In this article, we will explore a captivating genre of games that are similar in style and theme to The Vanishing of Ethan Carter.
If you enjoyed the atmospheric and immersive experience of solving mysteries and unraveling stories in The Vanishing of Ethan Carter, then these games will surely delight you. From heartfelt narratives to chilling experiences, here are 20 games that deserve your attention:
Firewatch
Embark on a captivating journey as you take on the role of Henry, a fire lookout in the Shoshone National Forest. Set in the late 1980s, Firewatch introduces you to a stunning wilderness filled with intrigue and isolation.
“Firewatch,” is a first-person adventure game that offers a gripping and emotionally resonant experience. Set in the Wyoming wilderness, it follows the story of Henry, a fire lookout, and his evolving relationship with his supervisor, Delilah, told through radio communications.
The game is celebrated for its compelling narrative, vibrant and atmospheric art style, and well-crafted dialogue, immersing players in a tale of mystery, isolation, and human connection.
While it may have a relatively short playtime, “Firewatch” delivers a memorable and thought-provoking experience, making it a standout title in the narrative adventure genre.
- Release Date: February 9, 2016
- Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
- Developer: Campo Santo
- Publisher: Panic, Campo Santo
- Genre: Adventure
Gone Home
Step into the shoes of Kaitlin Greenbriar and prepare to be transported back in time to the nostalgic 1990s. In this captivating first-person exploration game, you find yourself standing in front of your childhood home after a year abroad, only to be greeted by an eerie silence and an empty house.
Your objective in Gone Home is to unravel the secrets of your family by meticulously examining objects, uncovering hidden passages, and piecing together the story through diary entries and notes scattered throughout the house. Each item you come across holds a piece of the puzzle, and as you connect the dots, a captivating narrative begins to unfold.
The emotional depth of Gone Home is remarkable. It delves into the complexities of family dynamics, exploring the intricacies of relationships, love, and the struggles of self-discovery. Through the diary entries of your younger sister, Sam, you gain insight into her journey of self-discovery and the challenges she faces as she navigates her teenage years.
The voice acting is superb, bringing each member of the Greenbriar family to life. You can almost hear the excitement in your father’s voice as he talks about his latest book, or feel the warmth of your mother’s love through the notes she leaves for you.
The attention to detail, the compelling narrative, and the emotional depth make it a truly unforgettable journey.
- Release Date: August 15, 2013
- Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
- Developer: Fullbright
- Publisher: Fullbright
- Genre: Adventure
What Remains of Edith Finch
Step into the extraordinary world of the Finch family, where each member’s life is encapsulated in a unique story. Through a series of vignettes, you will uncover the mysterious and tragic history of this cursed family. Engaging gameplay mechanics and breathtaking storytelling make What Remains of Edith Finch a must-play experience.
As you begin your journey into the world of the Finch family, you will find yourself immersed in a visually stunning environment. The attention to detail is remarkable, with every nook and cranny of the Finch house meticulously crafted to reflect the personality of its inhabitants.
The gameplay mechanics in What Remains of Edith Finch are as unique as the stories themselves. Each vignette presents a different perspective, allowing you to step into the shoes of various family members and experience their lives firsthand.
Each story is a self-contained masterpiece, expertly crafted to evoke a range of emotions. From heart-wrenching tragedy to moments of unexpected beauty, the narrative weaves together the past and present, creating a tapestry of interconnected lives. The writing is superb, with dialogue that feels authentic and characters that are both relatable and complex.
What Remains of Edith Finch is not just a game, but a work of art. The attention to detail, the captivating storytelling, and the thought-provoking themes all come together to create an unforgettable experience.
- Release Date: April 25, 2017
- Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
- Developer: Giant Sparrow
- Publisher: Annapurna Interactive
- Genre: Adventure
Dear Esther
Immerse yourself in a beautifully desolate island and embark on a journey through the fractured mind of a man named Esther. As you explore this hauntingly beautiful world, fragmented memories and poetic narratives gradually reveal the gripping story of loss, love, and redemption. Dear Esther challenges the boundaries of storytelling in gaming.
As you step onto the island, the salty breeze caresses your face, carrying with it a sense of melancholy. The landscape stretches out before you, a vast expanse of rugged cliffs, rolling hills, and crashing waves. The beauty of the island is undeniable, but there is an underlying sense of desolation that permeates the air.
