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The Vanishing of Ethan Carter

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of The Vanishing of Ethan Carter
Item: The Vanishing of Ethan Carter
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2014

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Indie, Horror, Open World, Artistic, Puzzle and Logic, Mystery, Single Player, First Person Perspective

AvailableSep 25, 2014

PlatformNintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

DeveloperThe Astronauts

Overview

In The Vanishing of Ethan Carter, you play as Paul Prospero, an occult detective who receives a disturbing letter from Ethan Carter and realizes that the boy is in grave danger. When Paul arrives in Ethan's home of Red Creek Valley, he realizes things are even worse than he imagined. Ethan has vanished in the wake of a brutal murder, which Paul comes to see might not be the only murder to investigate. Using both regular and supernatural detective skills, Paul must figure out what happened to the missing boy.

Elsewhere

7.4

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

83%

Mixed (50-79)

13%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of The Vanishing of Ethan Carter are largely positive. Many critics praised the game for its compelling and engaging narrative, with several describing it as one of the game's strongest selling points. Critics such as Nintendo Life, DarkStation, PlayStation Universe, and Impulsegamer all commended the story for being intriguing, thought-provoking, and emotionally powerful. They highlighted the game's ability to tackle heavy themes, deliver surprising twists, and create a melancholic tone that resonated with players. The story was also praised for its focus on tone, freedom, and environmental storytelling, as noted by IGN. However, there were some criticisms regarding the story of The Vanishing of Ethan Carter. Gaming Age expressed disappointment, stating that the game did a lousy job of living up to its stated goal of being a narrative experience and felt vague and disjointed. VideoGamer mentioned that the narrative unraveled a little towards the end and found the written dialogue and allegories to be heavy-handed. The Escapist also had a mixed opinion, enjoying the murder mystery and Lovecraftian horror elements but expressing a desire for a game based on the backstory instead. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is very good. The majority of the critics praised the game for its remarkable, engaging, and gripping narrative. They appreciated the game's ability to immerse players into its world, its exploration of deep themes, and its well-crafted twists and turns. The story was described as satisfying, haunting, and expertly delivered, with rich and superbly economical writing. The Vanishing of Ethan Carter successfully combines elements of mystery, horror, and human drama to create an immersive and memorable narrative experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics largely praise The Vanishing of Ethan Carter for its compelling narrative, engaging storytelling, and emotional depth. They commend its exploration of heavy themes, surprising twists, and melancholic tone. While some critics express disappointment with vagueness and heavy-handed allegories, overall, the consensus is that the game delivers a remarkable, gripping, and haunting narrative experience that successfully combines mystery, horror, and human drama.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

27%

Mixed (50-79)

73%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of The Vanishing of Ethan Carter are varied, but there are several positive aspects that stand out. Many critics praise the game's focus on exploration and puzzle-solving, with the ability to freely explore the open world and pick up clues. Critics like CGMagazine, COGconnected, DarkStation, and We Got This Covered appreciate the freedom to explore and solve puzzles in any order, which adds to the sense of immersion and discovery. The puzzles themselves are often described as challenging, engaging, and rewarding, with unique solutions that expand the lore of the game. The detective mechanics, as mentioned by Metro GameCentral, strike a good balance between hand-holding and investigation, allowing players to carefully survey their surroundings, hunt for clues, and piece together events. The game's non-linear gameplay, as noted by Nintendo Life and Polygon, is also seen as a positive aspect, giving players the freedom to explore at their own pace and progress through the story by solving puzzles. However, there are some negative aspects of the gameplay that critics point out. Some critics, like Gaming Age and Game Rant, feel that the game lacks a sense of urgency or pushing the story forward, which may result in a lack of motivation for some players. GameTrailers mentions that some of the detective elements can be counter-intuitive and devolve into trial and error, especially when ordering snapshots of the murder in chronological order. Push Square notes that while the puzzles are interesting and expand the lore of the game, there are a couple of unnecessary and tedious challenges that detract from the overall experience. Hardcore Gamer criticizes the game for initially appearing to offer an open world, but ultimately revealing itself to be extremely linear, which may disappoint players seeking more freedom in their exploration. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that The Vanishing of Ethan Carter offers a unique and immersive gameplay experience. The game's focus on exploration, puzzle-solving, and detective mechanics is generally well-received, with critics appreciating the freedom to explore and solve puzzles in any order. The challenging and engaging puzzles, along with the ability to piece together events and uncover the truth, are seen as highlights of the gameplay. However, some critics express concerns about the lack of urgency in the story, counter-intuitive elements in the detective mechanics, and occasional tedious challenges. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment is positive, with the gameplay being described as rewarding, immersive, and offering an acquired taste that may not appeal to everyone.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics praise The Vanishing of Ethan Carter for its immersive exploration, challenging puzzles, and detective mechanics that strike a good balance. The game offers non-linear gameplay and unique solutions that expand the lore. However, some critics feel the game lacks urgency and has counter-intuitive elements, leading to occasional tedious challenges. Overall, the game provides a unique and rewarding experience, though it may not appeal to everyone due to its acquired taste.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

