When comparing Kentucky Route Zero vs Dear Esther, the Slant community recommends Kentucky Route Zero for most people. In the question“What are the best games on Steam with a rich story?” Kentucky Route Zero is ranked 51st while Dear Esther is ranked 78th. The most important reason people chose Kentucky Route Zero is:
From the soundtrack and sound effects to the stylistic graphics, Kentucky Route Zero exudes atmosphere.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Very atmospheric
From the soundtrack and sound effects to the stylistic graphics, Kentucky Route Zero exudes atmosphere.
Pro Camera movement pulls player in
Unlike a lot of adventure games that have static cameras, Kentucky Route Zero has a camera that pans, zooms and rotates, giving a deeper sense of immersion.
Pro A game about the journey, not the destination
Players can casually play Kentucky Route Zero without being punished.
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 No puzzles
Deviating from the norm of a point and click adventure, there are no puzzles to be found in the game. So for those looking for a traditional point and click may be disappointed.
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.