During June’s Steam Subsequent Fest, I spent an hour discovering the tranquil city of Yesterby, delving into the lives of its quirky inhabitants as they grappled with the aftermath of a devastating loss: the sudden passing of a dear friend and family member?
As I began my time with the demo, a somber tone settled over me, prompting me to seek refuge in my own space once it finally came to a close. Despite an initially uninviting first impression, I remained resolute in my determination to explore Yesterby and understand its authentic charm, willing to overlook the initial hurdles that threatened to deter me. As a long-time enthusiast of the “slice-of-life” simulation genre, I relished the prospect of exploring the intricate dynamics at play in this charming, coastal community, where my every move had the potential to either uplift or devastate the lives of those around me.
The manner in which this unfolds is refreshingly unique; its beauty, vibrancy, and subtle magic belie the somber subject matter. Upon entering Yesterby, you’re presented with a unique blend of The Sims-style character control and observation, skillfully combined with the intimate, narrative-driven storytelling reminiscent of Life is Unusual.
Peering into the daily rhythms of town folk, one might gain insight into the intricacies of their existence, probing the realms of their thoughts, emotions, and connections. While grasping the complexities of their lives, control is limited to only a select few pivotal aspects, leaving room for subtle influence over the narrative’s trajectory. This is where you’ll find Angela, a key figure in the story.
In the heartwarming town of Yesterby, Angela – affectionately known as Angie to those who’ve had the pleasure of getting to know her – serves as a cherished cornerstone. Unfortunately, our journey in this picturesque city commences with news of her untimely passing? As the sister of Conny, it becomes apparent that Angie’s legacy continues to resonate deeply in Yesterby, allowing her to connect with those nearest to her, guiding them towards a path of healing and finding solace once more? In this pivotal setting, Angela assumes a leadership role, guiding the inhabitants’ decisions and shaping their destiny in an effort to help them recall the motivations that led them to Yesterby in the first instance.
Among the 13 individuals who arrive in Yesterby, you gain the ability to influence five of them: Angie’s sister Conny, her partner Zek, her closest confidant River, her doctor and godmother Galya, and the enigmatic musician Laul. While reimmersing oneself in the roles of these individuals, and thereby allowing them to rediscover joy, may seem a simple proposition, Nearer the Distance persistently underscores the reality that both mourning and life-altering decisions are often far from straightforward processes.
As they navigate their collective sorrow, you must ultimately uncover what drives each character forward and what truly matters to them. As a natural consequence, individuals’ needs and desires often come at the expense of others. Galya exemplifies unwavering dedication as she tirelessly works to restore a sense of normalcy to Angie’s household, pouring her energy into meticulously cleaning the local cemetery and chapel at the behest of the distraught mother, Pia.
Gayla’s unwavering dedication to her trigger hobby may ultimately lead her to sacrifice precious time with her family, causing her loved ones to feel neglected and ignored, while also threatening her own sense of identity. Establishing equilibrium for these individuals is crucial, enabling them to support each other without sacrificing their core values and priorities.
Zek is one other instance. Despite his father’s disapproval, he must leave the city. Or River, whose father is determined to revitalize Yesterby by bringing in a showboat, despite widespread disdain from the majority of the city’s residents. While Conny, Angie’s sister, endeavors to revive the dwindling relationships within her social circle, her efforts remain stymied until she receives a corresponding response from those around her.
Despite the midst of interpersonal jostling, you can easily focus on any character at any moment without missing a crucial detail. By the time you reach the top of the sport, you’ll no longer just be familiar with the characters you’ve got control over, but also every other individual you encounter? As you navigate their personal routines, attuned to the subtle nuances that unfold after they arise, after they connect with others, and after they pause to recharge in quiet contemplation amidst life’s tumultuous waves.
Henrietta, a seasoned resident of the seaside town, indulges in her daily rituals with aplomb: she dozes off at whim, and reaps the rewards of the ocean’s bounty through her favorite pastime, fishing.
In Yesterby, a sense of unease settles over its residents, with only Eli, a younger boy, seemingly oblivious to the growing bizarre behavior. Meanwhile, Melville, a skilled carpenter, confronts the turmoil that has long plagued him as the town’s troubles come to a head. Everyone realizes the importance of having a supportive friend, and it’s ultimately up to you – and those around you – to make positive changes happen.
As the people of Yesterby struggle to mend their fractured lives, Nearer the Distance demands thoughtful strategy and deliberate planning, tempered by empathy and attentive listening, to facilitate meaningful reconciliation. Despite this, don’t let it deter you from moving forward. You won’t want to forget a pen and paper at hand. As you settle in with a stash of snacks, take heed: in the enigmatic town of Yesterby, attention proves a crucial ingredient.
As you immerse yourself in the harmonious blend of emotions, a profound resonance unfolds, weaving together threads of sweetness and poignancy to create an unforgettable tapestry that both lifts your spirits and stirs your soul. With its deeply thoughtful narrative, heartfelt conversations, and emotionally resonant storytelling, this piece masterfully prompts readers to continually ponder the complexities of morality. If there even is one.
On occasion, I found myself yearning to reach out and offer a comforting hug to those beloved characters, reassuring them that everything would be alright. As I navigated the world of storytelling, Laul served as a poignant reminder to set aside my personal drive and instead focus on amplifying the voices and desires of the characters before me.
With an emotionally charged narrative at stake, you’re bound to make mistakes; yet, by drawing upon hope from beyond the grave in Nearer the Distance, you may be able to help Yesterby move forward. If you’ve had a fantastic experience and are wondering how you can approach things differently, consider returning at a later date to tackle challenges anew.
Nearer the Distance launches for Steam, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. The assessment was conducted on the provided code submitted by the author, as well as the PC simulation model of the game.