87%

Mixed (50-79)

13%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of the critics praised the graphics and visual design of The Vanishing of Ethan Carter, considering it to be visually stunning and one of the best-looking games in its genre. Critics such as Nintendo Life, CGMagazine, COGconnected, DarkStation, Game Rant, IGN, Metro GameCentral, PlayStation Universe, Push Square, TheSixthAxis, We Got This Covered, Digital Chumps, Game Informer, GameFront, GameSpot, GameTrailers, Gameplanet, GamingTrend, God is a Geek, Guardian, Hardcore Gamer, Impulsegamer, Polygon, Post Arcade (National Post), RPG Fan, The Escapist, and ZTGD all expressed positive opinions about the game's visuals and design. They praised the stunning presentation, beautiful environments, impressive lighting, sharp details, and the use of the Unreal 4 engine. The game was described as having breathtaking landscapes, luscious visuals, and a palpable sense of place. Critics also highlighted the attention to detail, high level of fidelity in textures, and the realistic models created using photogrammetry. The game's visuals were often compared to postcards, classic puzzle games like Myst, and modern triple-A releases. While the overall consensus among critics was highly positive, there were a few minor criticisms mentioned. Some critics, such as DarkStation and Metro GameCentral, pointed out frame rate issues on the PlayStation 4 version of the game. Destructoid also mentioned that character models and facial animations were not up to scratch. However, these criticisms were outweighed by the overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding the game's graphics and visual design. In conclusion, The Vanishing of Ethan Carter received widespread acclaim for its graphics and visual design. The game was praised for its stunning presentation, beautiful environments, attention to detail, and the use of the Unreal 4 engine. Critics described the visuals as breathtaking, stunning, luscious, and visually evocative. While there were some minor criticisms regarding frame rate issues and character models, the overall consensus among critics was highly positive, with many considering it to be one of the best-looking games in its genre. The Vanishing of Ethan Carter successfully created a visually impressive and immersive world that captivated players and enhanced the overall experience of the game.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics unanimously laud The Vanishing of Ethan Carter for its stunning graphics and visual design, hailing it as one of the best-looking games in its genre. Despite minor critiques about frame rate issues and character models, the game's breathtaking landscapes, attention to detail, and use of the Unreal 4 engine garnered widespread acclaim. Overall, the game's visually evocative presentation created an immersive world that captivated players and elevated the gaming experience.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

86%

Mixed (50-79)

14%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the sound design and music of The Vanishing of Ethan Carter are generally positive. Nintendo Life, CGMagazine, COGconnected, PlayStation Universe, Push Square, TheSixthAxis, We Got This Covered, Digital Chumps, GameSpot, GameTrailers, Gameplanet, Hardcore Gamer, Impulsegamer, Post Arcade, RPG Fan, The Escapist, and Guardian all praise the game's sound design and music. They highlight the immersive and atmospheric qualities of the sound design, with attention to detail in environmental sounds and ambient audio. The soundtrack is described as beautiful, chilling, serene, haunting, and pitch perfect, with a dynamically shifting arrangement of strings and percussive instruments. Critics like GameSpot and TheSixthAxis specifically mention the sound design's ability to enhance the atmosphere and add to the overall experience. However, there are a few critics who have some negative opinions regarding the sound design and music. Game Rant criticizes the clunky and poorly acted dialogue, which breaks immersion. GamingTrend also mentions subpar voice acting, except for the voiceover narration of Prospero, which is considered tremendous. These criticisms suggest that while the overall sound design and music are well-executed, there may be some inconsistencies in the quality of the voice acting and dialogue. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that The Vanishing of Ethan Carter has a strong sound design and music that greatly contribute to the immersive experience of the game. The positive opinions outweigh the negative ones, with critics like Nintendo Life, COGconnected, Push Square, and Guardian emphasizing the perfection, excellence, and quality of the sound design and music. The atmospheric qualities, attention to detail, and ability to enhance the overall atmosphere are consistently praised. The soundtrack is also commended for its ability to reflect the game's themes and create a chilling and haunting environment. Despite some criticisms regarding dialogue and voice acting, the overall sentiment is highly positive towards the sound design and music of The Vanishing of Ethan Carter.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about The Vanishing of Ethan Carter's sound design and music, praising its immersive qualities and beautiful, chilling soundtrack. While some critics note issues with dialogue and voice acting, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the atmospheric enhancement and quality of the game's audio elements.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

