Style and Substance
Sorry We’re Closed is a game that lures you in with a neon-soaked, retro-horror visual design and beautifully illustrated character art, then traps you in an existential nightmare. The game lays traps, sucks you in, and before you know it, you’re not quite sure what you’re playing but you keep going further regardless.
Persona Horror
The game’s loop is very Persona-like in approach, as each night Michelle ventures out to explore her street, meet the game’s cast – dependable Robyn, party-bro Darrel, dancer Clarissa and Lucy, who has her own eerie secret – before venturing into the game’s demonic dungeons that exist behind Michelle’s reality. These dungeons neatly mix classic Resident Evil key-and-lock puzzles and item management with a Silent Hill-like reality shift feature – Michelle can move in and out of her demonic realm using her ‘Third Eye’ to get past obstacles, see hidden routes and view creatures’ weak spots.
Ah yes, the Combat
The combat works but there is an issue with swapping from third-to-first-person cameras and back, over time it becomes a grind that pulls you from the game’s nicely crafted atmosphere. When multiple enemies appear it can become a bit of a mess to try and keep track of everything, as the camera pings in and out chaotically.
Verdict
Every time I feel frustrated by the combat, Sorry We’re Closed will pop up with a beautiful character design, drop a great puzzle, squeeze out some catchy, snarky dialogue and then push me into a dungeon that recalls the heyday of survival horror. So, can I overlook its one misstep, of course I can – particularly as this console release has made moves to smooth out this issue. Sorry We’re Closed is an adventure worth opening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Sorry We’re Closed a game for me?
A: If you’re a fan of survival horror and retro design, then yes, this game is for you.
Q: Is the combat in the game any good?
A: The combat can be a bit clunky at times, but it’s still an enjoyable part of the game.
Q: Is the game worth playing?
A: Yes, despite its flaws, Sorry We’re Closed is an adventure worth playing.
