Closer the Distance is an emotional, heartfelt Sims-like adventure about loss and grief that moved me to tears several times

GamesAdventureCloser the Distance is an emotional, heartfelt Sims-like adventure about loss and grief that moved me to tears several timesWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

GamesAdventureCloser the Distance is an emotional, heartfelt Sims-like adventure about loss and grief that moved me to tears several timesWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Skybound Games)

Closer the Distance

Moving on

(Image credit: Skybound Games)

Closer the Distance - Angela watches over her family

Indie Spotlight(Image credit: Little Bat Games)This fang-tastic visual novel had me talking kinder to myself, and I can’t thank it enough for that

Indie Spotlight

(Image credit: Little Bat Games)This fang-tastic visual novel had me talking kinder to myself, and I can’t thank it enough for that

(Image credit: Little Bat Games)

Vampire Therapist: A close of shot of wild west gunslinger Sam with the Indie Spotlight logo

This fang-tastic visual novel had me talking kinder to myself, and I can’t thank it enough for that

(Image credit: Skybound Games)

Closer the Distance - Conny’s friend River offers her support

You’re free to swap between characters at any time to see what they’re up to - even if they’re not individuals you’re directly influencing - and you can see how they’re feeling through their needs meters and indicators that show you the core emotion they’re dealing with. You’ll also see a list of hopes and desires, which you can also try to help with through the characters you influence at certain points.

Letting go

(Image credit: Skybound Games)

Closer the Distance - Zek’s father asks him to think through his plans to leave

What’s more, it instills the idea that those who pass away live on through the people they leave behind. Whether it be their memories of Angela, or through the actions they take because of the presence she had in their lives or the connection they shared, they’re never truly gone. There’s comfort in that.

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There are so many lines of dialog that will stay with me and moments that caused tears to fall, but I don’t want to spoil any one of them. It’s worth checking out the content warnings and considering the sensitive themes it explores if you’re facing grief yourself. But I wholeheartedly recommend Closer the Distance for anyone who’s looking for a moving narrative experience with choices that matter and a Sims-like feel. You won’t regret it.

Closer the Distance is out now on PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PS5. See what else we’ve been enjoying in ourIndie Spotlightseries.

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Nemesis board game models and tokens laid out on a board

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1

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