33%

Mixed (50-79)

44%

Negative (0-49)

22%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The opinions of the critics regarding the voice acting in The Vanishing of Ethan Carter are quite varied. Some critics, such as CGMagazine and Gameplanet, appreciate the voice acting and believe that it effectively conveys the characters and events of the story. They find the voice acting exceptional and feel that it carries the game at pivotal moments. Additionally, Impulsegamer praises the professional voice acting for enhancing the gameplay. These positive opinions suggest that there are moments in the game where the voice acting successfully immerses players in the narrative and enhances their overall experience. On the other hand, several critics express negative opinions about the voice acting in The Vanishing of Ethan Carter. Game Rant and Digital Chumps criticize the voice acting, with Game Rant specifically describing it as weak. Digital Chumps further elaborates on the issues, mentioning bad readings and actors poorly informed of their character's circumstances, particularly in the performances of Ethan's family members. RPG Fan also acknowledges occasional stilted delivery but finds the underlying drama human and haunting. These negative opinions highlight the shortcomings of the voice acting, pointing out issues with performance and lack of characterization. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While some critics appreciate the voice acting and find it exceptional, others criticize it for being weak or lacking compared to other aspects of the game. However, it is worth noting that even the critics who express negative opinions about the voice acting still find it forgivable or acknowledge the underlying drama and its impact on the overall experience. This suggests that despite its flaws, the voice acting in The Vanishing of Ethan Carter manages to convey the necessary emotions and atmosphere to engage players in the haunting narrative.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics are divided on the voice acting in The Vanishing of Ethan Carter. Some praise it for enhancing the gameplay and immersing players in the narrative, while others criticize it as weak and lacking in depth. Despite mixed reviews, even detractors acknowledge the underlying drama's impact, making the voice acting forgivable.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

18%

Mixed (50-79)

82%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance on the PS4, the majority of critics had mixed opinions. CGMagazine praised the game for maintaining a stable framerate and being free of technical issues. PlayStation Universe also mentioned a few framerate dips, but stated that they did not significantly impact the audiovisual experience. However, Metro GameCentral and Push Square both noted noticeable framerate issues, with Push Square mentioning that the transition to Unreal Engine 4 did not fix all the performance issues. VideoGamer also pointed out that while the game looked impressive visually, it struggled to maintain a consistent frame rate. Moving on to the PC version, the critics had a more positive consensus. GameSpot mentioned some faults with the game, such as an obtuse auto save system and a lack of a logbook, but considered these issues as small hiccups in an otherwise phenomenal adventure. Guardian noted that adjusting the graphics levels could help avoid performance issues, but still praised the crisp environment and compatibility with a wide range of machine specifications. Hardcore Gamer mentioned game-breaking bugs, but acknowledged that one had been patched and the other was rare. Polygon highlighted that the game could be a resource hog for some computers, but believed it was worth cranking up the settings for the detailed world. RPG Fan also mentioned occasional stutters but considered them a small price to pay for the game's haunting beauty. Overall, the critics' opinions on the technical performance of The Vanishing of Ethan Carter were mixed. While some praised the stable framerate and lack of technical issues on the PS4, others experienced noticeable framerate problems. On the PC, the game was generally well-received, with critics mentioning minor faults but still considering it a phenomenal adventure. It is worth noting that the Xbox One version, as mentioned by ZTGD, was not extensively reviewed by the critics provided.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics had mixed opinions on the PS4 technical performance of The Vanishing of Ethan Carter, with some praising stable framerate while others noted noticeable issues. PC version received more positive feedback despite minor faults, considered a phenomenal adventure by many. Xbox One version was not extensively reviewed.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

20%

Mixed (50-79)

60%

Negative (0-49)

