Have you had a chance to play Closer the Distance? Don’t sleep on Skybound and Osmotic Games’ latest video game, because it’s an emotional roller coaster in all the right ways. Closer the Distance is a slice-of-life simulator where players can help a small community come to terms with a recent tragedy. If you’re looking for your next great gaming experience, here are 5 reasons you should play Closer the Distance (now available for PC on Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S)….
1 – An Emotional Story That Will Tug at Your Heartstrings
Closer the Distance is a heartwarming story about a small community called Yesterby. The close-knit community is emotionally shattered when a girl named Angie is killed in a car accident. The loss forces Angie’s family and neighbors to face some hard questions. Why was Angie heading out of town? How well did they really know her? As the community tackles these questions, they must also overcome their own grief, as they struggle to put their lives back together and move on.
The narrative unfolds through beautifully crafted dialogues and interactions, allowing players to experience the depth of human emotions. The game encourages reflection on personal relationships and the impact of loss, inviting players to engage with the characters’ struggles. Each character’s backstory adds layers to the overall narrative, making the experience feel personal and relatable. You’ll find yourself not just playing a game, but taking a journey through shared human experiences of love, loss, and healing.
2 – Part Sims and Part Point-and-Click Adventure
Closer the Distance is a life-simulator game that combines the complexity of The Sims with the fun of ‘90s era point-and-click adventure games. You control the citizens of Yesterby, using point-and-click methods to send them on various tasks. As they complete each task, your character’s mood and needs are shown on the sidebar. The moods and needs will change a task’s completion, bringing a welcome dynamic element to the gameplay.
This blend of genres creates an engaging, strategic, intuitive experience. You’ll experience joy in managing different characters’ tasks while also exploring the town of Yesterby. The game’s design encourages exploration and experimentation, allowing players to uncover hidden stories and secrets within the community. The satisfying loop of task completion, mood management, and exploration keeps the gameplay fresh and addictive, making it easy to lose track of time as you delve deeper into the lives of Yesterby’s residents.
3 – A Game For Players Who Aren’t Big Video Game Fans
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual player, Closer the Distance is an enjoyable playing experience. The game doesn’t require extreme PvP skills or fast building. In other words, if you’re someone who always gets eliminated in the first few minutes of a Fortnite match, you can still enjoy Closer the Distance. At the same time, it’s an enjoyable experience for seasoned gamers. You’ll have fun playing Closer the Distance regardless of skill level.
This accessibility opens the game to a broader audience, allowing people from different gaming backgrounds to engage with its narrative and mechanics. The emphasis on storytelling over competition means players can immerse themselves in the experience without feeling pressure.
4 – A Video Game That Focuses on Mental Health
Closer the Distance has a big focus on mental health, something often overlooked in video games. The game’s missions emphasize self-care as Conny and the other characters work through their grief. The storyline gives a nuanced look at mental health, recognizing that the grieving process is different for everyone. Each character has their own journey with trauma, PTSD, and grief, reminding players that everyone’s journey is unique.
This focus on mental health not only makes the game more engaging but also fosters an important dialogue about emotional well-being. Players may find themselves reflecting on their own experiences with loss and grief. The game’s approach to mental health is respectful and insightful, making it a valuable tool for understanding the complexities of emotional healing. In a world where mental health issues are increasingly recognized, Closer the Distance serves as an engaging platform for fostering empathy and understanding.
5 – A New Experience With Every Replay
Closer the Distance contains a branching storyline with subplots. As a result, you can get a different experience every time you play the game. You can spend time following Zek’s storyline during one playthrough, or focus on Laul during another playthrough. There are so many character interactions and storylines, making each playthrough unique.
The game encourages exploration and experimentation, rewarding players for pursuing various character arcs. This means that even after completing the game, there’s always more to discover. The replayability factor adds significant value, as players can immerse themselves in new narratives and uncover hidden details they may have missed in previous playthroughs. Each visit to Yesterby feels like a new experience, filled with fresh insights and emotional connections.
Take a trip to Yesterby today! Again, Closer the Distance is currently available to purchase for PC on Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. With its powerful storytelling, engaging gameplay, and rich themes, it’s a game that deserves a spot in your library.
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