November 28th 2024.
We regret to inform you that our establishment is currently closed. However, our closure is not your typical survival horror story. In fact, it's quite a unique and unexpected experience.
Sorry We're Closed, a British indie game, pays homage to two iconic horror games - Resident Evil 4 and Silent Hill. But it also adds its own twist by weaving in a surprisingly insightful romantic narrative.
We can't help but reminisce about the days when Suda51 was actively making games. His signature blend of surrealism, pop culture references, and philosophical musings made him a household name in the gaming world. However, with fewer releases in recent years, his raw energy seems to have faded into the distance. That is, until we were introduced to Sorry We're Closed by British studio à la mode games.
Despite being a small studio consisting of only two individuals, their love for Suda51's work is evident from the moment you turn on the game. But instead of simply copying his style, they have managed to incorporate his influence and create something truly remarkable.
At first glance, Sorry We're Closed may seem like a bizarre game, but at its core, it is a survival horror. Drawing inspiration from Resident Evil, Silent Hill, and killer7, the game follows the story of Michelle, a young woman working a mundane job in London. Her life takes a strange turn when she is cursed by an eight-foot-tall demon called The Duchess, who demands her love.
The Duchess, a former angel, longs for love in her life and sees Michelle as her chance at redemption. In an attempt to make her more appealing, she gives Michelle a third eye. This backfires when Michelle realizes that she can now see demons, angels, and cursed individuals, as well as distorted versions of reality.
The game's combat system is reminiscent of the original Resident Evil 4, where players are forced to choose between moving and shooting. This adds a level of tension and risk as players must commit to an attack and struggle to escape if things get too intense. However, the game also offers a clever mechanic where enemies are briefly stunned when attacked in first-person mode, creating a balance between risk and reward.
Sorry We're Closed also features puzzles that require players to switch between two realities to progress. While these puzzles could have been more complex, they serve as a refreshing break from the intense gameplay.
The game's low-tech visuals may seem outdated, but they perfectly set the eerie and unsettling tone of the game. Moreover, the graphics are surprisingly emotive during dialogue sequences.
Aside from its gameplay, Sorry We're Closed also boasts a sharp and witty script that adds depth to the characters and their relationships. The game's cast may consist of demons and angels, but their struggles and flaws are incredibly human.
There is an undeniable confidence and punkish energy to Sorry We're Closed that immediately draws players in. Despite its rough edges, the game's greatest downfall is its short playtime of only six hours. But this is a testament to how engrossing the game is, leaving players wanting more from both Michelle and The Duchess, as well as the talented team at à la mode games.
Overall, Sorry We're Closed is a brilliantly strange and unique survival horror game that flawlessly blends 90s aesthetics and gameplay with a modern take on love in the 21st century. It's a must-play for any fan of the genre.
In summary, Sorry We're Closed receives a score of 8/10. It is available on PC for £20.99 and is published by Akupara Games. The game was developed by à la mode games and was released on November 14, 2024. Please note that there is no age rating for this game.
We hope you enjoyed our review of Sorry We're Closed. If you have any comments, feel free to email us, leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter, or sign up for our newsletter. And if you have any letters or features to submit, you can do so through our Submit Stuff page. Thank you for reading!
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