As you venture further into the island, you come across abandoned structures, remnants of a forgotten past. Each crumbling wall and broken window tells a story of its own, a testament to the passage of time and the inevitability of decay. The echoes of footsteps long gone seem to reverberate through the empty halls, as if the island itself is haunted by the memories of those who once called it home.
Amidst the ruins, you stumble upon fragments of letters, scattered like forgotten whispers in the wind. These letters, written by Esther, offer glimpses into his troubled mind and the events that led him to this desolate island. They are cryptic and poetic, filled with longing and regret, painting a picture of a man consumed by loss and searching for redemption.
Dear Esther challenges the traditional notion of a linear narrative, allowing players to piece together the story at their own pace. There are no clear objectives or enemies to defeat, only the exploration of a broken mind and the unraveling of a deeply personal tale.
- Release Date: February 14, 2012
- Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
- Developer: The Chinese Room
- Publisher: The Chinese Room
- Genre: Adventure
Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture
Set in a small English village, Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture presents a post-apocalyptic world where the inhabitants have mysteriously vanished.
As a lone survivor, you must uncover the secrets behind the disappearance through personal interactions and ethereal encounters. Experience a hauntingly beautiful narrative that will leave you contemplating the power of human connections.
- Release Date: August 11, 2015
- Platforms: PS4, PC
- Developer: The Chinese Room
- Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment, The Chinese Room
- Genre: Adventure
Oxenfree
Journey to Edwards Island with a group of friends and immerse yourself in a supernatural thriller. As Alex, you unwittingly open a ghostly rift, creating disturbances that blur the line between reality and the supernatural. With its unique dialogue system and branching paths, Oxenfree allows your choices to shape the outcome of the story.
- Release Date: January 15, 2016
- Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Mobile
- Developer: Night School Studio
- Publisher: Night School Studio
- Genre: Adventure
Life is Strange
Embark on a coming-of-age journey with Max Caulfield, a photography student who discovers her ability to rewind time. As you unravel the mysteries surrounding Arcadia Bay, your choices will have far-reaching consequences and determine the fate of those around you.
Life is Strange is an emotional rollercoaster that explores friendship, sacrifice, and the consequences of our actions.
- Release Date: January 30, 2015
- Platforms: PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Mobile, Linux
- Developer: Dontnod Entertainment
- Publisher: Square Enix
- Genre: Adventure
Layers of Fear
Prepare to be immersed in a psychological horror experience as you step into the shoes of a tormented painter. Layers of Fear takes you on a journey through a mansion plagued by madness, exploring surreal and macabre environments. As your mind unravels, so does the story, offering a chilling experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
- Release Date: February 15, 2016
- Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
- Developer: Bloober Team
- Publisher: Aspyr
- Genre: Psychological Horror
Night in the Woods
Join Mae Borowski, a college dropout returning to her hometown, as she finds herself caught up in a series of strange events. Night in the Woods combines a charming art style with a deep narrative that explores themes of friendship, family, and the sense of displacement. Engage in heartfelt conversations, uncover secrets, and make choices that will shape Mae’s story.
- Release Date: February 21, 2017
- Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Mobile
- Developer: Infinite Fall
- Publisher: Finji
- Genre: Adventure
Soma
Prepare to question the nature of human existence as you step into the underwater research facility known as PATHOS-II.
Soma, from the creators of Amnesia: The Dark Descent, offers a thought-provoking narrative that delves into themes of identity, consciousness, and the ethics of artificial intelligence.
With its oppressive atmosphere and intense storytelling, Soma is a compelling sci-fi experience.
- Release Date: September 22, 2015
- Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
- Developer: Frictional Games
- Publisher: Frictional Games
- Genre: Survival Horror
Tacoma
Next up on our list is Tacoma. Developed by Fullbright, the same team behind the critically acclaimed game Gone Home, Tacoma takes you on a thrilling journey aboard a space station where the crew has mysteriously disappeared.
The station is equipped with advanced technology and artificial intelligence, creating a unique and immersive environment for players to explore. Each area of the station is intricately designed, with attention to detail that brings the world to life.
