Sorry We're Closed

Release Date: November 14, 2024

Action, survival horror, indie games, action adventure, singleplayer

98%

Steam

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A survival horror inspired by the first Resident Evil trilogy. The protagonist of Sorry We're Closed is Michelle. She is cursed by a demon and we can try to save her from it. The game combines static shots (during exploration) with first-person perspective (during combat).

Plot
Gameplay
Graphics

Sorry We're Closed is a survival horror game made in a style reminiscent of the genre's classics from the 1990s, led by the first three parts of the Resident Evil series. The game is the debut project of a small, independent studio called a la mode games.

Plot

The main character of Sorry We're Closed is a girl named Michelle. She is living in London and has been cursed by a love-hungry demon. Over the course of several of her potentially final days, the protagonist, endowed with the so-called third eye (allowing her to see parallel realities), ventures into an alternative world to find a way to free herself from her curse.

Whether Michelle manages to escape from oppression (or on the contrary - falls straight into the arms of a love-struck demon) largely depends on our actions and choices made during the game.

Gameplay

In Sorry We're Closed we view events from two perspectives. During exploration Michelle is presented from static shots, but on the battlefield we see the world through her eyes (FPP).

We can explore the London district and its alternative, demonic version, meet characters and perform missions that push the story forward. On our path, we often encounter opponents with whom we fight, making use of a gun called Hellhound and other types of weapons.

We also regularly use the third eye during the game. It allows the protagonist to observe a parallel reality, which is useful for solving environmental puzzles. Michelle can discover passages and secrets available in one dimension, which are not present in the other. Additionally, Michelle uses her third eye to stun enemies and reveal their weak points.

Graphics

The graphic design of Sorry We're Closed is maintained in a distinctive, flashy or even "punk" retro style.

Videos and Screens

[1:20] Sorry We're Closed - Console Launch Trailer

[1:30] Sorry We're Closed - Console Announcement

98%

STEAM Score

All Reviews: Overwhelmingly Positive (1,099)

STEAM

User Reviews Summary generated by AI

The main pros of the game

Aesthetic and Art Style: The game features a vibrant and striking art style reminiscent of retro games, particularly drawing comparisons to "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure" and "Killer7." Users praised the character designs, backgrounds, and overall visual presentation as stunning and unique.
Engaging Story and Characters: The narrative explores themes of love, toxic relationships, and personal growth, with many reviewers highlighting the depth and development of characters like Michelle and The Duchess. The writing is noted for being humorous, thoughtful, and emotionally resonant.
Gameplay Mechanics: The combination of fixed camera angles for exploration and first-person combat with a unique "third eye" mechanic adds a fresh twist to traditional survival horror gameplay. Many users found the combat engaging and satisfying once they adapted to the mechanics.
Soundtrack: The music, especially during boss fights, received high praise for its quality and ability to enhance the overall atmosphere of the game.
Replayability: The game offers multiple endings based on player choices, encouraging replayability and exploration of different narrative paths.

The main cons of the game

Combat Mechanics: Some players found the combat system clunky, particularly the requirement to switch between third-person exploration and first-person shooting. This mechanic was described as frustrating for those using controllers, with many recommending mouse and keyboard for a smoother experience.
Length and Pacing: A few reviewers expressed a desire for a longer game, feeling that certain story elements could have been explored in more depth. The lack of a New Game Plus feature was also noted, which could limit replayability for some players.
Difficulty and Accessibility: While some enjoyed the challenge, others found the combat to be on the easier side and expressed that the game could be more punishing. The accessibility options, like infinite water for health, were appreciated, but some felt that the game could have better catered to various skill levels.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

Character Portraits: Some players wished for more illustrated portraits for characters during dialogue, particularly for minor characters, to enhance the visual storytelling.
New Game Plus: The absence of a New Game Plus mode was mentioned by several users, as it would allow players to carry over upgrades and explore different endings without starting from scratch.
More Unique Boss Fights: While the boss encounters were generally well-received, some players felt that they could have been more varied and innovative, as certain mechanics felt repetitive.

Summary

Overall, "Sorry We're Closed" is celebrated for its artistic vision, compelling storytelling, and unique gameplay mechanics, with some critiques focusing on combat and replayability aspects. The game has successfully resonated with players, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community, making it a standout indie title.

Summary generated on: December 9, 2024