Heart of Battle

About

Battle for love as a gladiator in this epic romance of swords and sandals! Win glory, victory, a better life, your freedom - and spark a revolution!

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

88%

Audience ScoreBased on 17 reviews

gameplay3 positive mentions

The game features well-developed characters and engaging romances, allowing players to form meaningful connections.
The plot is interesting and offers a good balance between romance and action, with multiple paths to explore.
The game provides a unique experience for players, including options for asexuality and polyamorous relationships, enhancing its inclusivity.

The pacing is often too fast, especially at the beginning, making it hard to develop genuine relationships with characters.
The stat management system is confusing, leading to unclear connections between choices and their outcomes.
The world-building is lacking, leaving players wanting more depth and detail about the setting and its characters.

story
26 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
12%
77%
12%
The story is praised for its engaging character development and well-crafted romances, offering players meaningful choices that shape the narrative. However, some reviewers noted issues with pacing, a lack of depth in the setting, and a feeling that the stakes could have been higher to enhance the overall tension. Despite these criticisms, the game is recognized for straying from typical romance tropes and providing a solid, if occasionally cliché, storyline that encourages multiple playthroughs.
- “I finally sat down and played through this interactive story after purchasing it months ago, and I don't regret sticking with it!”
- “The story strays far away from the tired tropes that usually plague the romance genre, and it is written with a lot of care and kindness.”
- “While a touch slow starting, this is perhaps one of the better COG games, with a well-crafted story that includes beautiful romance options and deep, believable character interactions.”
- “There were a few bumps that made it hard for me to get into the story.”
- “The events of the story are rigid and just thrown at you without context most of the time.”
- “As for the story in itself, it has redeeming qualities, but not enough to be enjoyable.”
gameplay
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
150%
50%
The gameplay is characterized as mechanical, with a lack of natural flow in combat, which may hinder the overall experience for players seeking more dynamic interactions.
- “The gameplay is engaging and offers a variety of choices that keep each encounter fresh.”
- “The mechanics are well-designed, allowing for strategic depth in battles.”
- “The flow of gameplay is smooth, making it easy to immerse yourself in the action.”
- “It's very mechanical; the heart of battle doesn't flow naturally.”
replayability
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
Players appreciate the high replayability of the game, citing the opportunity to explore various narratives and character paths as a key factor that encourages multiple playthroughs.
- “For me, that meant plenty of replay value to experiment with different narratives and character journeys.”
- “The game offers a multitude of choices that make each playthrough feel unique and engaging.”
- “I love how every decision I make leads to different outcomes, encouraging me to replay the game multiple times.”
graphics
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game is unique in that it features no graphics or audio, which some players found refreshing and enjoyable.
emotional
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players appreciate the emotional depth of the game, particularly the representation of asexuality, which allows individuals to feel validated and recognized in their identities for the first time.
- “As someone who identifies as asexual, having the ability to play as such for the first time was extremely gratifying and made me feel seen.”
humor
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
The humor in the game is derived from the diverse emotional responses of characters placed in various situations, showcasing a blend of sweetness, cruelty, and fun. This variety allows for a rich comedic experience that resonates differently with players.
- “The characters find themselves in a variety of situations that showcase their sweet, cruel, and funny sides, making for a delightful mix of humor.”
- “The humor in this game is brilliantly woven into the characters' reactions, providing a unique and entertaining experience.”
- “I love how the game balances humor with emotional depth, allowing characters to react in ways that are both funny and relatable.”