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Game
Game2014
The Vanishing of Ethan Carter
Developer The Astronauts
The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is a 2014 horror adventure video game developed and published by The Astronauts for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch. From Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
259 reactions from 4 sources (Steam reviews, Bluesky, Lemmy, Mastodon) · newest Nov 5, 2026 · last updated Nov 5, 2026 · How this works
Audience score
77
LovedLoved
142 positive · 42 negative
95% range 71–83%
| Source | + | − | = |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam reviews | 142 | 42 | 0 |
| Bluesky * | 25 | 4 | 34 |
| Lemmy * | 3 | 0 | 7 |
| Mastodon * | 0 | 0 | 2 |
* shown, not counted in the score (label accuracy below our 85% bar or not yet audited).
Steam's own rating
Very Positive
4,507 of 5,174 reviews positive (all languages, per Valve)
What players are saying
78% recommend · 144 yes, 40 no
Counted from the reviewers’ own thumbs up/down on the 184 English Steam reviews we collected, not by the AI. Valve’s all-language rating: Very Positive (7,930 of 8,985 positive).
Players praise the game's stunning visuals and eerie atmosphere. [1][2][3] Many find the puzzles confusing due to a lack of guidance. [1][2][4] The story is described as emotional with a surprising twist. [5][6][7]
Liked
Representative posts
- [4]
The world itself is beautiful. I just wish a different game was set in it. I love walking sims, narrative-based games, and mystery, so i really wanted to like this game. Instead I only got through the first little bit before quitting. The puzzles make you figure them out yourself, but don't really give you anything to go off of so it's just a cycle of going back and forth trying things until you figure out the …
- [1]
From the very first moments, it’s hard not to admire the stunning environments and the eerie, unsettling atmosphere. Red Creek Valley is easily one of the most visually striking worlds I’ve explored in a game. Unfortunately, that’s where most of the praise ends for me. You’re dropped into a large map filled with side paths and dead ends, with very little guidance on where to go or what to do next. Finding objectives …
- [5]
In this short walking simulator with some peculiar mechanics you play Paul Prospero, a detective. What makes this game unique is the way it tells the intriguing plot. There is an unexpected twist at the end, everything closes perfectly in a very original way. Then you realize who Paul Prospero really is and what's all about. Graphics are beautiful, environments aswell, but almost empty. Difficult to say whether its …
- [7]
This review is only about the Redux version, which I personally recommend playing. It just looks cleaner and more polished. Pros A tiny storytelling masterpiece: you play as Paul Prospero, a detective with some supernatural tricks, pulled in by a letter from a kid, Ethan Carter… even if the story isn't linear, it keeps building this creepy vibe until the ending flips everything you thought you knew It’s emotional …
- [2]
If you are wondering which of the two versions you should play, then I would recommend the Redux version. This version looks better and generally ran better for me than the original. The Vanishing of Ethan Carter impresses with its graphics, its beautiful photorealistic landscapes and its mysterious story and atmosphere, which is further enhanced by the soundtrack. And there are definitely H. P. Lovecraft references …
Summarised from 34 of the 257 public posts collected about this game; every point cites the posts behind it ([n] opens the post) and the split is counted from the posts’ own ratings. Updated Oct 11, 2026. How summaries are made
RottenBot@rottenbot · automated account
Players who liked The Vanishing of Ethan Carter talk about beautiful graphics and photorealistic environments; those who didn't talk about puzzles are confusing with no guidance. Which matters more to you?
Critics, per Wikipedia
The Vanishing of Ethan Carter received positive reviews. Aggregating review website Metacritic gave the PlayStation 4 version 81/100 based on 33 reviews, and the Microsoft Windows version 82/100 based on 66 reviews. The game sold 60,000 copies in its first month on sale. As of December 2017, the game has sold over a million copies. Julian Aidan from Hardcore Gamer praised its well-designed open world, visuals and story, but criticized the gameplay for being too linear, as well as finding the narrative weak. Shaun McInnis from GameSpot praised the simple yet enjoyable puzzle-solving, captivating story, outstanding graphics and breathtaking environments, but criticized its weird and vague…
From the “Reception” section of Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Critic context only — not part of the audience score.
