When comparing Dear Esther vs The Room, the Slant community recommends The Room for most people. In the question“What are the best short games on Steam?” The Room is ranked 2nd while Dear Esther is ranked 30th. The most important reason people chose The Room is:
You'll have to find clues, interpret symbols, use correct items in appropriate places to unearth the mystery of the room.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
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.
Pro A good variety of puzzle types makes sure that the game never repeats or gets tiring
You'll have to find clues, interpret symbols, use correct items in appropriate places to unearth the mystery of the room.
Pro Immersive
Pro Great atmosphere is set by the wonderful music and well done design
Due to an excellent choice of music and incremental telling of a dark story, the game creates a nice bit of tension and a creepy vibe in an otherwise simple and calm game.
Pro Amazing graphics allow for a level of detail not always found on mobile games
The Room has very detailed graphics that show the intricacies of all the items.
Cons
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.
Con The control scheme can get slightly frustrating
The touch controls of navigating in 3D can be difficult at times.
Con Should be free
Con Ends abruptly
The Room is relatively short. Experienced players will be able to beat it in less than two hours. And it ends abruptly. Luckily there is a sequel.