Life is Strange meets The Sims in deeply moving Steam Next Fest demo for Closer the Distance

It’s not often that a game – well, a Steam Next Fest demo – has such a profound impact on you that you need to take a breather afterwards. But then again, maybe I’m just not used to playing the type of game that Closer the Distance is. A cross-pollination of two genres, simulation and storytelling, Closer the Distance has, so far, set itself up to be something very special.

From the get go, Closer the Distance has a beautiful soundtrack and a solemn tone. Developed by Osmotic Studios, the developers invite you into the sleepy town of Yesterby, where tragedy has struck and the whole community is feeling the effects of it. This tragedy takes the form of an accident involving Angela, a girl who is described as having been the heart of the community, and it’s plain to see that the loss of her is shaping up to be the straw that broke the camel’s back for some of the people of Yesterby; this is a town in crisis and in conflict, but it need not be like that.

Taking on the role of Angie – from beyond the dead – it’s up to you to influence the decisions of Yesterby’s remaining inhabitants in an attempt to heal the community and restore some form of happiness to the town once again. This is where the simulation aspect comes in; starting with Angie’s sister, Conny, who can hear Angie’s insight from beyond the grave, you can determine what course of action people take. Will Conny do some sewing today to help distract her from her sister’s passing? What about a family friend, Galya? Will she help Angie’s father dig his daughter’s grave and tend to his farm, or will she leave him to it? And later in the demo, we unlock Angie’s partner, Zek, who must decide what type of headstone to carve for his lover. It’s all very somber.