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Cards of Heart

96%Game Brain Score
story, gameplay
atmosphere
96% User Score Based on 53 reviews

Platforms

Mac OSMac OSPCPCWindowsWindows

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.

Cards of Heart screenshot
Cards of Heart screenshot
Cards of Heart screenshot
Cards of Heart screenshot
Cards of Heart screenshot
Cards of Heart screenshot
Cards of Heart screenshot
Cards of Heart screenshot
Cards of Heart screenshot
Cards of Heart screenshot

96%
Audience ScoreBased on 53 reviews
story22 positive mentions

  • 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 Negative

    The 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.”
  • gameplay
    38 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay is characterized by its simple yet engaging mechanics that effectively integrate with the narrative, enhancing the overall experience. While some players found it a bit easy, especially on standard mode, the deck-building elements and mental health themes resonate deeply, making each battle feel meaningful. The tutorial is praised for its clarity, allowing players to quickly grasp the mechanics, although some battle mechanics may be slightly unclear at times.

    • “The gameplay reflects the story so well.”
    • “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 card gameplay itself is relatively basic but not a cakewalk either.”
    • “Battle mechanics are slightly unclear at points.”
    • “The gameplay is fairly simple, but also mixes with the narrative so that each of the fights feels like they're advancing the story, not distracting from it.”
  • music
    17 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game has received high praise for its seamless integration with gameplay, enhancing the overall experience without becoming distracting. Reviewers noted that the soundtrack is not only enjoyable but also memorable, with many expressing a desire to add it to their personal playlists. Overall, the music is considered a standout feature that complements the game's art and storytelling beautifully.

    • “The music blended so well with what I was doing that I forgot the music was there to begin with.”
    • “For anyone who wishes to experience a wonderful story that includes enjoyable art and an amazing soundtrack, I highly recommend giving this game a good try.”
    • “You can feel the love that went into every aspect, especially the art design, dialogue, and the soundtrack.”
  • graphics
    15 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics are widely praised for their gorgeous and seamless integration of multiple art styles, creating an enjoyable and immersive environment. Reviewers highlight the cute visuals and the thoughtful representation of mental health themes, which enhance the overall uplifting narrative of the game. Overall, the art and graphics have exceeded expectations, contributing significantly to the game's appeal.

    • “The art and graphics are gorgeous and the story is very uplifting.”
    • “I particularly liked the art style - there are a few different art styles used but they blend pretty seamlessly and create a really enjoyable environment.”
    • “I really like the different integrated art styles, the research done on mental health struggles, and the wonderful hard work this team did.”
  • emotional
    11 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game is praised for its deeply emotional narrative that resonates with players, allowing them to see their own struggles reflected in the protagonist's journey. It offers a sense of hope and healing, emphasizing that failure is not the end but an opportunity for growth. Despite its simplicity, the heartfelt story and concept have left a lasting impact on players, making it a standout in the "wholesome" genre.

    • “Throughout the story, it felt so touching and personal; I could truly see my past self within the protagonist.”
    • “As someone who struggles with their own shadows constantly in life, this story made me feel seen and gave me hope.”
    • “Heartfelt and magical, play to slay shadows while learning how to be kinder to yourself.”
  • atmosphere
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the game is often praised for its immersive and engaging qualities, effectively enhancing the overall experience. Players appreciate the thematic elements that contribute to a rich and captivating environment, making the game world feel alive and dynamic.

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