Icarus Rising?
It’s 1897. Deep in international waters, the Helios stands still. An unbound utopia for scientific research, born of Nikola Tesla’s vision. Journalist Rose Archer steps aboard in search of her sister Ada, quickly to discover not all is as it seems. The stench of rotting flesh lingers in the air. Silence. A single word is painted across the entrance… QUARANTINE!
Close to the Sun is a first-person experience that some would call a walking simulator, but I think that’s a little harsh. The game has puzzles, collectibles and chase scenes that mix up the experience in this horror setting of the quarantined ship of Helios. At first glance, you’ll immediately think of BioShock with its art design that looks almost plundered from the city of Rapture, but it’s more than that. Close to the Sun stands out with its design and story that gave me chills.
That’s not to say that the game is flawless, however. The pacing is a bit of a mixed bag and the scares don’t always fit in with what the game is trying to pull off. It has its rough patches, but you can tell the game is a labour of love from the team and it shows.
Visually, the game is great to look at with its highly detailed environments and there are some truly brilliant moments to be found. Voice-acting is also well delivered and the soundtrack is creepy and atmospheric throughout.
The Verdict
Close to the Sun is a beautiful love note to the likes of BioShock, but it doesn’t quite hit the target with a few misplaced scares and some pacing issues. That aside, it’s well worth a look.