Closer the Distance is a slice-of-life sim that tells a deeply emotional story about the connections between family and friends in the face of tragedy. Unearth long kept secrets, repair strained relationships, and help your loved ones move on.
The gameplay in this title puts players in the role of Angela, a young girl who gains the ability to influence the lives of her loved ones after a tragic car accident. Through this ethereal connection, players navigate the grieving process alongside the characters, making choices that directly impact the narrative and the fate of the small town of Yesterby.
Players can interact with various townspeople, managing their needs and desires through Sims-like menus. This slice-of-life simulation element allows for a deeper exploration of the characters' lives and struggles. Importantly, the decisions players make, whether to prioritize a character's mental health or ensure another's well-being, carry significant weight, shaping the relationships and the overall outcome of the story.
One of the game's standout features is its emotional depth. The narrative tackles sensitive themes like grief, illness, and loss, with well-written dialogues and fully-voiced characters that players can easily connect with on a personal level. The atmospheric soundtrack further enhances the emotional impact, creating a truly immersive and poignant experience.
Players have expressed a strong desire to revisit the game, noting that the branching narrative and the ability to make different choices offer a high degree of replayability. Each playthrough is expected to be unique, as players can pursue different paths and witness how their decisions affect the relationships between the characters and the overall resolution of the story.
By seamlessly combining life simulation, narrative-driven storytelling, and choice-based decision making, the developers have created a standout title that captivates players with its poignant exploration of the human experience. The unique blend of gameplay features, along with the game's emotional depth, has made it a highly praised and memorable experience for fans of the genre.