Ethel

About

Ethel is a single player simulation game. It was developed by TS GAMES LLC and was released on March 14, 2024. It received very positive reviews from players.

AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETE: 1hrs 30m You take on the role of Thomas Myrtle, a World War II veteran, returns from the war with PTSD and struggles with addiction, leading to the collapse of his marriage and a period of homelessness. In 1949, his grandparents take him in, helping him achieve sobriety, but his fragile peace shatters when his grandmother accuses him of stealing her medication. One ni…

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

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93%

Audience ScoreBased on 165 reviews

story50 positive mentions

optimization3 negative mentions

The game features a gripping story with well-placed jump scares that keep players engaged and on edge.
The atmosphere and sound design are exceptional, creating a creepy and immersive experience that enhances the horror elements.
For a first game, it showcases impressive graphics and gameplay mechanics, with challenging puzzles that provide a sense of accomplishment.

Some players found the puzzles overly convoluted and the lack of a sprint option made navigation frustrating.
The game can feel slow-paced at times, with backtracking that may lead to boredom for some players.
There are complaints about the lighting and performance issues, which detracted from the overall experience.

story
88 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
57%
40%
3%
The story of the game is widely praised for its depth and engagement, featuring a gripping narrative that unfolds through detailed lore and character development. While some players found the amount of text overwhelming, many appreciated the intricate backstory and the emotional weight of the plot, which includes a mix of jump scares and immersive atmosphere. Overall, the storytelling is considered a standout aspect, making it a compelling experience for fans of horror and narrative-driven games.
- “The game plays extremely well and the story/lore is nothing short of amazing.”
- “What truly sets this game apart is its captivating storyline.”
- “Ethel masterfully intertwines rich storytelling with spine-chilling jumpscares and stunning visuals.”
- “I respect the attempt at the game, but coming from someone with the attention span of a fly, why is it necessary to have 1,000 paragraphs of information to read just to get the story across?”
- “Parts of the story were kind of strange, especially with whatever was going on with the girlfriend, but the amount of interactive lore you put into the backstory was very, and I mean very, impressive.”
- “The real reason... is Anthony's story fleshed out through very detailed and informative notes throughout the game (read the notes)!”
atmosphere
36 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
44%
48%
8%
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive, creepy, and haunting qualities, effectively drawing players into its terrifying world. Reviewers highlight the impressive attention to detail, well-placed scares, and a story that enhances the overall tension, making it a standout feature, especially for a debut title. While some found the puzzles convoluted, the overwhelming consensus is that the atmosphere is a significant strength that keeps players engaged and on edge throughout the experience.
- “The graphics and atmosphere are truly remarkable, immersing you completely in its terrifying world.”
- “Following a protagonist haunted by the thought of having killed his grandmother, this indie horror game excels in creating an immersive atmosphere that pulls players deep into its mystery.”
- “The atmosphere is incredibly creepy and tense, and the scares are well placed and very well done.”
- “The atmosphere is so creepy and properly understated that you have a false sense of safety when things are ramping up without you knowing it.”
- “This is a very solid horror game; the atmosphere feels quiet, leaving eerie feelings along the way. Jump scares are on point, never leaving you without wonder of the next.”
gameplay
20 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
20%
65%
15%
The gameplay is praised for its smoothness and accessibility, making it suitable for casual players. Players appreciate the well-designed puzzles that provide a satisfying challenge and contribute to the game's psychological terror, complemented by effective sound design and well-placed jump scares. Overall, the gameplay enhances the story and mood, creating a rewarding and immersive experience.
- “Graphically done well... the gameplay is smooth and easy to get used to even for the most casual PC player... the sound design is on point... the puzzles are indeed challenging but give you a sense of real accomplishment on completion... and the jump scares included in the game aren't overdone or out of place.”
- “The gameplay balances psychological terror with engaging puzzles, making the revelations both rewarding and terrifying.”
- “The game's story is elevated by the gameplay, which consists of puzzles that are thoroughly enjoyable.”
- “The design and certain mechanics look well thought out and suit the game's mood.”
graphics
14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
71%
29%
The graphics in Ethel are consistently praised for their high quality and immersive atmosphere, enhancing the overall horror experience. Players noted that the visuals are well-executed, contributing to the game's engaging storytelling and effective jump scares. Even those with lower-end PCs found the graphics impressive, indicating a strong visual performance across different hardware.
- “The graphics and atmosphere are truly remarkable, immersing you completely in its terrifying world.”
- “Ethel masterfully intertwines rich storytelling with spine-chilling jump scares and stunning visuals.”
- “Graphically done well... the gameplay is smooth and easy to get used to even for the most casual PC player.”
optimization
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
75%
The optimization of the game received mixed reviews; while some users reported significant improvements in load times and the elimination of stuttering and frame drops, others experienced poor FPS performance. Overall, the optimization appears to have addressed some issues but still leaves room for improvement.
- “It also had an awful FPS performance.”
- “Load times were much faster, and the performance issues I encountered before—like stuttering and persistent frame drops—were completely gone.”
emotional
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players highlight the game's emotional depth, noting a sincere and heartfelt message from the developer that reflects the personal investment and passion behind the creation. This connection resonates strongly, enhancing the overall experience and leaving a lasting impression.
- “I won't spoil any of the story for you guys if you've managed to read this far... but if you have read this far in my review, make sure you read the most sincere and heartfelt 'thank you' from a developer I've seen in a long time after you play the game.”
- “Tony definitely put his soul into it, and you can tell with the heartfelt note during the end credits.”
humor
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
150%
Players appreciate the humor in the game, noting that it balances creepy elements with funny moments, enhancing the overall experience. The combination of jump scares and comedic relief, particularly during replay sessions, adds to the game's charm and replayability. Overall, the humor contributes positively to the game's atmosphere and enjoyment.
- “This is one of the best-made new horror games I have played in a while. It's well made with details, and at the same time funny. The first time the ghost charged to the attic was a real jump moment, but when I replayed it, it was more hilarious! Thanks for making this amazing game and keep up the good work!”
- “I loved the small details added, like the piano and moving chair, which gave me extra creeps. The humor in the game really adds to the experience, making it both scary and funny!”
- “I have played this game four times now, and each time has been a unique experience. The combination of horror and humor keeps me coming back for more!”
grinding
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players find some puzzles to be tedious, contributing to a sense of grinding, but they appreciate the engaging story and characters, which help mitigate the frustration.
stability
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Overall, users report a high level of stability, noting the absence of bugs or glitches and consistent rendering quality throughout their experience.
music
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
150%
The music in the game is highly praised for its immersive quality, effectively complementing the sound design and lighting to enhance the overall atmosphere, particularly during jump scares.
- “The music, sound, lighting, and jump scares all come together to create an immersive experience.”
- “The combination of music, sound effects, and lighting enhances the overall atmosphere of the game.”
- “The soundtrack perfectly complements the gameplay, making every moment feel intense and engaging.”