Dear Esther is not a game and it is clearly not for everyone.

In my opinion it is not even an interactive story. On the one hand, there is only little interactivity. You wander over and under a deserted island with limited movement abilities (you can not run or jump) and with no way to interact with your surroundings. On the other hand, the story remains sketchy and mysterious, even though it is very well told.

I think the aim of Dear Esther is to transport an atmosphere of loss and loneliness. The bleak but beautiful landscape, as well as the melancholic story, are just tools to convey these feelings. If you are willing to immerse into this world, chances are high you will have an unparalleled experience. If you are looking for a game to actively participate, Dear Esther will only bore you.