Done With #2: Sorry We're Closed
Honestly wished I played this last year. Definitely would have made top 5 list.
AHHHH I CAN TALK ABOUT HOW AMAZING THE ART STYLE IS FOREVER!
The game knows what it wants to be. It's here to slay. It's here to make you blush and breaks your heart.
Sorry We're Closed talks about love in many forms, be it between friends, partners, unrequited love, toxic relationship and even a healthy one, and it does hella good job doing so. Despite it being a "horror" game, there's so much tenderness that can be felt and I can't help but smile throughout the game... for the most part (cuz it doesn't get a lil SPOOKY).
à la mode games expertly utilises the current trendy low polygon PlayStation style to its maximum potential. Especially since at its core, the game is a survivor horror (and is clearly heavily inspired by Silent Hill), this feels like a game that could have been released on the PS1 for real.
Also the character designs are simply fire. All of them are memorable writing wise and it's incredibly hard to not look at how GOOD LOOKING they are. I mean, check out our protect and her bestie Robyn below.
As mentioned earlier, the game is all about love. The writing uses light comedy to make heavy topic such as abandonment and toxic relationship feel easily digestible, but never taking away how serious they have to be taken. There's a lot to think about while playing, and there's a lot to reflect on good and bad.
Love is really all around us huh?
But that's not all. The aesthetic of this game is seriously on point. From the usage of colours to how much care is put into the UI, everything feel just right. The vibe is seriously immaculate, and as I mentioned earlier this is a result of knowing what you want your game to be.
However there are a couple of nitpicks I got for this game:
- THE GAME DESPERATE NEEDS CHAPTER SELECT! Especially for a game that contains branching narrative for its ending, chapter select and new game plus feel like a no brainer. I'm confused as why they are not in the game.
- The game is designed for 1v1 fight, but some areas the devs for some reason throw a lot of mobs at you. The combat sadly isn't suitable and it really takes away the fun especially in later part of the game.
But overall, this is probably some of the most creative game in a hot minute. I really recommend checking this out. It's not only funny and well made, but there's a lot to be learned from it. Pretty solid price tag too, felt like a steal.
