Close to the Sun

 PlayStation 4
User Score
5.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 22 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 22
  3. Negative: 7 out of 22
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. angelknives
    Jan 14, 2021
    6
    This looked like it'd be right up my ally, the design, the concept, it's nothing new, but it is exactly what I enjoy. But Close to the Sun just didn't scratch that itch for me. The story is incredibly predictable, and never lives up to its promising premise. The environments are gorgeous (though on the ps4 the graphics have this strange blurriness to them), and look enticing to explore,This looked like it'd be right up my ally, the design, the concept, it's nothing new, but it is exactly what I enjoy. But Close to the Sun just didn't scratch that itch for me. The story is incredibly predictable, and never lives up to its promising premise. The environments are gorgeous (though on the ps4 the graphics have this strange blurriness to them), and look enticing to explore, but exploration is almost never rewarded.
    This game completely restricts your movements, meaning you never feel like you're exploring the place, just being shown around by the game. That makes you feel completely disconnected from the main character. Besides exploration, the game has a few action moments, but they all fall flat. The mechanics are janky and the enemies ridiculous. And speaking of ridiculous, the game manages to boil down an interesting mystery about time bleeding throughout the ship to a fight against boring enemies.
    I think the game would have done better to stay a mystery about time experiments, with no enemies running after you and more to explore.    … Expand
  2. inmh
    Sep 5, 2020
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Not the worst game I've ever played, but certainly not the best.

    The running/chasing function is screwed (in particular, the chase in Flowers of Persephone is damn near game-breaking), the story and characters are thin, and the voice-acting for Rose in particular was... Not great. I also cringed at how a lot of Rose and Ada's dialogue came off as weirdly modern for 1897, very little attempt to write/portray the characters as speaking the way people would have at the turn of the last century. It was even worse in contrast to Tesla and Aubrey, who speak at least in a way that wouldn't be totally out of place.

    And I'm sorry, but I'm gonna be That Gal and say it: They ripped a LOT off from Bioshock, from the font they used for the title to the use of Greek Gods in the names of the levels, to the fact that Helios is supposed to be a refuge for scientists/actors/what have you to be uninhibited by society, to the fact that the Voice Over the Radio double-crosses you...

    They COULD have had all of these things and had it be similar to Bioshock, while being its own game. They COULD have. But as I said before, the story and characters are far too weak and underdeveloped to stand on their own, which makes the Bioshock references and aesthetic stick out even more.

    The best I can say for this game is that it had a decently creepy atmosphere and was not totally boring.    … Expand
  3. rickdonnie
    Jun 26, 2020
    6
    The gameplay is not great and finally, the game lacks of real gameplay. Puzzles, well, the same here. Graphics are good, the game looks great. The set and everything looks a lot like Bioshock, and it was clear from the start. Is it a rip off? No, it tells its own story, and that's good. The story and by extension, of course, the game, are pretty short. Nothing impressive by any mean, butThe gameplay is not great and finally, the game lacks of real gameplay. Puzzles, well, the same here. Graphics are good, the game looks great. The set and everything looks a lot like Bioshock, and it was clear from the start. Is it a rip off? No, it tells its own story, and that's good. The story and by extension, of course, the game, are pretty short. Nothing impressive by any mean, but it can keeps you entertained during your playthrough, and maybe after that you'll want to play Bioshock 1 and 2 again.… Expand
  4. Nobilis1984
    Nov 2, 2019
    1
    A nice walking simulator that is very boring. The horror elements are out of place and disturb the fun. The animation is also ridiculous.
    Why does the beautiful game have to break so bad?
  5. Liamcorotted
    Jan 2, 2021
    4
    Close to the sun is a survival horror game that lacks in all areas, borderline walking simulator. Cool idea for great atmosphere. Just another failed horror game.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
68

Mixed or average reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. PSX Extreme
    Dec 5, 2019
    75
    Close to the Sun is an experience that I enjoyed but I also found myself wanting a bit more out of. The environments look fantastic and presentation was on point. Despite a few technical glitches. And while interesting, the story did fall a bit flat at times and seemed a bit rushed at others. I did enjoy my time with it though and especially enjoyed seeing what could have been possible if history had taken a different route. If you’re into the genre, like alternate history, or appreciate a well done style and tone, then I say go for it. It was a cool trip.
    Read full review
  2. Critical Hit
    Nov 20, 2019
    70
    Horror-adventure Close to the Sun pairs an emotionally-engaging narrative with arguably one of the most stunning and memorable game worlds of 2019. Pity about the frustrating gameplay choices and story decisions that ramp up in the final third of the game. They cast a shadow over the accomplishments that preceded them.
    Read full review
  3. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Nov 18, 2019
    70
    While the atmosphere, scares, and narrative are successful, the game suffers from sluggish controls and the odd confusing puzzle. [Issue#169, p.96]
See all critic reviews »