| Closer The Distance | |||
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| Gameplay & Story | Release Date | Pre-Order & DLC | Review |
Closer The Distance is an emotionally driven narrative adventure game that explores themes of loss, grief, and healing. Read our review to see what it did well, what it didn't do well, and if it's worth buying.
Closer The Distance Review Overview
What is Closer The Distance?
Closer The Distance is a narrative adventure game that places players in the role of Angie, a young girl who has passed away and now watches over her loved ones, influencing their decisions from beyond the grave. The game delves deep into the emotional turmoil and healing process that follows a tragic loss, offering a rich, character-driven storyline. Featuring choice-based gameplay, players will navigate through a beautifully crafted world, making impactful decisions that shape the lives and futures of the characters left behind.
Closer The Distance features:
⚫︎ Deeply Emotional Narrative
⚫︎ Character-Driven Storytelling
⚫︎ Choice-Based Gameplay
⚫︎ Explore the Past
⚫︎ Complex Character Development
⚫︎ Beautifully Crafted Visuals and Environments
⚫︎ Immersive Sound Design and Voice Acting
For more gameplay details, read everything we know about Closer The Distance’s gameplay and story.
| Digital Storefronts | |||||
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 Steam |
 PlayStation |
 Xbox |
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Closer The Distance Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
 Great Narrative and Execution Simultaneous Events Immersive Atmosphere Thought-Provoking Themes |
Some Characters are Unlikeable Limited Choice Impact |
Closer The Distance Overall Score - 94/100
Closer The Distance is a beautifully tragic narrative adventure that explores themes of loss, grief, and moving on. Controlling Angie, a young girl who has passed away, players influence the lives of her loved ones and help them navigate their grief. The game excels in its storytelling, visuals, and audio, providing an immersive and emotionally charged experience. While some characters may be unlikeable and the impact of choices could be more significant, the overall execution of the game's themes is masterful, making it a must-play for fans of narrative-driven games. The combination of a poignant story, engaging gameplay, and stunning presentation ensures that Closer The Distance leaves a lasting impression.
Closer The Distance Story - 10/10
The plot of this game is perfect, depicting what happens after loss and executing it exceptionally well. I haven't played something that was a masterpiece like this in this genre since Life is Strange. The emotional depth and the way the story unfolds are captivating and unforgettable. The narrative is crafted with such care and attention to detail that every moment feels impactful. The story not only explores the pain of loss but also the hope and strength that come from overcoming it. It's a beautifully told tale that will resonate with anyone who has experienced grief.
Closer The Distance Gameplay - 9/10
The choices you get to make and the ability to move from one character to the next to help influence how they will grieve and move on is very engaging. The gameplay mechanics are well-designed and enhance the narrative experience, although the impact of choices could be more significant. The game's structure keeps you on your toes, constantly making decisions that feel important even if their consequences are not always clear. The emotional weight of your choices adds to the tension and immersion, making each playthrough feel personal and unique, despite the limited variations in outcomes.
Closer The Distance Visuals - 9/10
The game's visuals are stunning, with beautifully crafted environments that draw players into the world of Yesterby as well as Angie's past. The art style complements the emotional tone of the story, making each scene visually impactful and memorable. The attention to detail in character design and settings adds depth to the overall experience. The visuals are not just aesthetically pleasing but also serve to enhance the narrative, with each location telling a part of Angie's story. The use of color and lighting effectively conveys the mood and emotions of the scenes, making the visuals an integral part of the storytelling.
Closer The Distance Audio - 10/10
From the opening music in the game menu, I knew this was going to be a memorable experience. Music is a big part of gaming, and Closer The Distance has crafted its soundtrack to perfection. Every note enhances the emotional impact of the story, seamlessly blending with the narrative to create an immersive atmosphere. The sound design is meticulously crafted, with each piece of music and sound effect carefully chosen to evoke specific emotions. The voice acting is superb, bringing the characters to life and adding depth to their personalities. The signature soundtrack not only hits its mark but also elevates the entire gaming experience, making the audio in Closer The Distance truly exceptional and deserving of a perfect score.
Closer The Distance Value for Money - 9/10
For a narrative-based game, Closer The Distance is well worth its price. The emotional depth, engaging gameplay, and beautiful presentation make it a compelling purchase. The game's ability to provide a meaningful and introspective experience justifies its cost, offering great value for money. Considering the quality of the storytelling, the attention to detail in the visuals and audio, and the overall emotional impact, the game offers a rich and rewarding experience that is worth every penny. It stands out as a high-quality title in the narrative adventure genre, providing players with a memorable journey that is both touching and thought-provoking.
