The Closing Shift

Developed by the prolific Chilla's Art, The Closing Shift is a short but terrifying indie title that will scar you for life – especially if you work in retail. This game takes you on a spooky journey as you work the closing shift at a trendy cafe, with supernatural occurrences happening all around you. While some players may find the gameplay loop confusing, there is still plenty to appreciate in this game.

The Closing Shift lacks the punch that some other Chilla's Art titles have, but it still manages to be an enjoyable – if a bit linear – horror experience.

Stunning Atmosphere

The first thing that stands out in The Closing Shift is the game's atmosphere. Chilla's Art has done a fantastic job of creating a genuinely eerie and creepy environment. The game's VHS filter adds an old-school feel to it, making it even more haunting.

The environmental set pieces are also very well done, providing a believable world with great attention to detail. I found myself completely immersed in the game world and thoroughly enjoying the game's visual style.

It's safe to say that fans of the J-horror aesthetic will definitely be pleased by what they'll find in this game.

Effective Horror

The horror elements in The Closing Shift are well-executed and genuinely terrifying. The game manages to create an unnerving atmosphere, making the player feel uneasy and on edge throughout. The jump scares are not overdone, which helps to create a more intense experience.

The game is similar to other horror titles like Ikai and DreadOut in terms of the horror elements, but it manages to stand out by adding its own unique touch to the genre. The overwhelming sense of anticipation is something that Chilla's Art has mastered with previous titles, and that same mastery is in full display in The Closing Shift.

Intriguing Story

The story of The Closing Shift is mesmerizing and keeps the player engaged throughout. The game's plot unfolds slowly as you progress, giving you more insight into the events happening around you. The game's narrative is well-written, and the characters you meet along the way add depth to the story. I enjoyed piecing together the clues and trying to figure out what was happening in the game's world.

This is the type of game that rewards the more keen-eyed players out there, as some parts of the story aren't exactly clear at first glance. While this might prove frustrating to some players, fans of a more psychological take on horror might see this as the natural evolution of what games like Silent Hill had to offer.

Pros

• Genuinely unsettling atmosphere
• The game injects horror into mundane tasks with amazing ease
• Great narrative and storyline

Cons

• Some minor tasks are more convoluted than they need
• At times, the game feels more like a chores simulator rather than a horror game