Close to the Sun
Release Date: May 2, 2019
Adventure, FPP, horror, indie games, alternative history, 19th century, singleplayer
Steam
Close to the Sun is a horror adventure game developed by Storm in a Teacup. The production takes us to an alternative version of the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, where thanks to Nikola Tesla's inventions the development of civilization has significantly accelerated.
Close to the Sun is a first-person adventure game with horror elements. The project was developed by the Italian studio Storm in a Teacup, the developers of N.E.R.O: Nothing Ever Remains Obscure.
Plot
The action takes place at the turn of the nineteenth and twentieth century, but the vision of those times presented by the authors is very different from what we can find in history books. Here, mankind immediately noticed the genius of Nikola Tesla and his inventions became part of everyday life, providing him with the means to make even more groundbreaking discoveries changing the fate of the whole civilization.
In Close to the Sun, we play as a young journalist named Rose, who, in search of her missing sister, boards a giant sea ship designed by Tesla himself for scientific purposes. When she arrives at the place, she quickly discovers that the unit has become an arena of a supernatural nightmare. Massacred corpses of the crew lie everywhere, and the deck is terrorized by beasts unlike anything that comes from the Earth.
Mechanics
Close to the Sun is a first-person adventure game. The authors have prepared a variety of challenges that test both our mind and dexterity. We also spend a lot of time sneaking behind our enemies' backs and running away from them. In addition, the creators showed a lot of creativity in our character's death animations.
Technical aspects
The game uses Unreal Engine 4. The authors combined steampunk with the styles of art deco and art nouveau, creating an attractive and unique mix.
Last updated on May 8, 2019
Videos and Screens
[1:42] Close to the Sun launch trailer
[1:15] Close to the Sun relase date trailer
The main pros of the game
- Visuals and Atmosphere: Many users praised the game's stunning graphics, especially when played on high settings, and noted the captivating art deco style that contributes to a rich atmosphere reminiscent of "Bioshock."
- Storyline: The narrative was generally well-received, with some players finding it engaging and interesting, particularly the themes of science fiction and horror. The protagonist, Rose Archer, was described as a relatable character.
- Exploration and Design: The game's environments were highlighted as well-designed and visually appealing, creating an immersive experience for players who enjoy exploration.
- Unique Concept: The setting aboard Tesla's Helios and the incorporation of steampunk elements were seen as creative and intriguing.
The main cons of the game
- Save System: A significant number of reviews expressed frustration with the game's saving mechanics, stating that players lose progress if they leave a level, forcing them to restart from the beginning. This was a major point of dissatisfaction.
- Gameplay and Pacing: Many users found the gameplay to be linear and lacking in action, describing it as a "walking simulator" with minimal puzzles. The lack of challenge and the straightforward nature of the gameplay led to feelings of boredom.
- Technical Issues: Some players reported technical problems, including performance drops and crashes, which detracted from the overall experience.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users
- Key Binding Options: Users noted the absence of a key binding editor, which limited customization for controls.
- Depth in Gameplay: There were calls for more complex puzzles and challenges to enhance engagement, as the game was often described as too simple and predictable.
- Variety in Gameplay Mechanics: Players expressed a desire for more action-oriented elements or varied gameplay mechanics, as the current format felt restrictive and repetitive.
- Enhanced Soundtrack and Audio: Some reviews mentioned that the music and voice acting did not significantly enhance the experience and could be improved for better immersion.
Summary
- Overall, while "Close to the Sun" received praise for its visuals and story, it faced criticism for its save system, gameplay mechanics, and technical issues, with players expressing a desire for more depth and variety in the gameplay experience.
Summary generated on:
GAMERS Score
Average score from 844 votes. 138 players anticipated the game.
Close to the Sun Summary
Platforms:
PC Windows May 2, 2019
PlayStation 4 October 29, 2019
Xbox One October 29, 2019
Nintendo Switch October 29, 2019
Developer: Storm in a Teacup
Publisher: Wired Productions
Close to the Sun System Requirements
PC / Windows
Minimum: Intel Core i5 / AMD FX 2.4 GHz, 8 GB RAM, graphic card 2 GB GeForce GTX 760 / Radeon R7 260X or better, 50 GB HDD, Windows 10
Recommended: Intel Core i7 / AMD Ryzen 7, 8 GB RAM, graphic card 3 GB GeForce GTX 1060 / Radeon RX 470 or better, 50 GB HDD, Windows 10
Sherlock Holmes Available for Free on Epic Games Store
Today, Epic Games Store changes its weekly give away offer. Games presented last week will be replaced by the adventure game Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishments.
special offers
Krzysztof Kaluzinski
April 9, 2020