Reactions
60 of 259 · most liked firstPlaying "The Vanishing of Ethan Carter". Beautiful game, huge world were you can walk around for hours. Exploring, finding clues. No way to save game.
positive · AI labelView post →Gorky 17: The mutant RPG that dragged Poland into the global gaming spotlight. You ever notice how\... certain things that aren't a big deal become a very big deal as time goes on. Stuff we dismiss at first as boring, mundane, inconsequential. And then through time, they become monumental and defining. Now, let me give you an example of what I'm talking about. *Never Gonna Give You Up* by Rick Astley. I remember when this song came out. I was six years old at the time. And even then, to my…
neutral · AI labelView post →What games did you complete this year?. Back on the other website, there used to be a sub called r/12in12 where people would try to beat 12, 24, 36+ games per year. I never really set myself any specific target like that, but the end of year reviews were always fun to read/write. Considering that I don't think a single game I beat came out this year, I think this is the right community to ask this. What games did you beat this year? What did you think of them? For me: *January:* Nothing!…
neutral · AI labelView post →Finally played The Vanishing of Ethan Carter and boy oh boy was it pretty, so nice to walk around in the woods in game when it is currently -2 outside and that's not happening irl anytime soon
positive · AI labelView post →From the very first moments, it’s hard not to admire the stunning environments and the eerie, unsettling atmosphere. Red Creek Valley is easily one of the most visually striking worlds I’ve explored in a game. Unfortunately, that’s where most of the praise ends for me. You’re dropped into a large map filled with side paths and dead ends, with very little guidance on where to go or what to do next. Finding objectives often feels needlessly confusing, turning much of the experience into an…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →In this short walking simulator with some peculiar mechanics you play Paul Prospero, a detective. What makes this game unique is the way it tells the intriguing plot. There is an unexpected twist at the end, everything closes perfectly in a very original way. Then you realize who Paul Prospero really is and what's all about. Graphics are beautiful, environments aswell, but almost empty. Difficult to say whether its worth current full price. Maybe if you don't mind about game being rather short…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The Vanishing of Ethan Carter @theastronauts.bsky.social One of the most beautiful game I ever played. Not just for the graphics, but also what it contains! Own camera! Thanks to @etra0.lat for the help. #virtualphotography #unrealengine #vprepost #vpsupport
positive · AI labelView post →If you are wondering which of the two versions you should play, then I would recommend the Redux version. This version looks better and generally ran better for me than the original. The Vanishing of Ethan Carter impresses with its graphics, its beautiful photorealistic landscapes and its mysterious story and atmosphere, which is further enhanced by the soundtrack. And there are definitely H. P. Lovecraft references present. The puzzles, on the other hand, are varied but also confusing at…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →It is an ok walking simulator, however if you get easily motion sick from a game like I do, this game might cause some serious issues for you.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The Vanishing of Ethan Carter Redux @theastronauts.bsky.social Years ago, I played that magnificent game with beautiful surrounding and an awesome story. Couldn't resist to make a small camera for it. Enjoy! #virtualphotography #freecamera #ethancarter anticowl.github.io/2025/05/21/E...
positive · AI labelView post →The world itself is beautiful. I just wish a different game was set in it. I love walking sims, narrative-based games, and mystery, so i really wanted to like this game. Instead I only got through the first little bit before quitting. The puzzles make you figure them out yourself, but don't really give you anything to go off of so it's just a cycle of going back and forth trying things until you figure out the conceit. The story (so far) is seemingly purposeless shock-value paranormal gore…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →🕯️🗡️The challenge is to choose 20 games that greatly influenced you. One game per day, for 20 days. No explanations, no reviews, no particular order. #GameChallenge #Games #GameDev #indiedev #vndev Day 10: The Vanishing of Ethan Carter
neutral · AI labelView post →A really gorgeous murder-mystery short experience that might not suitable for everyone, because it seriously requires you to explore EVERY single area and unfold the whole tragic story by your own, its a bit laggy sometimes for me but still IMO this is simply one of the most beautiful game in my library (tho I admit my library is small...)
