Taking on themes such as grief, despair, regret and loss, Skybound Games produces a daring and captivating narrative in "Closer the Distance."
The dev squad behind the episodic classic "Orwell" ties together a group of family and friends who are coping with an accidental death of a young woman named Angela. Set in the town of Yesterby, you take the role of Angela, using supernatural abilities to explore the town, uncover secrets both dark and innocent, learn the intimate thoughts of everyone and do what you can do ease the pain of everyone that remains.
The characters develop their own relationships over time, and your actions as Angela carry heavy influence. You can stand back and let things take their course, intervene to set people up for unexpected happiness, or cause havoc that hastens the descent into darkness. The game gently pushes you in the direction of helping to inspire hope and catharsis of all you touch.
A game like this lives or dies by its writing, and thankfully, "Closer the Distance" shines in that department. Characters are crafted with dignity, care and elegance, making it a pleasure to get to know each of them and do what you can to ease their lives.
The design encourages multiple playthroughs, because the choices you make can cause the story to branch off in decidedly different directions. This is a game to get a friend to buy along with you, so you can discuss your differing experiences as you move along, sort of in the manner of an interactive book club.
"Closer the Distance" is one of the under-the-radar gems of the 2024 gaming year, and will doubtless end up on many players' top 10 lists while vying for awards contention. The true reward, though, comes in taking the time to enjoy its small, fleeting delights and use them to reflect on your own existence.
Publisher provided review code.
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