The Vanishing of Ethan Carter

The main pros of the game

• Visuals and Atmosphere: The game is frequently praised for its stunning graphics and immersive environments, created using photogrammetry technology. Many players describe the visuals as breathtaking and a significant highlight of the experience.
• Compelling Story: The narrative is noted for its emotional depth and complexity, with several players finding the story engaging and thought-provoking. The themes of loss and the supernatural resonate well with many reviewers.
• Exploration and Puzzle Mechanics: Players appreciate the non-linear exploration and the unique puzzle-solving mechanics that encourage them to piece together clues and engage with the environment actively.
• Emotional Impact: Several reviews mention the game’s ability to evoke strong emotions, with the story leaving a lasting impression on players.

The main cons of the game

• Navigation Issues: A common complaint is the lack of clear direction and guidance, which can lead to frustration when navigating the open world. Many players felt lost or unsure of where to go next, making the exploration feel tedious at times.
• Short Gameplay Duration: The game is often described as short, with many players completing it in around 3 to 6 hours. Some feel that the length does not justify the price, suggesting it should be purchased on sale.
• Pacing and Lack of Content: Some reviewers noted that the game world feels sparse and empty, leading to moments of boredom during exploration. The pacing can feel slow, and certain players wished for more engaging content or smaller, more focused areas.
• Ending and Story Resolution: A few players expressed disappointment with the ending, feeling it was unsatisfying or anticlimactic. The narrative's conclusion did not meet their expectations, which detracted from their overall enjoyment.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• Guidance and Direction: Many users wished for better guidance or quest markers to help navigate the game world and understand what to do next, as the "no hand-holding" approach can lead to confusion.
• More Content or Stories: Some players felt that the game could benefit from additional mini-stories or side quests to enhance engagement and reward exploration. They desired a more populated world with varied interactions.
• Improved Save System: The auto-save feature was criticized for being unclear, leading to concerns about losing progress. Players suggested a more robust save system or manual save options would enhance the experience.
• Voice Acting and Dialogue Quality: A few reviews pointed out that the voice acting and dialogue could be improved, as they felt it detracted from the game's overall emotional impact.

Summary

• Overall, The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is recognized for its artistic achievements and storytelling but also faces criticism for its navigation challenges and pacing. The game appeals to players who enjoy narrative-driven experiences and are willing to engage deeply with its atmospheric world.

Summary generated on: October 28, 2025