When comparing Psychonauts vs Dear Esther, the Slant community recommends Psychonauts for most people. In the question“What are the best games on Steam with a rich story?” Psychonauts is ranked 74th while Dear Esther is ranked 78th. The most important reason people chose Psychonauts is:
Each of the levels in the game are themed after different characters in the game, where the player enters their mind. This makes for a varied experience that will not get stale. It also allows for different gameplay elements due to the different tasks that are asked of the player to complete in each.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Allows looking in the strange minds of different characters, literally
Each of the levels in the game are themed after different characters in the game, where the player enters their mind. This makes for a varied experience that will not get stale. It also allows for different gameplay elements due to the different tasks that are asked of the player to complete in each.
Pro Narrative driven experience
There are no waypoint markers, no quests, in fact nobody else in this world except the player and the narrator. Hike through the world and discover the inner workings of this person’s mind.
Pro Pervasive sense of isolation, loneliness, and mystery
The game takes place on an abandoned island, so in a practical sense the player is alone. Add to that that this is a bit of a ghost story and mystery becomes enwrapped within the isolation of the island making for what is as much of an experience as it is a game that makes for a feeling and sense of loneliness and despair that often is only found in real life.
Pro Can be relaxing
Just sit back, relax, and spend some time with Dear Esther. The experience isn’t long and there’s no pressure to go past the pace you want to go. While it does have a sense of loneliness and isolation the graphics are beautiful and the music is soothing which also lends a hand in the relaxedness of the title.
Pro Gorgeous, intricately detailed environments
There is no arguing that the scenery and graphics in Dear Esther is jaw dropping gorgeous. Due to how nothing can be interacted with the environment can be rendered in a much more beautiful way as not much needs to change while walking around.
Pro Outstanding soundtrack
The soundtrack is hauntingly beautiful which suits the games visual atmosphere quite well.
Cons
Con Poor textures and animations
Even at the time of release (as the game is a bit old now) the textures used and the animations found within are a bit lacking, which may detract from the experience.
Con Short gameplay
Only about 90 minutes to two hours long which is pretty short for a game and can easily be finished in a single sitting.