When comparing Eufloria vs Dear Esther, the Slant community recommends Eufloria for most people. In the question“What are the most relaxing games on Steam?” Eufloria is ranked 9th while Dear Esther is ranked 14th. The most important reason people chose Eufloria is:
The game has a minimalistic approach towards audio design, visual representation and gameplay mechanics, creating a calm, zen-like state while playing.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Calm and minimalistic
The game has a minimalistic approach towards audio design, visual representation and gameplay mechanics, creating a calm, zen-like state while playing.
Pro Multiple game modes
Eufloria has a three modes. Two of them, "Skirmish Arena" & "Dark Matter" are unlocked after completing the Campaign mode. "Skirmish Arena" has 8 maps to to test your skills against AI, and "Dark Matter" takes certain maps from the Campaign, changes the aesthetic and increases the difficulty.
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 Lots of waiting around
Many portions of the game require waiting for events to unfold, even with the inclusion of a fast forward button there will be a lot of waiting.
Con Lacks depth
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.