HeatStroke

95%
Game Brain Score Based on 127 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • graphics
HeatStroke Game Cover
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HeatStroke is a single-player Simulation game with an intriguing story that challenges players to transcribe an original short story in its entirety while driving through an endless desert road. The game offers a dynamic radio and a progressively stranger landscape, but with no save function and an excess of typing, it is not for the faint of heart. Recommended for masochists or those seeking a unique and grueling experience.

  • PC
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

95%
Audience ScoreBased on 127 reviews
story28 positive mentions
gameplay3 negative mentions
  • The story is engaging and thought-provoking, drawing players into a unique narrative experience.
  • The game offers a distinct and original concept, combining typing with driving mechanics in a way that challenges players' endurance.
  • Visually appealing with a haunting atmosphere, the game effectively immerses players in its surreal world.
  • The lack of a save feature and limited pause time can lead to a frustrating and exhausting experience for players.
  • Gameplay can feel tedious and physically demanding, with many players reporting wrist and hand pain from extended typing sessions.
  • The game's design may alienate those who prefer traditional gaming experiences, making it a niche title not suitable for everyone.
  • story88 mentions

    The story in the game is widely praised for its gripping, thought-provoking narrative that blends elements of sci-fi and horror, drawing comparisons to classic literature. Players find themselves deeply invested in the story they are writing, despite the frustrating gameplay mechanics that can detract from the experience. Overall, while the narrative is compelling and well-crafted, the method of delivery—typing while driving—can be both a unique and punishing challenge, leading to mixed feelings about the overall experience.

    • “The story grips you like a vice.”
    • “Heatstroke has awesome visuals and music, plus an amazing story that reminded me of 'Flowers for Algernon' in the beginning and 'I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream' towards the end.”
    • “The story is extremely engaging and very good, and it pairs well with the atmosphere of the game.”
    • “The story was written, but at what cost?”
    • “An hour-long story dragged out to the five-hour mark.”
    • “Many will give up and want the pain to cease more than witnessing the rest of the story, and I hardly blame them.”
  • gameplay6 mentions

    The gameplay has been criticized for being minimal and frustrating, primarily involving typing and slow vehicle maneuvering that detracts from the experience. Players describe it as a slog, with mechanics that feel tedious and unengaging, leading to a monotonous gameplay loop. Overall, the gameplay is seen as a significant drawback, overshadowing the otherwise compelling story.

    • “The only game I've ever played where needing to piss, shit, eat, sleep, and cry in real life is a mechanic.”
    • “The gameplay consists of typing what's on screen, and turning a car at a slower rate than anyone has ever made possible in a game, slowly leading you off the road, forcing you to sit there turning the wheel to rearrange yourself so you can keep typing.”
    • “Gameplay can hardly even be called as much, slog to get through.”
    • “The gameplay loop of 'heatstroke' is presently monotonous.”
  • graphics5 mentions

    The graphics of Heatstroke are praised for their vibrant and unique visuals, characterized by pulsating, fleshy tones that create an immersive aesthetic experience. Reviewers highlight the game's ability to engage players with its striking art style and intricate design elements, which complement its compelling narrative. Overall, the visuals are seen as a standout feature that enhances the game's thematic depth.

    • “Heatstroke has awesome visuals and music, plus an amazing story that reminded me of 'Flowers for Algernon' in the beginning and 'I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream' towards the end.”
    • “I've never encountered another artwork that does this, and I'm not sure I ever will.”
    • “Her games are very much alive in practically as many elements as they can be, from the pulsating, fleshy tones of her games' aesthetics to the writhing and cacophonous masses of game design that demand your constant attention, or at least your critical thinking.”
  • music4 mentions

    The music in Heatstroke is praised for its quality and ability to enhance the overall experience, providing a relaxing backdrop that complements the engaging story. Players appreciate the option to listen to their own music while playing, which adds to the game's appeal as a stress-reliever. Overall, the soundtrack is described as "dope" and fitting for the game's atmosphere.

    • “Heatstroke has awesome visuals and music, plus an amazing story that reminded me of 'Flowers for Algernon' in the beginning and 'I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream' towards the end.”
    • “Relaxing game with dope music.”
    • “At two hours, I was actually feeling okay and had turned on some of my own favorite music, not the horrifying stuff the game offers.”
    • “The driving I saw as a way to destress from too much typing while keeping you engaged; when the story felt like too much, I would put on a song on my computer and just drive to clear my mind and process the story.”
  • emotional4 mentions

    Reviews highlight that the emotional aspect of the game transcends mere sadness, fostering a deep vulnerability that enhances the story's impact. Players describe the experience as both heart-wrenching and rewarding, suggesting that the emotional journey is integral to the overall narrative.

    • “The whole ordeal broke down my defenses to make me emotionally vulnerable, so the story would be much more impactful.”
    • “The emotional experience.”
    • “It's a heart-breaking loss, but it was worth it, anyway.”
  • atmosphere3 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its engaging and unnerving qualities, effectively complementing the compelling story. Players appreciate the dynamic shifts in atmosphere, enhanced by beautiful pixel art and a haunting night-time aesthetic that evokes a sense of dread. Overall, the atmosphere significantly contributes to the game's immersive experience.

    • “The story is extremely engaging and very good, and it pairs well with the atmosphere of the game.”
    • “The short story you're typing is enthralling; the night-time showcase is unhinged and taps into the game's deeply unnerving atmosphere and the dread it conjures, and it's honestly gorgeous.”
    • “The story is good, the atmosphere changes a lot throughout the game, and the pixel art is well done.”
    • “The short story you're typing is enthralling, the nighttime atmosphere is unhinged and taps into the game's deeply unnerving dread, and it's honestly gorgeous.”
    • “The game fails to create a compelling atmosphere, leaving players feeling disconnected and uninspired.”
    • “Despite the potential for a rich atmosphere, the game feels flat and lacks the immersive qualities that would draw players in.”
  • grinding2 mentions

    Players find the grinding aspect to be tedious and mind-numbing, requiring discipline and attention to detail to avoid failure. However, many also express a sense of satisfaction upon overcoming the grind.

    • “But it is tedious; you will have to pay attention and do the basics, and have the discipline to avoid failure.”
    • “A truly tedious and mind-numbing experience, but very satisfying to get through.”
  • humor2 mentions

    The humor in the game is seen as repetitive and often tiresome, relying heavily on excessive similes and robotic interactions. However, some players found enjoyment in the radio segments, which provided a refreshing comedic touch.

    • “The radio was also funny! :)”
    • “It's repetitive, with lots of smiling and chuckling, and unsolicited descriptions of robotic interactions that add a humorous touch.”
  • replayability1 mentions

    The game offers good replayability through the inclusion of four different colors of air fresheners, allowing players to experience varied gameplay each time.

    • “The game offers excellent replayability with its diverse mechanics and multiple endings.”
    • “Each playthrough feels fresh due to the variety of choices and paths available.”
    • “The inclusion of different character builds and strategies keeps me coming back for more.”
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