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This is a reminder of how amazing graphics didn't used to need a truckload of Power, Raytracing, and AI upscaling, and is a sample of the advancements in rendering that GPU manufacturers tossed in the trash to sell their overpriced ♥♥♥♥ that no one should need
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I thought this game was extremely pretentious and the story was mediocre at best. Right off the bat, the title screen proudly proclaims itself to be "a narrative experience that does not hold your hand," an unnecessary statement that drips with contempt for the audience. The game then proceeds to trudge through a few hours of weak "puzzles" that failed to keep my interest and a story that thinks that depressing subject matter is the one ingredient needed for an emotional impact, rather than…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Finished The Vanishing of Ethan Carter. Exploration feels organic and i love that about this game. Such a beautiful little detective type of game that doesn't hold your hand, Though i didn't struggle figuring out most things myself, but the experience is amazing.
positive · AI labelView post →Beautiful indie walking simulator. A bit of suspense, a touch of detective work with mystery, and a dash of surrealism.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →A collection of illogical "happenings" that require you to wonder endlessly around a fairly large space just waiting to come across something that happens. Then when it does, you have no idea what the connection is, or what to do next. A pretentious, pointless waste of time. Coupled with auto-save only which appear to be fairly widely spaced so you loose any progress, and frequent glitches and stalls.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This game is among one of the first games I ever bought on my steam account close to over 10 years ago soon. I never ended up touching the game until 2026! The date of writing this review. I am actually very happy I didnt end up playing it earlier as I do think having grown up and developed with life and experiences in real life really helped me truly appreciate this masterpiece. Absolutely fantastic story and ways of hinting at different things. Bravo! The game looks fantastic even in todays…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →100% Achievement Review: Based on my experience completing all the (available) achievements. Feel free to follow my [url=https://store.steampowered.com/curator/45897386/]Steam Curator & [url=https://www.youtube.com/@Awijii]Youtube Channel for more 100% reviews, videos & achievement content! Title: The Vanishing of Ethan Carter Summary: Mystery walking game Personal notes: The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is a mystery game driven by its narrative. You play as a detective with supernatural…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Mistook The Vanishing of Ethan Carter for another game but enjoyed it more knowing little. A short, atmospheric walking sim with beautiful landscapes, ambient audio, and simple puzzles. Story is intriguing but cryptic. Check it out: wix.to/DOhC03h #WalkingSim #GamingCommunity #IndieGame
positive · AI labelView post →The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is a good narrative game with a great story, some beautiful designs and a weird ambiant. I recommend it!!! 💗
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is not a bad game. In fact, it maintains an interesting sense of intrigue most of the way through as you solve easy puzzles and try to piece together what happened. The visuals are pretty, and the ambiance and music are superb. I couldn't help but compare it to Dear Esther but the comparison was not a flattering one. The problem is the world feels too big and too empty. Narration is few and far between and it is mostly just the player walking through a strange…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I really liked it. The atmosphere especially carried the experience (I recommend playing in the evening around sunset, btw). And the ending was quite interesting too. I kind of expected it to go that way, but it didn’t make it any less enjoyable :)
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →screenshot simulator, 1 pro and it's the visuals, everything else other than that is an absolute con, I played the first 2 hours by myself with no guidance which was pretty much impossible, had to play alongside a youtube playthrough which took out the joy of experiencing the game first hand which really sucks.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →You know, I played this game last in 2014, and every time I'm reminded of it... The story is burned into my brain, and the emotions I feel... It's a good game, but heavy.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The game starts strong with enough exploration and mystery to keep you curious throughout. I had a really good time with this short experience and the ending was honestly a little hard to digest (quite traumatic, to say the least). If you enjoy walking simulators with an emotional story and a mystery that slowly unfolds, then this one is well worth your time.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This game was an interesting one, it was a simple and fun to explore walking simulator, right up until the end when the game gained more depth than I was expecting. Quick note: this game comes with the normal version and redux edition, I played the redux one but the time didn't "count" so I had to idle in the normal version for a short time to be able to write this review. If I am being honest, as I was playing this, the story was not gripping me. It wasn’t really my thing, but I resigned…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This review is only about the Redux version, which I personally recommend playing. It just looks cleaner and more polished. Pros A tiny storytelling masterpiece: you play as Paul Prospero, a detective with some supernatural tricks, pulled in by a letter from a kid, Ethan Carter… even if the story isn't linear, it keeps building this creepy vibe until the ending flips everything you thought you knew It’s emotional and heartbreaking, Ethan Carter and his family have a tragic story made…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Interesting mytery solving game with a really depressing story