As you navigate through the various sections of the space station, you’ll come across personal belongings, holographic recordings, and interactive interfaces that provide insight into the lives of the crew members.
The story unfolds through a series of flashbacks and real-time interactions, allowing you to piece together the events leading up to the crew’s disappearance.
The writing is superb, with well-developed characters and thought-provoking themes that delve into topics such as artificial intelligence, corporate greed, and the human condition.
Tacoma is a must-play for fans of narrative-driven games. Its compelling story, immersive setting, and attention to detail make it a standout title in the genre.
- Release Date: August 2, 2017
- Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Linux
- Developer: Fullbright
- Publisher: Fullbright
- Genre: Adventure
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
Next, we have Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, a game that delves deep into the mind of its protagonist, Senua. Developed by Ninja Theory, this psychological thriller takes you on a harrowing journey through the depths of Norse mythology as Senua battles her inner demons.
The game’s stunning visuals bring to life the haunting landscapes of ancient Scandinavia, with its mist-shrouded forests, crumbling ruins, and desolate moors. Each environment is meticulously crafted, evoking a sense of unease and foreboding as you navigate through Senua’s troubled psyche.
The game’s intense combat mechanics make every encounter a visceral and heart-pounding experience. As Senua wields her sword, you’ll feel the weight of each strike and the desperation in her every move.
The game tackles the subject of mental health with sensitivity and nuance, exploring the impact of psychosis on Senua’s perception of reality.
Through her journey, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by those living with mental health conditions, as well as the strength and resilience required to overcome them.
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice is a game that pushes the boundaries of storytelling and gameplay. It’s an emotional and thought-provoking experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
- Release Date: August 8, 2017
- Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
- Developer: Ninja Theory
- Publisher: Ninja Theory
- Genre: Action-Adventure
Observation
If you’re in the mood for a unique and atmospheric sci-fi adventure, then look no further than Observation. Developed by No Code, this game puts you in the shoes of an AI aboard a space station after a mysterious event leaves the crew missing.
As you navigate the station, solve puzzles, and uncover the truth, you’ll be drawn into a gripping narrative that will keep you guessing until the very end.
The attention to detail in this game is truly remarkable. From the intricate design of the space station to the hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, every element works together to create an immersive experience. As you explore the different areas of the station, you’ll come across remnants of the crew’s lives – personal belongings, notes, and recordings that offer glimpses into their past.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Observation is the way it challenges your perception of reality. As an AI, your perspective is unique. You can access different cameras and systems throughout the station, allowing you to see things from multiple angles.
It also delves into deeper themes such as identity, consciousness, and the ethics of artificial intelligence. Through thought-provoking dialogue and thoughtfully crafted narrative arcs, the game raises questions about what it means to be human and the potential consequences of creating sentient machines.
Observation is a captivating sci-fi adventure that will transport you to the depths of space and immerse you in a world filled with mystery and intrigue.
- Release Date: May 21, 2019
- Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
- Developer: No Code
- Publisher: Devolver Digital
- Genre: Adventure
Kholat
For those who enjoy a good horror story based on real-world events, Kholat is a must-play. Inspired by the Dyatlov Pass incident, this game takes you to the snowy mountains of Russia as you try to unravel the mystery behind the deaths of nine hikers.
With its eerie atmosphere and immersive sound design, Kholat will have you on the edge of your seat as you uncover the chilling truth that lies hidden in the wilderness.
As you make your way through the treacherous terrain, the wind howls through the trees, creating an eerie symphony that sends shivers down your spine. The snow crunches beneath your boots, echoing in the vast emptiness that surrounds you. Every step you take brings you closer to the heart of the mystery, but also deeper into the unknown.
The Dyatlov Pass incident, which serves as the inspiration for Kholat, is a real-life unsolved mystery that has captivated the world for decades. In 1959, a group of experienced hikers set out on a trek through the Ural Mountains. However, they never returned. Their bodies were discovered weeks later, scattered across the snowy landscape, with no clear explanation for their deaths.
It is this chilling event that forms the backdrop for Kholat, as you navigate the same unforgiving terrain that claimed the lives of those nine hikers. The game stays true to the facts of the case, incorporating real-life locations and details to create an atmosphere of authenticity and unease.
