The Vanishing of Ethan Carter

The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is like a warm blanket on a rainy day.
Just as cozy blankets and the soothing ambiance of a cool day are a perfect match – the game's combination of a mystical plot and breathtaking nature make the story about Ethan Carter an ideal blend.
Unlike action-packed games with dynamic fights, this game's charm lies in a leisurely stroll through the valley of the red creek under a slightly creepy, a little naive, but thoroughly engaging storyline.
The plot revolves around private detective Paul Prospero, who handles paranormal investigation. You'll need to solve murders, search for clues, establish cause-and-effect relationships, and spend plenty of time admiring the stunning landscapes.
Let's talk about the real-life locations that inspired the game's stunning landscapes and eerie atmosphere.
The coordinates of Red Creek Valley are 50°57'51.1"N 15°38'41.9"E.
Red Creek Valley, the setting of the game, is a real place located in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship of Poland. The digitized photos of the game's landscapes are taken from the actual area, such as the Bobr River dam, which was built in 1912 and still generates electricity while protecting residents from floods.
The railway bridge at the beginning of the game was built in 1909 and remains the highest in Poland, although it has not been in use for a long time. In fact, the bridge gained some notoriety during the filming of Mission Impossible 7, as the writers had proposed to blow it up, but the locals strongly opposed it.
Another notable location is the wooden church from the game, which is actually the only old wooden church in Poland that was moved from Norway to preserve cultural heritage.
If you're a fan of slow walks in nature, mystical tales, and dramatic narratives, I highly recommend immersing yourself in this captivating story.

Walking simulator game but one of the very best because of the beautiful narrative experience !
You get the Remaster version for FREE, which I completed in 5-6 hours.
(Total playtime 8.8 hours. Work/lunch/general AFK)
The only notable differences between Standard and Redux versions are that Redux weighs half the GB and runs far smoother as well as has better lighting and shadows.
The game does not hold your hand, but is designed in a simple and smart way to lead the player in the right direction.
The detective puzzles were interesting and not that hard.
While I personally prefer "What Remains of Edith Finch" as it is well constructed and plays in a smaller but compact environment,
"The Vanishing of Ethan Carter" provides a realistic atmosphere and beautiful forest and lake.
The ending also was unexpected and put everything we experienced into perspective.
With a total combined 7650 positive reviews (date: 4th November 2023), this game proves to be a cult classic in the genre and should be played by everyone at least once.
Hard recommend!

Excellent game overall. I wish a very similar game like this existed except minimal supernatural stuff and more weird/creepy small town vibe investigation. Like Twin Peaks.

Takes the best bits of the likes of What Remains of Edith Finch, Everyone's Gone to the Rapture and Dear Esther to create something you should only pick up in a sale.

Walky talky

Ghosts - memories without homes... <3

The Vanishing of Ethan Carter sacrifices a lot for its atmosphere and visuals. The puzzles are passable and the narrative does provide a fairly unique twist, but nothing in the game comes close to matching its presentation. If you love a beautiful or haunting experience, you'll find enjoyment here. If you are only interested in puzzles or story, look elsewhere.
Style over substance.
6/10