My first rendezvous with Closer the Distance was back during June’s Steam Next Fest, where I spent an hour exploring the quiet town of Yesterby and getting to know an array of distinct, authentic characters as they all deal with a heart-wrenching tragedy; one of their dear inhabitants — a friend and relative — passing away.
It’s an understandably solemn start, and one that saw me keen to carve out space to breathe once my time with the demo came to an end. But I was desperate to jump back in and get to know Yesterby — and its delightfully human cast — despite the pressure of this dour starting point. I was keen to see what impact I could have on their story, considering this short, slice-of-life simulation game is all about what you can do to repair relationships and mend this struggling coastal town.
The way in which this plays out is refreshing; it’s beautiful, vibrant, and despite the saddening subject matter, there is something magically understated about it. When you first step foot in Yesterby, you’re presented with this The Sims-inspired way of controlling and observing characters that is cross-pollinated with the deeply personal storytelling of Life is Strange.