Atanaria
Survival horror games thrive on atmosphere, tension, and engaging narratives, and Sorry We’re Closed by à la mode games delivers on nearly all fronts. This retro-inspired horror adventure weaves an intriguing, heartfelt story alongside a unique blend of eerie aesthetics, social interactions, and classic survival mechanics. While the storytelling and world-building shine, the combat system leaves something to be desired, ultimately keeping the game from reaching true greatness.
Story & Atmosphere: A Hauntingly Emotional Journey
You step into the shoes of Michelle, a store clerk struggling with heartbreak, navigating a bleak town filled with peculiar characters and supernatural horrors. The catalyst for the game’s eerie events is the Duchess, a seductive and unsettling demon obsessed with collecting hearts—including Michelle’s. Unlike many survival horror titles where lore can feel secondary, Sorry We’re Closed hooks you into its narrative. The unfolding mystery surrounding angels, demons, and the fragile nature of love feels surprisingly nuanced, offering thought-provoking themes within its macabre setting.
The game’s Persona-like structure lets you explore the town, interact with a diverse cast, and develop relationships that influence the story. Characters such as the insufferable Darrel, the enigmatic Lucy, and the occult-savvy Robyn bring the world to life, each offering their own perspectives on the supernatural. These social aspects add weight to your decisions, leading to branching paths and multiple endings.
Exploration & Puzzle Solving: Classic Survival Horror Feel
Fans of Resident Evil and Silent Hill will appreciate the fixed-camera angles and claustrophobic environments that heighten the tension. The game’s exploration is immersive, with dungeons and eerie locations requiring keen observation and realm-switching mechanics to progress. Michelle’s third eye, granted by the Duchess, allows her to see into the demon world, revealing secrets, hidden enemies, and new paths. This mechanic enriches the gameplay, making puzzle-solving more than just a fetch quest for keys.
The world itself is a mix of horror and dark humor. Whether it’s helping a disgruntled dancer exact revenge on an ex-employer or witnessing the grotesque fate of the Duchess’s past victims, the game balances levity with genuine dread. The writing is sharp, often laced with wit, and manages to make its characters feel human, even amidst demonic chaos.
Combat: A Frustrating Stumble
Where Sorry We’re Closed falters is in its combat. The game equips Michelle with an axe, a pistol, and a shotgun, but all three weapons function similarly. Combat requires players to enter first-person mode, use the third eye to reveal enemy weak points, and shoot their glowing hearts. The idea itself is solid, adding a rhythmic, precision-based layer to battles. However, the execution often feels clunky.
Enemies frequently overwhelm Michelle, and the process of switching perspectives, activating the third eye, and lining up shots can be frustratingly slow. Some smaller enemies get too close, making it nearly impossible to target their weak spots without taking damage. Encounters become tedious rather than thrilling, and the game’s tendency to throw multiple foes at you exacerbates the problem. While some players may find the old-school challenge appealing, many will likely find the combat more frustrating than fun.
Visuals & Sound Design: A Stunning Throwback
One of the game’s biggest strengths is its presentation. The neon-drenched, surreal horror aesthetic is mesmerizing, blending retro visuals with modern lighting techniques to create a world that feels both nostalgic and fresh. The character designs, especially the Duchess, exude eerie beauty, reminiscent of Paradise Killer with a darker edge.
The sound design is equally impressive, with unsettling ambient noises, eerie voice lines, and a soundtrack that shifts between melancholy and tension-inducing. It effectively enhances the atmosphere, ensuring that even quiet moments are filled with unease.
A Flawed but Captivating Horror Tale
Sorry We’re Closed is an indie horror game with a lot of heart, both literally and figuratively. Its captivating story, strong character writing, and immersive world make it a worthwhile experience for fans of psychological horror and narrative-driven games. However, its awkward combat can detract from the experience, making certain sections feel more like a chore than a thrill.
If you can overlook its combat shortcomings, Sorry We’re Closed offers a rewarding and emotionally resonant journey into a world where love and horror intertwine in fascinating ways. For those willing to endure some frustrations, it’s an experience worth having.
Pros:
- Engaging, well-written narrative with deep themes
- Unique and stylish aesthetic
- Clever use of the third eye mechanic for exploration
- Well-developed characters with meaningful interactions
Cons:
- Clunky, frustrating combat system
- Frequent enemy encounters can feel tedious
- Some puzzles can be overly simplistic