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Hoped for a detective game but instead i got an empty open world game without any objectives. Surely not a game for me, even tho i must prefer open world games over linear ones.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →so so so so weird hearing people liken a segment in a video game to a "walking simulator" and the term being used..... non-derogatorily????? "It plays like a good walking simulator, like The Vanishing of Ethan Carter". like that was very much a Negative term at its inception
neutral · AI labelView post →I have a feeling this game (The Vanishing of Ethan Carter) developed by a Polish studio but with characters who have English names and American accents miiiight have been set in the US at a later stage in production while the original concept was set in Europe... just a hunch
neutral · AI labelView post →The Vanishing of Ethan Carter lets you live out the fantasy of being a supernatural detective. From the moment you start, the game tells you it "doesn't hold your hand" — and it means it. There are no tutorials, no markers — just you, your instincts, and the world around you. Exploration and observation are key as you gradually piece together what happened in this abandoned town. The story is both tragic and gripping, and though I can't say much without spoiling it, the ending is a powerful,…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Beautiful Horror It really is a pretty looking detective story, with ghosts. And after I spilled my tea one time, it settled down and I found myself walking back to various spots in the game to just take screenshots of the scenery. I did find it at times a bit of a puzzle trying to work out what really happened, because as with all games where you are alone in a landscape, it is hard to find any way to understand the passage of time or verify your assumptions. So although it is scary, the…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is a short but very enjoyable detective game. For its age, it still looks really good, especially when it comes to the beautiful landscapes and scenery. Exploring the world and looking for clues is probably the best part of the game. The puzzles are simple, but I still found them interesting enough to keep me engaged. The game also has a nice atmosphere that fits the mysterious story very well. It's not a long or complicated game, but it doesn't need to be. For…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →There are many people complimenting the story of this game, but in my opinion, only the plot is surprising and that's it, the buildup and journey should've been the main focus for such a game and not the destination. There are undoubtedly far better story games out there. First of all, you may need a guide, otherwise it is going to take you way longer than it should to solve some cases without excessive backtracking. But if exploration is what you like, then have fun spending at least 10 hours.…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I think I would have enjoyed #TheVanishingofEthanCarter more if I knew where I was supposed to go going in totally blind with this game is not recommended : www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ughq... @theastronauts.bsky.social #TheAstronauts #AdventureGame #AdventureGames #IndieGame #IndieGames
neutral · AI labelView post →=== The Vanishing of Ethan Carter: 5/10 *voice of a grizzled detective who smokes 5 packs a day* "What if, heh, what if your nan ran on batteries?" The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is a videogame that somehow manages to be 3D while getting almost no benefit from it. I've only played a single adventure game of the old-timey point n' click variety, I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream, and Ethan Carter, when distilled, is like one-fifth as long, one-fifth as interesting story-wise, and doesn't…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Ah yes, I recall playing this and with a little refresher... I was able to fully remember it. The sceneries were always beautiful and most of my time was spent walking around in the woods or admiring more stuff I can get lost in. I really liked the "do the timeline of this crime happening" and how it was done, regardless of me getting it wrong continuously lol. That and that maze... Let's not allow people with defunct sense of directions into that maze... D: But the story... Urk... T_T…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →It looks great—that's about it. I found its "puzzles" to be just meh, and the entire story is ultimately revealed to be a dream/ fantasy constructed in Ethan's mind. Honestly, I'm sorry, but "it was all a dream" is one of the most clichéd and boring ways to end a narrative. Getting hit with that twist always feels disappointing. I’m judging it harshly only because it has a price tag; I wouldn’t even be sitting here and writing all of this if I’d gotten a refund before it was too late and put…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Replayed this as a speedrun straight after completing the Redux version to extend the experience. Awesome game. See my Redux review for further thoughts
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Walking Simulator, with amazing visuals
