When comparing Mind: Path to Thalamus vs Dear Esther, the Slant community recommends Dear Esther for most people. In the question“What are the best Exploration games on Steam?” Dear Esther is ranked 15th while Mind: Path to Thalamus is ranked 30th. The most important reason people chose Dear Esther is:
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.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Fantastic visuals
A surreal looking world that is a dream state of the main character stands out as the best aspect of the game. From the slight movement of the weather to the different structures make for a fantastic looking environment that never allows the player to know what is coming next.
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 story
The voicework of the game is survivable but the story it tells is quite ridiculous. A storm chaser who lost his sister to then become one himself who then lets his daughter of the same name as his sister also take part in the work. Not only is it obvious and contrived but it feels like some poor writing from a low quality cable show.
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.