Cate West: The Vanishing Files vs The Vanishing of Ethan Carter

Step into the shoes of Cate West, a mystery novelist with psychic visions, as you investigate the baffling Vanishing Files that have paralyzed the city of Arcadia. Use your intuition and detective skills to uncover clues, compile evidence, and bring the perpetrators to justice while unraveling the link to Cate’s own mysterious past. The game blends point-and-click adventure mechanics with a compelling narrative, offering both single-player and split-screen experiences. Dive deep into a richly detailed world where every decision shapes the outcome of each unsolvable crime.

Play as occult detective Paul Prospero, who receives a desperate letter from 12‑year‑old Ethan Carter and travels to the eerie Red Creek Valley in 1973. As you explore the atmospheric wilderness, you must piece together clues, solve environmental puzzles, and confront supernatural phenomena to discover what happened to the missing boy. The game blends first‑person exploration with a deep narrative, offering a richly detailed world filled with hidden secrets, tragic murders, and paranormal events. Its indie‑crafted design emphasizes story, mood, and intricate puzzle‑solving rather than combat, delivering a memorable thriller experience for solo players.

• Engaging psychic mechanic adds unique twist
• Rich, atmospheric storytelling
• Split-screen mode for shared play
• Varied puzzles keep gameplay fresh

• Stunning visual design and atmospheric world
• Deep, non‑linear narrative that encourages exploration
• Innovative supernatural detective mechanics
• Rich environmental puzzles without combat

• Graphics are dated by modern standards
• Some dialogue options feel limited
• Occasional pacing issues in later chapters

• Limited combat may disappoint action‑oriented players
• Some puzzles can be obscure and require trial‑and‑error
• Story pacing is slow for those seeking fast action