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →It starts off alright, a bit odd and comes across like it'll be some whimsical, magical/supernatural adventure despite the vibes seeming dark, gritty, and realistic. And then it falls off a cliff in quality. There's a massive difference between not holding a player's hand and throwing them in the deep end of the developer's specific thought process and mindset with 0 hints or clues what you want the player to do. It just leaves you stumbling around a rather boring forest hoping and praying you…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I played this game roughly five years ago after reading a glowing review of it in an online magazine - the review did not disappoint. I loved this game the format is very different from anything else I've ever played. If you're used to playing standard AAA games with tons of action or crazy special effects you might have to adjust your expectations or this game might not be for you. The game is heavily story driven and the movement and play reminds me more of Myst than anything else (I think I…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I think to review this game, trying to judge it in its time, a decade ago at time of writing, it still comes up short for me. The game opens by saying its “a narrative driven game that will not hold your hand”. I think, back in 2014, that would have been quite the breath of fresh air to many. However, that, coupled with a game world that is far too large for the scope of its vision, hold it down. Not having quest markers is one thing, but this game is far too open, with too little in the world,…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →(reviewed on December 15th, 2014) I was very hyped for this before it came out, reading up on all the blog posts about the photogrammetry and Adrian Chmielarz writing loads about critiquing the adventure genre, so I was surprised to be this disappointed. It was an another example of it being easy to be a critic but not to make art. It's a beautiful pacific northwest world and has a nice weird fiction overlay, but has intrusive narration, full of pointless truisms that feel tangential, and a…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →an atmospheric game with an intriguing story, is short but fits the story and besides some wide areas with nothing to do, keeps interesting enough. Just beware if you are going to play in different sessions, game only autosaves and doesnt tell you when, so you can easily lose a chunk of gameplay if you are unlucky
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →want a good walking sim? edith finch want a good hiking sim? dear esther, firewatch, maybe even northern journey for gameplay want a good investigation game? obra dinn opening "does not hold your hand" line is completely false, it held my hand so tightly that it got sore, the plot is generally shallow, music is alright but features the common Pretentious Piano™ track, visuals are nice and is usually half of what makes a good walking sim, but when the other half (story) is lackluster,…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Cannot do justice to the game without spoiling it as it is just so beautiful so I'll try to just summarise it. Family is not only the theme but also the key in the game, the atmosphere reminds you of surreal scenarios and the gameplay (which should not be chalked down to walking simulator) is good. Puzzles were great and it's a fairly full game for what it offers in a few hours. Play it now 🔫
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →To hell with gen Ai used in concept arts. Share a game you think had a unique way of developing / making things (visuals, music, etc...) The Vanishing of Ethan Carter (2014) used "photogrammetry" to make realistic visuals. Basically, devs had to make LOADS of photos!
neutral · AI labelView post →I'm making an executive decision to switch today's stream game. The Vanishing of Ethan Carter has some pretty heavy themes so I thought it would be better for the community to play something lighter... so we're playing a silly game where I control an egg www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7BR...
neutral · AI labelView post →The Vanishing of Ethan Carter, developed and published by The Astronauts, is a captivating narrative-driven adventure that places a strong emphasis on exploration, atmosphere, and storytelling. From the moment you step into its world, the game draws you into a hauntingly beautiful and mysterious environment that feels both vast and intimate. Set in the fictional Red Creek Valley, the game invites players to assume the role of Paul Prospero, a paranormal investigator gifted with the ability to…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This game wasn't what I expected but still was good. Tip for people starting to play the game: if you are struggling with traversal like where to go after this puzzle and all, please, don't hesitate to look up where to go next. This game is really good, but its navigation is, painful. so I really recommend that if you feel bored or frustrated with navigation, look up some achievement guides and they'll lead you to where to go to next. Beside that painful navigation design, its a emotional, fun…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →5. The Vanishing of Ethan Carter Big oof. Haven't played a game that managed to bore me to death within the span of an hour. "This game won't hold your hand" well the feeling is mutual. Dropped.
negative · AI labelView post →And game #2 for the year is down. Once I hit the astronaut sequence in The Vanishing of Ethan Carter, I thought I was in for a wild ride of a games. Turns out I was not. Worth the $4 I spent. #blutoid
neutral · AI labelView post →WitchFire by The Astronauts (The Vanishing of Ethan Carter) Clever progression and environments. The level layout and "encounter" based progression is reminding me of the 1st Halo. 2nd map has a Silent Cartographer vibe, especially this path leading up to the interior. 💙 the early access so far.
neutral · AI labelView post →If you enjoyed Firewatch you’d probably like - Gone Home (somewhat the OG of this style of game) - The Vanishing of Ethan Carter - What Remains of Edith Finch
neutral · AI labelView post →played a bit of The Vanishing of Ethan Carter. they weren't kidding when you were told that the game would not hold your hand. what do you need to do? figure it out. how do you do it? figure it out. am i doing this right? well, are you advancing? no. then figure it out.
neutral · AI labelView post →We're doing part two of this tonight, come join in the celebrations! twitch.tv/LunariValkyrie kick.com/LunariValkyrie This time, tho, we'll be checking out The Vanishing of Ethan Carter 👀 #PVGD #Sponsored Polish Video Game Days runs from October 12–31. Find out more at videogamesfrompoland.com/en
neutral · AI labelView post →
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