Close to the Sun is a game that bathes in both the brilliance and the madness of Nikola Tesla’s mind. Set in an alternate 19th century where Tesla’s utopian vision of the Helios, a city-ship powered by free energy, has devolved into a chilling nightmare, the game crafts a suffocating atmosphere that will leave you both exhilarated and deeply unsettled.
A Visual Feast of Decaying Grandeur:
You’re met with a breathtaking Art Deco spectacle when you step onto the Helios. Towering golden structures, once gleaming with the promise of scientific advancement, now stand warped and rusted, their decay a testament to the hubris that fueled their creation. The air crackles with an unnatural energy, casting long, flickering shadows that dance on the walls. Everywhere you look, there are remnants of a society that reached too far, too fast, and paid the ultimate price.
Graphics: 9
Sound: 8
Controls: 6
Story: 8
Engaging: 8
Overall: 7.8
The Creeping Dread of Isolation:
But the true horror of Close to the Sun lies not in its grand vistas, but in its intimate corners. As you navigate the abandoned decks and laboratories, you’ll find the chilling remnants of the Helios’ inhabitants. Twisted machines, half-finished experiments, and blood-soaked logs paint a picture of a society consumed by its own ambition. The silence is broken only by the clacking of metal, the drip of water, and the occasional, bloodcurdling shriek. You’re constantly on edge, waiting for the next sign of the shadowy figures that stalk the ship, their motives as shrouded in mystery as their forms.
Echoes of Puzzle Gaming’s Golden Age:
Close to the Sun harkens back to the golden age of adventure games, where environmental storytelling and clever puzzles reign supreme. The game’s world is a puzzle box filled with locked doors, malfunctioning machinery, and cryptic messages hinting at the Helios’ dark secrets. Unraveling these puzzles is not just a matter of logic, but also of piecing together the fragmented narrative, understanding the characters’ motivations, and ultimately, confronting the terrible truth about what happened on the Helios.
A Haunting Legacy:
Close to the Sun is not a long game, but it’s one that will stay with you long after you finish it. The oppressive atmosphere, the unsettling story, and the echoes of a bygone era of gaming combine to create a truly unique and unforgettable experience. It’s a love letter to classic adventure games, infused with a modern sensibility for horror and storytelling. If you’re looking for a game that will chill you to the bone and make you question the price of progress, then set sail for the Helios – just be prepared to face the darkness that awaits.
Overall, Close to the Sun is a must-play for fans of atmospheric horror, classic adventure games, and anyone who loves a good mystery. Just don’t forget to bring a warm blanket – you’ll need it.
If this game sounds like it might be a good fit for you, check out our partners at Humble Bundle for a discount!