Oh wow, I just finished this game, that was amazing. Wow, this is now one of my favorite games of all time.

I really like this game and the newer version. It seemed a little slow until I figured out how it works, then I couldn't wait to find the next challenge. The graphics are really good and music makes it a little spooky. If you like walking simulators, I think this is a good one to get. The puzzles aren't too difficult but can take a lot of time finding things but it's a beautiful game so that's not a problem. :)

Right when you start the game it warns you that it is a "narrative" and is 100% true. You don't really "play" this game, you just go along with the story. It took me 3 hours to finish the entire game, getting every achievement. This is way too short. Ethan's stories (no spoilers) are both engaging and the highlight of this narrative, but they are only 5. The graphics are good, and the story too, but I just can't recommend this game. Puzzles were way too easy, achievements were way too easy - nothing in this game was challenging - 100% narrative - walkthrough a story.

*Note-I played the Redux version first, first run through took 3 hours. Then I played the normal version to see what is different - that run through took one hour. Really couldn't tell any difference between the two versions.

A good exploration game

This is a review on the Redux version (finished in about 5hrs due to loving the scenery): (mild spoilers alert,.. nothing too big though:P )

WOW,.. one of the best discovery driven games ever,.. and so beautiful (i don't think i ever took so many screen shotsin a game before,.. maybe Dayz is the only other) as a lover of adventure / puzzle solving games (amongst many other types) and lovcraftian lore (amongst Many other things ;P) this really hit home. I'm not much for find-a-note games, but when a "walking simulator" is this gorgeous it's hard not to wanna play it.
the puzzles are not hard, but inteligent in design,.. and SO rewarding with the immersive AMAZINGLY detailed cut scenes from the mind of Ethan Carter.
the game feels a kin to the stories of "the burning man/Summers' Isle" "shadow over innsmoth" "dagon" as in you are a detective reconstructing the scenes of the "town" when you arrive,.. no one seen but always feel like you are being followed or watched by the townspeople.
until the end,.. then it takes a turn i didn't see coming,.. but should have. ;D

Positives
+atmopshere
+all sounds and ambience
+pacing (both in plot and in character speed)
+level design
+puzzle design (clever, although for a veteran adv/puz gamer they were quite easy.. but it is more of a visual novel)
+the graphics/design (it is like playing artwork,.. sure upclose the textures on the trees are 2.5d on 3d structures but hell what game in Unreal4 isn't like that? calling this game bad or saying anything negative about it in anyway would be like calling the Mona Lisa an artschool project..)

Negatives
... nothing at all

I only wish it was longer

I bought this on sale,.. because that's how i found out about it,.. but it is COMPLETELY worth full price!!!
if you like well thought out, clever, Lovecraftian tales and adv/puz/mystery solving games.. this is for you.

PS: totally craied at the end

Review for Redux Version.

I finished this game in four hours. This is a difficult game to review because I absolutely don't want to spoil it for anyone. Avoid spoilers at all costs. The game is worth it.

TVoEC is a beautiful game. It is visually stunning, has great sound effects, and an amazing score that never gets in the way.

The voice actors were outstanding.

This is a game with mystery, exploration, and discovery. It tells a story, and sets up characters, in a very unconventional way.

It was a very emotionally moving experience to play.

I found only three cons, and they're 100% opinion, and based only on my own preferences.

1. Although the game largely gave the illusion of freedom of movement, and largely avoided the feeling of herding me down a corridor, there were some immersion-breaking moments where I found myself somewhat boxed in by rocks, trees and drops, and felt the protection of invisible walls. Not a huge deal, but I would have preferred just a tiny bit more openness, with a little tiny bit more to fill some of the open spaces. But this is a very small gripe.

2. The game warns us from the very beginning that it will not be holding our hands, and respect that, but there were times when I wanted them to hold my hand just a tiny bit, so that I had more of an idea of where to go or what to do.

3. There was one tense, scary point in the story where I looked on the internet to avoid the situation. In an otherwise casual and laid-back experience, that scary place in the game kinda jumped out and grabbed me suddenly. Not actually a jump scare, just a moment of tension. I like horror games, but that one was too much. Good job, devs!

Overall though, this was a very satisfying experience and I highly recommend it.

great atmosphere, beautiful graphics, nice music, just a great game

It's like a short walk into a strange, wonderful dream, beautiful to look at. More than once I just stopped and watched the landscape. The story this game tells is just as good as the graphics. You stumple into a world that you slowly start to understand, and the end leaves you thinking about the game far longer than the 4 hours it takes you to play The Vanishing of Ethan Carter.
Highly recommended!

Amazing game with amazing graphics, enjoyed playing

I totally recommend The Vanishing of Ethan Carter for everyone who likes astonishing environments, amazing story-telling games and, most of all, to those who love mystery, adventure, puzzles and detective-related things! It's an amazing game with absolutely glorious and transcendent graphics! My congratulations to The Astronauts for this incredible game!
Play and you'll most certaintly enjoy it!