Close to the Sun Reviews

Close to the Sun is ranked in the 23rd percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
7 / 10.0
Dec 21, 2019

Close to the Sun doesn't have the most complex gameplay, but it has a genuinely interesting premise that draws you into a darkly intriguing mystery.

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7 / 10.0
Oct 3, 2019

Overall, I found Close to the Sun very enjoyable and, to be frank, it has been a long time since a game has grabbed my attention enough to not only complete it but do so in such a timely manner.  The ending of the game did leave me with some hopes for a continuation or at least a standalone DLC to explore the other angles of the story only hinted at. Currently, I find myself wondering what exactly does Tesla and rose to do in the future and how do they do it!

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7 / 10
May 16, 2019

Close to the Sun is an exploration adventure game that has the visuals, the atmosphere and the tension, but one key element, the gameplay, is under cooked compared to the rest.

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7 / 10.0
May 6, 2019

As a blend of intrigue, mystery, sci-fi, and horror – Close to the Sun may not be the turn of the century BioShock that pre-release media might have suggested, but there's plenty of electricity and power to be found in the story it tells.

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7 / 10
Jul 26, 2020

Close to the Sun successfully crafts a tense narrative and world through visual storytelling.

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70%
Oct 29, 2019

A very competent, well-made survival horror adventure with clear BioShock inspirations, Close to the Sun is a smart and compelling game marred only by some ill-advised showing of naff monsters.

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7 / 10.0
Nov 20, 2019

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.

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7 / 10
May 16, 2019

Close to the Sun has a huge potential. Supported by a technique of good quality, it however lacks dynamism. The fault of very slow movements and a gameplay that requires that we agree to walk to the discovery of clues more present to define an atmosphere, than to advance in the story. Not quite adventure game, not quite FPS either, it does not take clear enough direction to stand out. Nevertheless, it will satisfy the fans of the genre who do not have much to play at the moment.

Review in French | Read full review

Chris Wray
Top Critic
7 / 10.0
May 5, 2019

All things considered, though, I would heartily recommend Close to the Sun. With some fantastic world-building, an incredibly well detailed and atmospheric setting that's enhanced by a cast of interesting characters with great voice acting. The real issue comes from the lack of replay value, though for those who like to explore the world and story, there are reasons to go back.

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7 / 10.0
Oct 29, 2019

Close to the Sun is a smart narrative adventure, but some of its elements ruin the tension of its well-crafted world.

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7.1 / 10.0
Oct 15, 2020

A good lineal adventure. It lacks in the horror part the suspense Will keep on your toes, the story keeps you tangled and presentation is functional

Review in Spanish | Read full review

7.2 / 10.0
Jan 3, 2024

Short, sweet, and a solid yarn.  Close to the Sun takes an interesting alt-history setting and is pretty enough to put up with occasionally clunky gameplay.  It’s short at only 3 hours for a full playthrough, so it’s worth giving it a try if you have any interest in the premise.

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3.6 / 5.0
Nov 4, 2019

Close to the Sun is certainly an enjoyable journey, one that does include some jump scares and horror moments along the way while exploring what is a bit of a disturbing view on an alternate timeline.

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David Jagneaux
Top Critic
7.2 / 10.0
May 13, 2019

Close to the Sun is a harrowing and thoughtfully designed first-person exploration adventure that shows a twisted world in which Nikola Tesla's ideas came to life.

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7.5 / 10.0
Dec 5, 2019

Close to the Sun is an experience that I enjoyed but I also found myself wanting a bit more out of.

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7.5 / 10.0
May 17, 2019

Although the slow tempo of the gameplay might not be appealing to everyone, and although the story could have ended much, much better, Close to the Sun is still a great title that easily worth 5 to 6 hours of your time.

Review in Persian | Read full review

7.5 / 10.0
May 2, 2019

In the end, your enjoyment of Close to the Sun will depend on whether you want to be surprised. If you've played some of the previously mentioned games, you know exactly what to expect in terms of pacing and story, even if the subject matter is different. The lack of combat is an interesting choice, but the simple puzzles and slightly frustrating chase sequences dull the experience, while the inability to view collectibles after you leave a level significantly diminishes their value.

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Generación Xbox
Top Critic
7.5 / 10.0
Nov 29, 2019

In short, a title that will surprise old and new. A story of mystery and terror that will not leave anyone indifferent.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

7.5 / 10.0
May 2, 2019

Storm in a Teacup did an excellent job in creating an intriguing and at the same time anxious setting, even if it's held back by shallow puzzles and pointless action sections.

Review in Italian | Read full review

76 / 100
May 15, 2019

Close to the Sun deserves praise for the world it builds and just how gorgeously rendered that world is.

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