Closer The Distance Review: A Masterpiece in Narrative Adventure
From the very beginning, Closer The Distance had my heart in its grasp, crushing it with its emotional weight, only to tenderly put it back in place. This beautifully heartbreaking game made me feel emotions I hadn't experienced since playing Life is Strange. Right from the opening music in the main menu, I knew this game was going to be something special. The anticipation built from that first note carried through every moment of gameplay, fulfilling every expectation and then some.
One of the standout aspects of Closer The Distance is the poetic nature of Angie's character. From the start, her presence is heart-wrenching, and the term beautifully tragic
fits perfectly. Angie, though no longer alive, influences the narrative with such grace and depth that it's impossible not to be moved by her story. The way the game reveals her past, her relationships, and her impact on her loved ones is nothing short of masterful. Every interaction and memory serves to paint a picture of a life that was both impactful and endearing.
The game does an incredible job of capturing the chaos that follows a loss. Everything happens simultaneously, reflecting the real-life experience of trying to manage a million things at once while grappling with grief. This hectic need to keep everything in order, with the muted backdrop of sorrow ever-lingering, is conveyed through gameplay mechanics that require you to constantly shift focus between characters. The feeling that once you stop, everything will come crashing down is palpable and adds to the immersive experience.
As Angie, your main objective is to ensure that her loved ones are okay and can move on with their lives. The gameplay, which revolves around making choices and influencing outcomes, feels almost perfect. While it doesn't offer as many permutations as something like Detroit: Become Human, each decision still feels significant. You can see how the futures of the characters are shaped by your influence, adding weight to every choice you make. The game strikes a delicate balance between guiding the narrative and allowing players the freedom to explore different paths.
The attention to detail in Closer The Distance is another aspect that sets it apart. Little moments, such as Pia checking on Conny every night after Angie's accident, add layers of depth to the story. These subtleties might go unnoticed if you're focused on other elements, but they enrich the overall experience. Life in Yesterby slowly moves forward after the funeral, but the immediate family's struggle to cope is palpable. This portrayal of gradual healing amidst persistent grief is both realistic and poignant, highlighting the game's understanding of the grieving process.
However, not everything is perfect. There are characters who are quite unlikeable, which can be frustrating. Their selfishness and frustrations are portrayed in a way that makes them difficult to empathize with. While the game aims to show different grieving mechanisms, it sometimes results in characters that feel more annoying than complex. This could be due to my own gameplay choices, but it remains a point of contention. It serves as a reminder that grief affects everyone differently, and not all reactions are easy to understand or accept.
Conny, in particular, stood out to me as a favorite character. Her journey through grief is deeply touching, and I often wished there was more we could do for her. The game presents her as someone burdened with the weight of her sister's wishes, which sometimes feels unfair. Yet, this adds to her complexity and makes her story all the more compelling. Another noteworthy character is Galya, whose presence provides support to the grieving family. Her role is crucial, offering a perspective that balances the narrative.
In the end, Closer The Distance delivers a compelling narrative executed with precision and care. It's rare to find a game that so perfectly captures the essence of what it sets out to portray. The emotional depth, beautiful visuals, and evocative soundtrack come together to create an unforgettable experience. While there are minor issues, such as the unlikeable characters and limited impact of choices, these do little to detract from the overall quality of the game. Closer The Distance is a beautifully tragic journey that stays with you long after the screen fades to black.
Pros of Closer The Distance
| Things Closer The Distance Got Right |
|---|
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Great Narrative and Execution Simultaneous Events Immersive Atmosphere Thought-Provoking Themes |
Great Narrative and Execution
The game's shining quality is its ability to convey what happens to people after the tragedy of losing someone. It's a comforting thought to see that Angie watches over her loved ones from beyond. The narrative is deeply emotional, beautifully tragic, and expertly executed, making players feel connected to the characters and their journeys. Every interaction and decision feels meaningful, pulling players deeper into the story and making them care about the outcomes. The game handles its themes with sensitivity and depth, ensuring that the emotional beats hit hard and stay with you long after the game is over.
