A Summer in Our Hearts

About

A Summer in Our Hearts is a single player action game. It was developed by Fluttering Abyss and was released on December 31, 2024. It received very positive reviews from players.

A Summer in Our Hearts is a slice of life visual novel set to explore the life of three young adults, each from a very different background with very different personalities, and how they deal with their personal struggles. Each is trying to put their best foot forward and find their own way towards happiness. Help each other along the way, or stand by and watch as they go on their separate path. …

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

Skip User Reviews

93%

Audience ScoreBased on 15 reviews

emotional3 positive mentions

gameplay2 negative mentions

The game features relatable characters and an engaging story that evokes strong emotions, particularly in the heartfelt ending.
The writing, art, and music create a nostalgic atmosphere that resonates with players, making it a memorable experience.
It's a short but sweet visual novel that offers distinct routes and meaningful interactions, leaving players wanting more.

Some players may find the dating dynamics unrealistic, particularly the quick progression of relationships.
The pacing can be uneven, with certain sections dragging on longer than necessary, which may disrupt the flow of the story.
While the game is enjoyable, some players feel it could benefit from being longer to explore the characters and story more deeply.

story
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
14%
43%
The story is engaging and emotionally resonant, particularly in its exploration of the fleeting nature of summer and the lasting impact of relationships formed during that time. Players can easily identify with the protagonist, enhancing their connection to the narrative, which is complemented by heartwarming interactions and a satisfying conclusion. Overall, it is a well-crafted visual novel that prioritizes storytelling over complex mechanics.
- “I also found it very easy to identify with the player character, perhaps because I have a similar personality, which enhanced the story even more.”
- “I was constantly engaged with the story and overall had a great time just letting the story play out.”
- “I would happily recommend this to someone looking for a short little story about the temporariness of summer and how permanent the things we develop in that short time can become, if we but let them be so.”
- “This review will be heavily spoilered as I talk a lot about the story and how it made me feel, especially the ending.”
- “Even with the simple storylines, I was definitely able to take away and honestly learn from the interactions of the main character and the two girls, especially in the heartwarming ending of Sayuri's route.”
- “A very well-made visual novel with an above-average story.”
emotional
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its impactful storytelling, particularly in the ending, which evokes strong feelings of sadness and joy. Players report being deeply moved by the character interactions, especially in Sayuri's route, where the narrative fosters personal reflection and emotional growth. Overall, the game successfully engages players on an emotional level, leaving a lasting impression.
- “This review will be heavily spoilered as I talk a lot about the story and how it made me feel, especially the ending.”
- “[spoiler] The ending easily played with my emotions as I cried when Sayuri told the player character how much pain finding out about the player character's attempt to slip quietly out of her life caused her, and felt as happy as can be when she asked the player character to go home with her.”
- “Even with the simple storylines, I was definitely able to take away and honestly learn from the interactions of the main character and the two girls, especially in the heartwarming ending of Sayuri's route.”
gameplay
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The gameplay is straightforward and lacks innovative mechanics, yet it effectively maintains player engagement while allowing the narrative to shine.
- “Gameplay-wise, it’s simple.”
- “There’s nothing groundbreaking about the mechanics, but they do their job: keeping you engaged while letting the story take center stage.”
atmosphere
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The atmosphere is consistently highlighted as the standout feature of the game, captivating players with its immersive and engaging qualities.
- “The real star here is the atmosphere.”
music
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The music in the game is praised for its ability to evoke a sense of wistful nostalgia, enhancing the overall experience and leaving a lasting impression on players even after they finish the game.
- “The art, music, and writing come together to create this sense of wistful nostalgia that lingers even after you’ve put the game down.”