Sorry We’re Closed is such a strange experience that I don’t know how to feel about it. On one hand, I adore the retro perspective and the glorious horror edge. On the other hand, the story is so weird and unusual that it takes some getting used to. Accordingly, it is a bit of a Marmite game, and it could be divisive.
This third-person horror title was developed by a la mode games and published by Akupara Games. It is a single-player and linear-focused endeavour that blends surreal imagery and demonology into one unhealthy package. Furthermore, it is reminiscent of Resident Evil 1, and I love this step-down memory lane.
Sorry We’re Closed proves that love drives you insane.
Love is all-powerful and hard to fathom. However, whenever a relationship ends, both parties are hurt, confused, and struggle to put their lives back together. This is exactly what happens to the protagonist in Sorry We’re Closed. This sense of love and loss haunts her, and it leads her down some rather creepy paths. Yet, even at her lowest, Michelle didn’t expect to attract the attention of a love-sick demon!
The Duchess is a demonic being who is lost, angry, and just a little deranged. Her idea of love is torture, pain, and complete control. However, when her intended targets spurn her advances, things take a turn for the worse. A curse is imparted on the victim, and they get the power to see the realm of demons and angels. Yet, as a bonus, the curse opens the door to the Duchess and her overbearing and “loving” ways.
Choices, choices.
Sorry We’re Closed has a bizarre plot running from beginning to end. Moreover, there are plenty of characters to interact with and loads of story-altering moments. These branching elements keep you guessing throughout. Additionally, you feel in control of the hero’s fate and the path she wishes to take.
The gameplay revolves around 2 key ideas: exploration and fighting. The chapters are set in small areas where demons, monsters, and puzzles stand in your way. Furthermore, there are collectables to find and loads of problems to overcome. None of the puzzles are challenging, and a little thinking goes a long way.
The combat, on the other hand, is brilliantly old-school. The third-person perspective shifts to a first-person viewpoint for ultimate accuracy. As you stare at your opponents, you must use your third-eye power, the Duchess’s curse, to see each monster’s weaknesses. The weak points are shown as beating hearts that break every time you hit them. This simple idea matches the theme of love and heartbreak, and was a nice touch.
Boss battles.
Like its retro peers, Sorry We’re Closed has some epic boss battles. Though none of these encounters truly tested me, I loved the reliance on perfect heartbreaking and using the heartbreaker tool to its full potential. The heartbreaker is an angelic gun that can thwart any demon it hits. Weaker opponents will fall to its deadly ammo in one hit. However, stronger and bigger entities will require 2, 3, or 4 heartbreaker shots to be destroyed.
Sorry We’re Closed looks great.
It feels strange to say a 1996-style game looks great by modern standards. Yet, Sorry We’re Closed gets that accolade. The pixelated and grim visuals are wonderful to look at. Additionally, the blend of garish colours and each of the demons was phenomenal. The flux of demonic imagery and the human realm was impressive, and the game is constantly twisting and turning as a consequence.
The audio is probably the weakest element. Though I like the soundtrack and the boss battles deliver incredible aggressive, and dangerous vibes, the sound effects are odd and unnecessarily blunt. The groans of the Duchess and the weird noise of each weapon were uncalled for. Every interaction sounds strange, and this could have easily been avoided.
Clumsy controls.
Mid-90s games were clumsy as hell. Sorry We’re Closed matches this idea with its stiff movement and unnecessarily convoluted navigation. What’s more, the inventory system is refined and using any item requires you to open unnecessary menus. This should have been tedious, but it is so incredibly dated that I didn’t care.
The developer has done a great job of incorporating multiple endings into this title. What’s more, there is a scoring system for each chapter and loads of collectables to find. As such, there is plenty to see and do if you wish to experience every finale.
Sorry We’re Closed is an amazing game.
Though I found the story to be a little outlandish, I adored my time with Sorry We’re Closed. The plot is just ridiculous, and the characters are larger than life. Moreover, the Duchess is a bit of a dick and I didn’t know who to back or how the story would twist and turn. This kept me on my toes throughout and made it a great, albeit unusual game to play. Accordingly, I love it and I recommend buying it here! Can you find the path to true love? Remove the curse, help the angels and demons, and see what fate has in store for you and the Duchess.
