Closer Than You Think

Closer Than You Think is a Russian visual novel following Amelie, a teenager whose carefree life is disrupted when her family is forced to relocate to a new city. As she adjusts to her unfamiliar surroundings and new school, players guide her through interactions and budding romantic relationships with two classmates, navigating the challenges of upheaval and young love.

Closer Than You Think: Review

In the vast landscape of visual novels, “Closer Than You Think” stands out as a poignant exploration of teenage romance and the challenges of adapting to new environments. Developed by KateGamesStudio and published by Dagestan Technology, this Russian visual novel was released on September 20, 2018, for Windows. The game follows Amelie, a teenage girl whose family is forced to move to a new city, as she navigates her new life and falls in love with two boys from her new school. This review will delve into the game’s development history, narrative depth, gameplay mechanics, world-building, and its enduring legacy.

Development History & Context

The Studio and Creators’ Vision

KateGamesStudio, the developer behind “Closer Than You Think,” is a relatively unknown entity in the global gaming scene. However, their work on this visual novel showcases a deep understanding of the genre’s strengths and a keen eye for storytelling. The studio’s vision was to create a relatable and emotionally resonant narrative that would appeal to a wide audience, particularly those who enjoy stories about love, loss, and self-discovery.

Technological Constraints and Gaming Landscape

Released in 2018, “Closer Than You Think” benefited from the advancements in visual novel technology at the time. The game features high-quality graphics and a beautiful musical score, which were becoming more common in visual novels as the genre gained popularity. The gaming landscape in 2018 was dominated by a mix of indie and AAA titles, with visual novels carving out a niche for themselves as a form of interactive storytelling that prioritized narrative over gameplay mechanics.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Plot and Characters

The story of “Closer Than You Think” revolves around Amelie, a teenage girl who enjoys a carefree life with her favorite school, loyal friends, and regular parties. However, her world is upended when she receives a letter informing her that her family has nowhere to live and must move to another city. This abrupt change forces Amelie to adapt to a new school, new acquaintances, and new rules. As she struggles to find her footing, she finds herself falling in love with two boys from her new school, leading to a complex web of emotions and decisions.

Amelie’s character is well-developed, with a relatable mix of vulnerability and strength. Her journey from a carefree teenager to someone grappling with the challenges of adolescence is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. The two love interests, while not as deeply explored as Amelie, are charming and add depth to the narrative.

Dialogue and Themes

The dialogue in “Closer Than You Think” is realistic and engaging, capturing the nuances of teenage conversations. The themes explored in the game are universal and timeless: the struggle to find one’s place in the world, the pain of unrequited love, and the difficulty of making life-altering decisions. The game’s exploration of these themes is nuanced and thoughtful, making it a compelling read for anyone who has ever experienced the tumultuous emotions of adolescence.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Core Gameplay Loops

As a visual novel, “Closer Than You Think” primarily relies on reading and making choices. The gameplay loop is simple: read the text, make a choice, and see the consequences of that choice unfold. This loop is repeated throughout the game, with the player’s choices determining the direction of the story.

Combat and Character Progression

There is no combat in “Closer Than You Think,” as it is not a traditional game but a visual novel. Character progression is handled through the narrative, with Amelie’s relationships and personal growth evolving based on the player’s choices.

UI and Innovative/Flawed Systems

The user interface in “Closer Than You Think” is clean and intuitive, with clear navigation and easy-to-read text. The game’s innovative use of branching narratives and multiple endings adds replayability, encouraging players to explore different paths and outcomes. However, the lack of voice acting and the reliance on text-heavy storytelling may be a drawback for some players.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Setting and Atmosphere

The game’s setting is contemporary and relatable, with a focus on the everyday experiences of a teenage girl. The atmosphere is one of nostalgia and longing, capturing the bittersweet feeling of growing up and leaving behind the familiar. The art style is realistic and detailed, with character designs that are both attractive and expressive.

Visual Direction and Sound Design

The visual direction in “Closer Than You Think” is impressive, with high-quality graphics that bring the story to life. The sound design is equally noteworthy, with a beautiful musical score that complements the narrative and enhances the emotional impact of key scenes. The use of ambient sounds and sound effects is subtle but effective, adding depth to the game’s atmosphere.

Reception & Legacy

Critical and Commercial Reception

“Closer Than You Think” received mixed reviews upon its release. Critics praised the game’s narrative depth and emotional resonance but criticized its lack of innovation and reliance on traditional visual novel tropes. The game’s commercial performance was modest, with a dedicated but niche audience appreciating its storytelling and character development.

Influence on Subsequent Games and the Industry

While “Closer Than You Think” may not have had a significant impact on the industry as a whole, it has influenced subsequent visual novels by demonstrating the power of relatable storytelling and emotional depth. The game’s exploration of teenage romance and the challenges of adolescence has inspired other developers to create similarly themed games, contributing to the genre’s growth and diversity.

Conclusion

“Closer Than You Think” is a poignant and emotionally resonant visual novel that explores the complexities of teenage romance and the challenges of adapting to new environments. Its relatable narrative, well-developed characters, and high-quality art and sound design make it a standout title in the genre. While it may not have broken new ground in terms of gameplay mechanics, its storytelling and character development are sure to resonate with players who enjoy thought-provoking and emotionally engaging narratives. In the annals of video game history, “Closer Than You Think” stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in interactive media.