Sorry We're Closed

The majority of critics praised Sorry We're Closed for its rich, thematic narrative that intertwines love, relationships, and supernatural elements with depth and creativity. Reviewers like Checkpoint Gaming and Eurogamer highlighted the game’s exploration of queer love and emotional growth, with GameCritics and GameGrin emphasizing its unique portrayal of LGBTQIA+ challenges and the protagonist Michelle’s struggles in a world of angels and demons. Multiplayer.it and TheXboxHub commended the game’s branching storylines and multiple endings, which reflect the complexity of choices and relationships, while Creative Bloq and Final Weapon noted its compelling supernatural mystery and mature handling of themes like toxic relationships and self-worth. The narrative’s blend of survival horror with romantic and psychological elements, as described by The Jimquisition and TheSixthAxis, was frequently lauded for its originality, with GamesRadar+ and Xbox Tavern appreciating how character interactions drive the story’s emotional resonance and personal transformation. The game’s setting—often a surreal, nightmarish London or a demonic hotel—added layers of atmosphere, as mentioned by Shacknews and TheXboxHub, enhancing its immersive quality. However, a smaller subset of critics pointed to narrative shortcomings. Vandal found the story “somewhat lacking” and “not fully engaging,” while Combo Infinito criticized the dialogues as “weak,” detracting from immersion. PlayStation Country felt the themes of love and relationships “lacked depth,” and Try Hard Guides noted the narrative’s difficulty in following due to “quick transitions and a lack of buildup.” These critiques often focused on pacing, character development, or the execution of symbolic elements, suggesting that while the game’s premise was strong, its delivery occasionally fell short. XboxEra and ElDesmarque (who mentioned a different protagonist name, Melissa) acknowledged the story’s potential but hinted at inconsistencies in its storytelling or world-building, with XboxEra emphasizing the protagonist’s struggle against a “powerful demon” and Xbox Tavern highlighting trauma and forgiveness as key themes. Despite these issues, such criticisms were less prevalent compared to the overall acclaim. Despite the mixed feedback, the overall consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with the narrative being a standout feature. The game’s ability to merge survival horror with intimate, character-driven storytelling—particularly its focus on queer themes and emotional complexity—resonated strongly, as noted by Eurogamer, GamesRadar+, and IGN Brasil. While some reviewers, like Vandal and Combo Infinito, expressed reservations, the majority celebrated its creativity, depth, and the way player choices shape the outcome. Gamezebo and Loot Level Chill praised the engaging, natural dialogue and relatable themes, even on Nintendo Switch, while Finger Guns highlighted its “mature and personal touch” in addressing serious issues. The story’s blend of surrealism, horror, and romance, along with its emphasis on personal growth and societal challenges, solidified its reputation as a compelling and innovative narrative, even if not without its flaws.

The gameplay of Sorry We’re Closed receives praise for its innovative mechanics and nostalgic design, with critics highlighting its unique blend of perspectives and systems. Multiple reviewers, including Eurogamer and GamesRadar+, emphasize the game’s dynamic combat and puzzle-solving, noting features like the “third-eye ability” that allows players to switch between realities or target enemy weak points. GameGrin and TheSixthAxis commend the mix of isometric and first-person perspectives, which enhance both exploration and tactical depth. The game’s survival horror roots are evident in its environmental puzzles and resource management, with GameCritics and Impulsegamer praising the strategic layer added by the “Third Eye” mechanic. Additionally, GameOver.gr and TheXboxHub highlight engaging boss battles and varied combat systems, suggesting the game successfully merges arcade-style action with RPG elements. However, several critics point to flaws in execution that detract from the experience. XboxEra and ElDesmarque criticize clunky controls and frustrating mechanics, particularly in combat scenarios where precision is critical. Multiplayer.it and Shacknews note that puzzles feel simplistic or overly linear, while Slant Magazine and TheJimquisition argue that combat becomes tedious due to repetitive enemy encounters and a lack of meaningful strategy. IGN Brasil and PlayStation Country also mention that the game’s survival horror elements, while immersive, are undermined by a lack of challenge and engaging puzzles. Xbox Tavern and Finger Guns acknowledge the unique mechanics but suggest that the balance between challenge and control is uneven, with some players finding the combat system overly complex or frustrating. Despite these criticisms, the overall reception leans toward appreciation for the game’s ambition and retro-inspired design. While Creative Bloq and Final Weapon note some shortcomings, many reviewers, including Checkpoint Gaming and GameGrin, praise the game’s creativity and nostalgic nods to classic survival horror. The mixed feedback reflects a divide between those who value the game’s unique mechanics and those who find its flaws frustrating. Ultimately, Sorry We’re Closed is seen as a bold experiment that succeeds in blending old-school horror with modern twists, though its execution on certain platforms and mechanics leaves room for improvement. Critics like TheSixthAxis and GameCritics suggest that, despite its issues, the game’s core ideas and engaging combat make it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre.

