Gone Home is a wonderfully innovative, narrative-driven, experience. Dear Ester showed the world that you could make a first-person game that was almost purely story-driven. Gone Home raised the bar and really set the standard for what a great walking-simulator could be. It is a fairly short experience but of such high quality that it may be easiest to compare to what you'd get out of watching a good movie. Unlike in a movie however you get to choose how much you read into the plot and explore your surroundings. There are so many things that factor it why this is such a great game.
You play as Kaitlin Greenbriar and you've just arrived home from a trip to Europe. Not only is no one home to greet you but you've never been in this house before. Your family moved in while you were away and now you want to investigate where everyone is. There are a handful of locked doors so not only are you exploring to try and get the scoop on your family but also gain access to other parts of the house. As you come across clues that relate to you sister Sam you'll actually start to hear her read you pages of her diary. These diary pages are the main narrative that drives the story along.
The gameplay is incredibly immersive. Wondering around this huge house in first-person is incredibly exciting if not at times creepy. You can hear thunder outside and you're never quite certain you're the only one there. As you explore room to room you can pick up and interact with all but the most mundane items. You'll be opening every draw and reading every note trying to decipher what has been happening since you've been gone. You'll eventually find keys and clues that will open up other parts of the house.
It is short but that is because there is no filler. Every moment of this game is magical; whether it is listening to Sam's diary or exploring a new room for clues. With the exception of the ongoing storm Gone Home is fairly quiet however there are cassette tapes and other sources of sound scatter around the house to help mix things up. Your sister may be the center of the story-line but the history and narrative around both your parents is quite fascinating as well. Every member of your family appears to be have struggles and interests just like you'd expect any normal person to have.
Playing through Gone Home for a second time was nearly as satisfying as it was the first time around. The immersion is through the roof. The characters all feel really genuine and the level of interactively is extremely satisfying. The story-line toys with all your emotions and drives you to discover as much as you can. The atmosphere is also great, certainly walking around this giant house by yourself can be a bit creepy. Overall, there is a lot to love with Gone Home. Those who don't mind playing a game driven by narrative rather then action will definitely be in for a treat.