that it's so hard to explain just makes it look tastier.
thanks for trying, I'm just more interested now, and I must find a way to play this. The fact that it's so hard to explain just makes it look tastier.
I am going to have a go at explaining what this game IS but not necessarily what it is about as the plot has been intentionally left very ambiguous to make you think and what not :P
oh and SPOILERS!!
This 'experience' to me is essentially a short story that is narrated by the main character (which i have no reason to believe is the player character) by narrating his letters to a women named Esther. The letters go between him describing his current situation of being stuck on a mysterious island and describing his thoughts and him angrily remembering (and regretting?) a major event that affected the 3 characters mentioned in the letters (including the narrator) BEFORE the events on the island.
The 'game' part of this experience involves the player character (who is never identified properly) walking across the same island described in the letters. The narration is triggered when you reach certain points in the map, usually the letter relates to the location you currently are in. There are visual clues as to what the plot could be along the way but nothing definite.
I feel that it is a short story first and foremost and the use of a videogame to immerse the player/listener? into this world is an interesting and kinda clever way to enhance the experience by giving the player/listener (IMO) a more genuine connection to the world and characters (as opposed to just using your imagination).
I hope that made sense.
oh and SPOILERS!!
This 'experience' to me is essentially a short story that is narrated by the main character (which i have no reason to believe is the player character) by narrating his letters to a women named Esther. The letters go between him describing his current situation of being stuck on a mysterious island and describing his thoughts and him angrily remembering (and regretting?) a major event that affected the 3 characters mentioned in the letters (including the narrator) BEFORE the events on the island.
The 'game' part of this experience involves the player character (who is never identified properly) walking across the same island described in the letters. The narration is triggered when you reach certain points in the map, usually the letter relates to the location you currently are in. There are visual clues as to what the plot could be along the way but nothing definite.
I feel that it is a short story first and foremost and the use of a videogame to immerse the player/listener? into this world is an interesting and kinda clever way to enhance the experience by giving the player/listener (IMO) a more genuine connection to the world and characters (as opposed to just using your imagination).
I hope that made sense.
Anyone that doesn't mind the bumps in the night? GET THIS MOD. Seriously, couldn't recommend it enough.
Though... I dunno what Anthony means by not going on the beach. Going along the beach and then the rocks along the beach is the way to go.
Though... I dunno what Anthony means by not going on the beach. Going along the beach and then the rocks along the beach is the way to go.
I just dled and finished it. *spoilers ahead of varying degrees* I never really found it "unnerving" besides the point where you got to the cave and everything faded to black. I did love the atmosphere and I'm glad other people had trouble figuring out the full meaning of the story as well so I don't need to feel ashamed. :P
I can happily say that anyone with an interest in interesting game universes and/or stories should download this right this second.
I can happily say that anyone with an interest in interesting game universes and/or stories should download this right this second.
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