- September 6, 2024
- GoodMind Games
Cards of Heart
Platforms
About
"Cards of Heart" is a narrative-driven game following Amalia, a librarian's assistant in the fantasy town of Respite, who battles darkness born from her inner thoughts. Using therapeutic techniques, Amalia conjures cards of light to confront her shadows, exploring the reality of living with mental health challenges. Players engage in various activities like baking and storytelling, unlocking more of Respite as they progress.










- The game features a touching and personal story that effectively addresses mental health themes, resonating deeply with players.
- The art design and music are beautifully crafted, enhancing the overall experience and immersing players in the game's world.
- The gameplay mechanics, particularly the card-battling system, are engaging and serve as a poignant metaphor for dealing with inner struggles.
- The game is relatively short, with only a few battles and quests, which may leave some players wanting more content.
- There are occasional technical issues, such as settings not saving properly and minor bugs during combat.
- Some players found the main character's behavior to be annoying at times, and the combat mechanics can feel unbalanced.
story
67 mentions Positive Neutral NegativeThe game's story is widely praised for its emotional depth and personal resonance, particularly in its exploration of mental health themes such as depression and personal growth. Players find the narrative touching and relatable, with charming characters and a beautiful art style that enhance the overall experience. The integration of gameplay mechanics with the story effectively mirrors the protagonist's journey, making it a compelling adventure that resonates deeply with those who have faced similar struggles.
“Super cute story and charming characters that have made me sob my eyes out over my computer many times!”
“To persevere through all the trials when living with guilt and grief, feeling like you weren't worth it to the one person who meant the world to you - it sent chills throughout my body while living through this story.”
“The story and characters affected me on a deep level, and the deck-building battle gameplay is engaging while also serving as a poignant metaphor for facing mental health challenges.”
“The gameplay was enjoyable, though a tad easy even on standard mode. I haven't tried story mode, but considering that standard mode is already easy, I wouldn't recommend story mode unless you literally just want to read the story.”
“There are only 4 bosses and 4 fights in the game, so please don't break your experience with story mode, which is too easy and can be beaten without any deck building.”
“There are only 4 battles, but there are many little side quests to complete about town to complete more of the story.”