It is an experience that immerses you in the haunting beauty of the Russian wilderness. The developers have painstakingly recreated the snowy mountains, capturing the desolation and isolation that permeate the landscape.
Kholat is a game that challenges your wits and your nerves. It is a game that will keep you guessing until the very end, as you navigate the treacherous slopes and face the unknown
- Release Date: June 9, 2015
- Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
- Developer: IMGN.PRO
- Publisher: IMGN.PRO
- Genre: Survival Horror
Until Dawn
If you’re a fan of interactive storytelling and enjoy making choices that impact the outcome of the game, then Until Dawn is a must-play. Set in a secluded mountain lodge, this game follows the story of eight friends who find themselves in a deadly game of life and death.
With its branching narrative and multiple endings, Until Dawn offers a unique and thrilling gameplay experience that will keep you coming back for more.
- Release Date: August 25, 2015
- Platforms: PS4
- Developer: Supermassive Games
- Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
- Genre: Interactive Drama, Survival Horror
The Witness
For those who appreciate a more cerebral gaming experience, The Witness is an absolute masterpiece. Developed by Jonathan Blow, the creator of Braid, this game takes you to a beautiful and mysterious island filled with intricate puzzles that will truly test your wits.
As you explore the island and solve its puzzles, you’ll uncover the secrets of its past and discover the truth behind your own journey.
- Release Date: January 26, 2016
- Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, iOS
- Developer: Jonathan Blow, Thekla, Inc.
- Publisher: Thekla, Inc.
- Genre: Puzzle
A Plague Tale: Innocence
Step into a dark and plague-ridden world in A Plague Tale: Innocence. Developed by Asobo Studio, this game follows the story of Amicia and her younger brother Hugo as they try to survive in a world ravaged by the Black Death.
With its compelling narrative, stunning visuals, and stealth-based gameplay, A Plague Tale: Innocence offers a gripping and emotional journey that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
- Release Date: May 14, 2019
- Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
- Developer: Asobo Studio
- Publisher: Focus Home Interactive
- Genre: Action-Adventure
The Long Dark (Story Mode)
Venture into the unforgiving wilderness of Canada in The Long Dark (Story Mode). Developed by Hinterland Studio, this game challenges you to survive in a post-apocalyptic world where resources are scarce and danger lurks at every turn.
As you uncover the mystery behind the event that caused this bleak reality, you’ll be faced with tough choices and the constant struggle for survival.
The Long Dark offers a unique blend of exploration, survival, and storytelling that is sure to captivate fans of The Vanishing of Ethan Carter.
- Release Date: August 1, 2017 (for Story Mode)
- Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
- Developer: Hinterland Studio
- Publisher: Hinterland Studio
- Genre: Survival
Kentucky Route Zero
Fans of atmospheric and unconventional storytelling should definitely check out Kentucky Route Zero. Developed by Cardboard Computer, this episodic point-and-click adventure game takes you on a surreal journey through a hidden highway in Kentucky.
With its minimalist art style, haunting soundtrack, and thought-provoking narrative, Kentucky Route Zero is a game that will stay with you long after you’ve finished playing.
- Release Date: Act I – January 7, 2013. The final act, Act V- January 28, 2020.
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Switch, PS4, Xbox One
- Developer: Cardboard Computer
- Publisher: Annapurna Interactive (for consoles)
- Genre: Point-and-click adventure
Return of the Obra Dinn
Last but certainly not least, we have Return of the Obra Dinn, an intriguing mystery game developed by Lucas Pope. Set in the early 19th century, you play as an insurance investigator tasked with uncovering the fate of the ship Obra Dinn and its crew.
Armed with a magical pocket watch that allows you to see the moment of death, you must piece together the events that led to their demise. With its unique visual style and clever puzzle-solving mechanics, Return of the Obra Dinn offers a captivating and immersive gaming experience that will keep you hooked until the very end.
- Release Date: October 18, 2018
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Switch, PS4, Xbox One
- Developer: Lucas Pope
- Publisher: 3909
- Genre: Puzzle, Adventure
Conclusion
And there you have it, twenty games that are sure to scratch that itch for fans of The Vanishing of Ethan Carter.
Whether you prefer psychological horror, atmospheric adventures, or mind-bending puzzles, there’s something on this list for everyone.