Simultaneous Events
Although a bit hectic, the game's portrayal of simultaneous events reflects how, especially after a big tragedy, everyone's lives seem to be uprooted. It's great to play a game where there's a need to move back and forth between characters to help them move on. This feature adds a layer of realism and urgency, immersing players in the chaotic aftermath of loss. The ability to see different perspectives and manage multiple storylines simultaneously keeps the gameplay engaging and dynamic. It mirrors the real-life experience of dealing with grief, where everything seems to happen all at once and you're constantly juggling emotions and responsibilities.
Immersive Atmosphere
The game's visual and audio design work together to create a deeply immersive atmosphere. The beautiful graphics and detailed environments draw players into Angie's world, while the music enhances the emotional weight of the story. This combination ensures that players are fully engaged and emotionally invested from start to finish. The attention to detail in the art and sound design helps to create a world that feels both real and magical, perfectly balancing the grounded and the supernatural elements of the story. The atmosphere amplifies the emotional impact of the narrative, making each moment more poignant.
Thought-Provoking Themes
Closer The Distance tackles complex themes of grief, loss, and moving on in a thought-provoking manner. The game encourages players to reflect on their own experiences with these themes and consider different perspectives on grief. This depth of storytelling elevates the game beyond mere entertainment, offering a meaningful and introspective experience. It challenges players to think about how they deal with loss and how they can support others who are grieving. The game's ability to provoke such deep thoughts and emotions is a testament to its strong writing and thematic coherence, making it a standout in the genre.
Cons of Closer The Distance
| Things That Closer The Distance Can Improve |
|---|
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Some Characters are Unlikeable Limited Choice Impact |
Some Characters are Unlikeable
There are some characters in the game who are very unlikeable. Their selfishness and frustrations can be off-putting, even though the game is trying to portray different grieving perspectives. This might be due to the player's own influence on these characters, but it can still detract from the overall experience. While it’s understandable that the game aims to depict a wide range of human emotions and reactions to grief, some characters' negative traits can overshadow their more redeeming qualities, making it harder to empathize with them. This can create a disconnect for players who find it difficult to engage with certain storylines.
Limited Choice Impact
While the game is choice-based, it doesn't always feel like the choices have a significant impact on the narrative. Unlike games like Detroit: Become Human, where choices lead to vastly different outcomes, Closer The Distance's permutations can feel limited. This can make some players feel like their decisions don't matter as much as they would like. The lack of substantial variation in the storyline based on player choices can reduce the sense of agency and immersion. It would have been more satisfying if the game offered more branching paths providing a greater incentive to replay and explore different outcomes.
Is Closer The Distance Worth It?
Worth Every Moment and Every Penny
Closer The Distance is not just a game; it's an emotional journey that touches the soul. From its deeply emotional narrative and character-driven storytelling to its beautifully crafted visuals and immersive sound design, this game excels in every aspect. It offers a unique experience that few games can match, capturing the complexities of grief and the beauty of human connections with incredible sensitivity and depth.
Closer The Distance is a game that stays with you long after you put down the controller. It's a beautifully tragic tale that will make you laugh, cry, and reflect on the nature of life and death. For fans of narrative-driven games, this is an absolute must-play. Don't miss out on this remarkable experience.
| Digital Storefronts | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steam |
PlayStation |
Xbox |
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| Price | $19.99 | ||||
Closer The Distance FAQ
Does Closer The Distance have multiplayer?
No, Closer The Distance is a single-player narrative adventure game focused on a deeply emotional and personal story.
Can you replay Closer The Distance with different outcomes?
Yes, Closer The Distance features choice-based gameplay, allowing for multiple playthroughs with different outcomes based on the decisions you make.
Does Closer The Distance have subtitles?
Yes, Closer The Distance includes subtitle options to enhance accessibility and ensure that all players can enjoy the story.
Are there any DLCs or expansions planned for Closer The Distance?
As of now, there are no announced plans for DLCs or expansions for Closer The Distance.
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Closer The Distance Product Information
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| Title | CLOSER THE DISTANCE |
|---|---|
| Release Date | August 1, 2024 |
| Developer | Osmotic Studios |
| Publisher | Skybound Games |
| Supported Platforms | PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S |
| Genre | Interactive Adventure |
| Number of Players | 1 |
| ESRB Rating | Teen |
| Official Website | Closer The Distance Website |
This is giving me "life is strange" vibes from the artsyle, voice-acting, and story plot T°T. Was actually searching for a game like this one recently and this really caught my attention. Will definitely check this out! Thanks for the info!