20%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of The Vanishing of Ethan Carter are mixed. Some critics, such as Metro GameCentral and PlayStation Universe, highlight the game's replay value due to its well-paced story and the ability to explore the game in a fresh light on subsequent playthroughs. These critics believe that the game's story is wrapped up extremely well, leaving players immediately wanting to replay it to spot all the clues leading up to the final revelations. Additionally, the game's non-linear nature and optional scenes make it appealing for multiple playthroughs, according to We Got This Covered and RPG Fan. Impulsegamer also praises the cleverly written puzzles and wondrous links to the Carter family, which make the game deserving of another playthrough. On the other hand, several critics express concerns about the game's replay value. CGMagazine, Game Rant, TheSixthAxis, Hardcore Gamer, and GamingTrend all mention that the game is relatively short and lacks replay value. They argue that once the game is completed and the puzzles are solved, there is little incentive to play it again. Game Rant specifically mentions that the experience is short with limited replayability, while GamingTrend notes that the puzzles become easy once figured out. Guardian also acknowledges that the game is quite short, but emphasizes that the beauty lies in working through the story and piecing together what happened in the desolate landscape. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that The Vanishing of Ethan Carter offers some replay value, but it may not be enough to satisfy all players. The game's well-paced story, impressive visuals, and ability to explore the world in a fresh light on subsequent playthroughs are mentioned as positive aspects by Metro GameCentral and PlayStation Universe. However, the game's short length and lack of optional side-bits, as mentioned by Hardcore Gamer, may deter some players from replaying it. While some critics, like Impulsegamer and RPG Fan, appreciate the game's clever puzzles and optional scenes, others, such as Game Rant and TheSixthAxis, feel that the game's replay value is limited. Ultimately, players who enjoy uncovering missed scenes, exploring immersive environments, and piecing together the story will likely find more replay value in The Vanishing of Ethan Carter.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics are divided on the replay value of The Vanishing of Ethan Carter. Some praise its well-paced story and non-linear gameplay, making it worth revisiting for hidden clues and optional scenes. However, others criticize its short length and lack of incentive for replay. While some appreciate the clever puzzles and immersive world, others feel the replay value is limited. Overall, those who enjoy discovering hidden details and piecing together a story may find more replay value in the game.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

73%

Mixed (50-79)

26%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment of the critics regarding the Overall Verdict of The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is largely positive. Many critics praised the game for its atmospheric and haunting experience, stunning visuals, and engaging storytelling. Critics such as CGMagazine and DarkStation specifically highlighted the game's compelling story, challenging gameplay, and impressive graphics. Nintendo Life described it as a brief but powerful experience with a mystery worth solving. The game's ability to create an ominous horror atmosphere was also commended by PlayStation Universe and We Got This Covered. The Vanishing of Ethan Carter was considered a must-play game by Impulsegamer and Polygon, with the latter stating that it is a game that cares about the future of games as a storytelling medium. Gameplanet even went as far as calling it a special game that evolves the genre and breaks new ground. However, there were some criticisms raised by certain critics. Game Rant mentioned frustrating gameplay and weak voice acting as drawbacks, while Game Informer noted that the game may not appeal to everyone, specifically those who are not fans of dark fantasy and pulp horror. GameSpot acknowledged the presence of small faults but still considered the game a phenomenal experience. Digital Chumps highlighted flaws in storytelling and pacing, although they still found it to be an affecting and sympathetic experience. Guardian mentioned that the game may not be exceptional and fails to overwhelm. Overall, the majority of critics praised The Vanishing of Ethan Carter for its atmospheric and immersive experience, engaging storytelling, and stunning visuals. The game was recommended for fans of atmospheric games, narrative-driven exploration games, and those who enjoy thought-provoking and gripping tales. While there were some criticisms regarding gameplay, voice acting, and flaws in storytelling and pacing, the overall consensus is that The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is a must-play game that successfully delivers a haunting and engaging experience.

TL;DR

Critics overwhelmingly praise The Vanishing of Ethan Carter for its haunting atmosphere, stunning visuals, and compelling storytelling, labeling it a must-play game that pushes the boundaries of the genre. Some critics noted drawbacks like frustrating gameplay and weak voice acting, but the consensus is that the game offers an immersive and gripping experience for fans of atmospheric and narrative-driven games.

MONSTER

Reviews

146 reviews found

100

Post Arcade (National Post)

Nov 13, 2014