Closer
The Distance

Closer the Distance is a narrative slice-of-life game that tests the connections between family and friends when a loved one dies. Unusually, you play the departed rather than the bereaved, as you explore the world and help those you left behind cope with your loss. It stands out for its gentle treatment of grief that invites you to consider how loss affects people differently and with differing implications.

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Following a fatal car accident, you play a young girl called Angela, who finds herself still able to watch her loved ones after she has died. You soon discover the ability to not only watch but influence the townspeople you once knew. In this way, you shape the story in a way that determines the fate of the community as it navigates the process of grief.

You explore the town, observing how each person is dealing with what happened. You influence their wishes that in turn affects their choices and words. As you do, you influence decisions that affect the outcome of the story, making each playthrough unique.

As you progress you can see the path of choices that each character has made, as well as the strength of the relationship between them. On the map, you can see the connections and implications of each person's actions on one another.

The result is a game where you influence rather than control the story. It's a gentle way to experience a narrative charged with empathy, community, friendship and closure. Along the way, you may unearth long-kept secrets, repair strained relationships, and help your loved ones move on. But really what you're doing is walking the long road of grief with these people.

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Our examiner, Andy Robertson, first checked Closer The Distance 5 months ago. It was re-examined by Jo Robertson and updated 9 weeks ago.