This year has seen a resurgence of retro horror games, with titles like Bloober Team’s Silent Hill 2 remake and indie darlings Crow Country and Fear the Spotlight transporting players back to the golden age of fixed cameras and pixelated protagonists. Now, we can add another gem to this list: Sorry We’re Closed, a debut title from à la Mode Games that blends familiarity with a unique twist.
At first glance, Sorry We’re Closed seems like another love letter to Silent Hill, featuring familiar elements like resource management and puzzle-solving. But beneath the surface lies an inventive and stylish game that defies easy categorization. If you think retro horror has run out of new ideas, Sorry We’re Closed will prove you wrong.
A Neon-Soaked World of Horror
You might not realize you’re playing a horror game at first. The striking neon-soaked art style, reminiscent of Killer7 and Neon White, is undeniably captivating. The story begins with Michelle, a weary convenience store clerk, and her partner, navigating the mundane ups and downs of their relationship. But when Michelle falls asleep, she encounters a chilling paralysis demon who curses her. This sets in motion a bizarre and occasionally convoluted narrative where Michelle must collaborate with angels and demons to break the curse and mend her fractured relationship.
A Familiar Framework with a Modern Twist
The game’s gameplay initially feels familiar. You’ll explore dreary underground train stations, searching for puzzle pieces while avoiding creepy rat-like creatures under the watchful gaze of fixed camera angles. It’s a classic retro horror setup, evoking memories of Crow Country. However, Sorry We’re Closed cleverly shakes up this familiar structure. Pressing the left trigger instantly shifts your perspective to first-person, revealing a hidden layer of gameplay. This simple yet powerful mechanic adds depth to exploration. You might find yourself trapped in a room, only to realize by switching to first-person that a seemingly flat floor is actually a staircase.
The Power of the Third Eye
As Michelle delves deeper into the dream world, she unlocks a powerful ability – her third eye. With the press of a button, a circle expands around you, revealing the real world hidden beneath the dream. Impassable vines in the dream world vanish, revealing hidden pathways. This unique mechanic introduces a new layer of spatial puzzle-solving that goes beyond the traditional item-hunting found in many retro horror games.
Stylish Combat and a Heartbreaker Finish
The third eye mechanic also bleeds into combat, creating Sorry We’re Closed’s most striking feature. When aiming at an enemy in first-person, you can activate your third eye to reveal a weak point – a glowing crystal heart. Shooting at it can trigger the appearance of another weak point. This rhythmic, strategic approach to combat emphasizes accuracy and resource management, maximizing damage and preserving precious ammo. The ability to charge up a “heartbreaker” shot, which delivers a devastating blow, adds another layer of strategy and excitement to combat, particularly during intense boss fights. Visually, the combat is incredibly stylish, with neon colors and UI elements blending seamlessly with the lo-fi aesthetic.
A Symphony of Ideas, Not Without Its Imperfections
While Sorry We’re Closed’s creative energy is undeniable, it isn’t without its flaws. The perspective-shifting mechanic, while innovative, can feel clunky at times. You might find yourself struggling to maintain the right distance from enemies while switching to first-person, equipping the proper weapon, and activating your third eye in rapid succession. The game’s combat also presents a challenge in gauging attack ranges, which can lead to unexpected deaths. Additionally, the story’s deep dive into demonic lore can feel convoluted and overwhelming at times.
A Unique Experience That Will Stay with You
Despite its imperfections, Sorry We’re Closed’s creative energy is infectious. It evokes the spirit of early PlayStation horror classics like Killer7, offering a unique and memorable experience. While other polished horror games might offer a more streamlined experience, none will open your third eye quite like Sorry We’re Closed. This is a game that will leave a lasting impression, taking you to a strange world you won’t soon forget. Sorry We’re Closed is available now on PC.