The majority of critics praised the graphics and visual design of Sorry We're Closed for their nostalgic, retro-inspired aesthetic and creative execution. Many highlighted its PS1/PS2-era influences, with Checkpoint Gaming and Eurogamer noting its "striking visual style reminiscent of PS2 horror games" and "PS1-era visuals with a distinct style that enhances dark themes," respectively. GameCritics and TheSixthAxis emphasized its "neon-soaked PSX aesthetics" and "neon colors and angular character models," while GameGrin and Finger Guns celebrated its "sensationally surreal" and "vibrant" designs, blending grimy London-inspired environments with dreamlike interiors. The game’s character art was frequently lauded, with Slant Magazine and Creative Bloq pointing to "bold colors," "imaginative designs," and "beautifully painted dialogue portraits" that reflect personalities. Combo Infinito and Final Weapon noted its "retro-punk psychedelic aesthetic" and "vibrant aesthetic inspired by modern TV shows," respectively, while Xbox Tavern and IGN Brasil appreciated its "impressive" visuals and "nostalgic style with a modern touch." These elements collectively create a visually engaging and atmospheric experience that resonates with fans of classic horror and indie design. While the overall reception was overwhelmingly positive, some critics pointed to minor flaws. Vandal noted that enemy designs were "uninspired," and IGN Brasil felt the "overall atmosphere fails to create a sense of terror," suggesting the visual approach might not fully deliver on horror expectations. Additionally, PlayStation Country mentioned that the "campy" and "vibrant" aesthetic could clash with the game’s grim themes, and the androgynous character designs might not appeal to all. These critiques, though limited, indicate that while the game’s visual identity is strong, its ability to evoke fear or align with traditional horror tropes was occasionally questioned. However, such points were exceptions rather than the norm, as most reviewers focused on the style’s originality and charm. The consensus among critics is that Sorry We're Closed’s graphics and visual design are a standout feature, with its retro-inspired art direction earning widespread acclaim. The game’s ability to blend nostalgic elements—such as low-poly models, hand-drawn textures, and neon palettes—with modern creativity and unique world-building (like the "dual-world design" mentioned by GameOver.gr and the "Third Eye" mechanic by TheXboxHub) was seen as a key strength. While a few noted specific shortcomings, the majority emphasized its "impressive," "stylish," and "visually stunning" presentation, with GamesRadar+ and Xbox Tavern highlighting how the visuals enhance the gameplay and narrative. The game’s distinct identity, rooted in 90s horror and punk influences, was consistently praised for its originality and ability to create an immersive, memorable experience, solidifying its visual design as a major highlight.

The majority of critics praised the sound design and music of Sorry We’re Closed as a standout element that significantly enhances the game’s atmosphere and immersion. Reviewers highlighted the game’s original rap music during boss fights, which many described as memorable and impactful. For instance, Checkpoint Gaming noted that the rap tracks “enhance the gameplay experience and create memorable moments,” while GameGrin and The Jimquisition emphasized how the soundtrack’s “eerie tones” and “engaging lyrics” align with the game’s surreal and horror-infused themes. The use of atmospheric music, such as the “dreamlike” and “nostalgic” soundscapes mentioned by PlayStation Country and TheXboxHub, further reinforced the game’s mood. Additionally, the integration of hip-hop and lo-fi elements, as noted by Finger Guns and Impulsegamer, was seen as a unique and effective complement to the game’s aesthetic. Critics like GameCritics and GamesRadar+ also praised the soundtrack’s thematic coherence, with the Okumura Collective’s work described as “fitting” and “emotional.” These positive remarks collectively underscore the music’s role in elevating the game’s overall experience. While the majority lauded the soundtrack, a smaller number of critics pointed to specific shortcomings. Movies Games and Tech criticized the sound effects as “odd and blunt,” suggesting they detracted from immersion, while XboxEra noted that “some sounds were found annoying.” Additionally, Nintendo Life mentioned the absence of voice acting as a missed opportunity to deepen character engagement, though this was framed as a minor critique. These negative points were relatively isolated compared to the widespread acclaim, and many reviewers acknowledged that the music’s strengths outweighed these flaws. For example, Vandal praised the soundtrack’s “well-received” quality despite the lack of voiceovers, and XboxEra still highlighted the sound design as a “strong point.” While these critiques highlight areas for improvement, they did not overshadow the general consensus on the music’s effectiveness. Overall, the critical reception of Sorry We’re Closed’s sound design and music was overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers consistently praising its creativity, atmosphere, and thematic integration. The game’s use of rap, hip-hop, and lo-fi elements, as emphasized by Checkpoint Gaming, Finger Guns, and Combo Infinito, was seen as a defining feature that set it apart. Even critics who noted minor flaws, such as Movies Games and Tech and Nintendo Life, acknowledged the soundtrack’s broader strengths. The consensus was that the music and sound design were not just complementary but integral to the game’s identity, with GameGrin and TheXboxHub highlighting how they “enhance the game’s themes and mood.” This strong, unified praise reflects the sound design’s success in creating an immersive and memorable experience, solidifying its role as one of the game’s most praised aspects.

Summary unavailable

The technical performance of Sorry We’re Closed receives generally positive feedback across platforms, with critics highlighting stability and polish. On PC, multiple reviewers note a smooth experience, with Multiplayer.it praising its stability and frequent saves, while Shacknews observed no technical issues. TheSixthAxis commended the Steam Deck port for solid performance, despite minor font adjustments. For PS5, Creative Bloq and Final Weapon acknowledged improvements like motion controls and quality-of-life updates, while Impulsegamer described the port as “well-polished.” On Nintendo Switch, Loot Level Chill praised the port’s smoothness despite loading times, and Nintendo Life noted swift in-game transitions, even with a 30fps cap compared to PC’s 60fps. These positives suggest the game meets expectations for technical reliability, particularly for an indie title. However, platform-specific technical challenges are evident. On PC, Eurogamer and Metro GameCentral pointed to unclear damage indicators and awkward combat mechanics, while GamesRadar+ highlighted controller issues. GameCritics noted “awkward FPS mechanics,” and Gameliner mentioned a steep learning curve. For PS5, Final Weapon acknowledged minor gameplay hiccups, and Creative Bloq’s motion controls were a mixed bag. On Switch, Gamezebo criticized tricky controls, and Nintendo Life cited long initial load times and a frame rate dip. While these issues are generally minor, they underscore the game’s technical imperfections, particularly in control responsiveness and optimization. Overall, critics agree that Sorry We’re Closed is technically sound for an indie title, with most platforms receiving praise for stability and polish. The PC version, despite some combat and control quirks, is largely stable, while PS5 and Switch ports face fewer major issues, though each has unique challenges. Multiplayer.it and Impulsegamer emphasized the game’s reliability, and Loot Level Chill called the Switch port “impressive” despite loading times. While technical flaws exist, they are often framed as tolerable given the game’s retro aesthetic and indie roots. The consensus leans toward a positive assessment, with critics acknowledging the game’s strengths while noting room for refinement.

The majority of critics highlight the game’s strong replay value, primarily driven by its multiple endings and player-driven choices. Checkpoint Gaming, Eurogamer, and GamesRadar+ emphasize that the game’s narrative branches based on decisions, encouraging players to revisit it to uncover different outcomes. Gameliner and TheSixthAxis note the presence of four distinct endings, while Multiplayer.it and Shacknews point to the scoring system and character interactions as additional motivators for replaying. ElDesmarque and Movies Games and Tech also praise the exploration of alternate paths and the inclusion of New Game+ and Time Attack modes, which add layers to the experience. These elements collectively create a sense of discovery, with critics like Nintendo Life and Xbox Tavern appreciating how social choices and relationships influence the story, making the game feel dynamic and worth revisiting. However, some critics express concerns about the game’s brevity and its impact on replayability. Metro GameCentral and GameOver.gr both mention that the six-hour runtime may limit the appeal for players seeking longer engagement, despite the game’s compelling story and characters. IGN Brasil adds that the lack of engaging social gameplay could dampen replay value, while Slant Magazine and Finger Guns note that the replayability is implied but not explicitly detailed. Additionally, Gameliner points out that while there are multiple endings, the choices made during gameplay don’t significantly alter the overall experience, which might reduce the incentive for some players. These critiques suggest that while the game’s structure supports replayability, its short length and certain gameplay limitations could deter those looking for extended content. Overall, the consensus among critics leans positive, with most acknowledging that the game’s branching narratives, multiple endings, and optional mechanics like New Game+ and Time Attack modes provide a solid foundation for replayability. While some, such as Metro GameCentral and GameOver.gr, caution that the short duration might not satisfy all players, others like TheSixthAxis and Final Weapon argue that the engaging gameplay loop and challenge-oriented design justify the length. The game’s emphasis on player agency and exploration of different realities, as noted by Combo Infinito and Creative Bloq, further reinforces its appeal for those interested in uncovering all possibilities. Despite minor reservations, the majority of reviews agree that "Sorry We're Closed" offers enough variety and depth to warrant multiple playthroughs, particularly for fans of narrative-driven experiences.