Tortured Hearts: Or How I Saved the Universe. Again.
- February 28, 2021
- Teleport Games Bt
- 40h median play time
Get on Steam"Tortured Hearts: Or How I Saved the Universe. Again." is a single-player, old-school Fantasy Role Playing game, offering around 40 hours of playtime. It is strongly recommended to watch gameplay videos and try the free demo before purchasing to ensure it suits your taste. The game warns against using Cheat Engine, as it may corrupt the game. Gameplay videos can be found on Fluent's YouTube channel .
Reviews
- Tortured Hearts offers a vast and immersive world filled with rich dialogue and unique characters, making exploration and interaction rewarding.
- The game features a complex and non-linear quest system that encourages players to think critically and engage deeply with the story.
- Despite its rough edges, the game is a labor of love from a dedicated developer, who is responsive to player feedback and continuously works on improvements.
- The game has a steep learning curve and lacks clear guidance, which can lead to frustration for players unfamiliar with its mechanics.
- Combat is largely automated and can feel unresponsive, with poor AI behavior that detracts from the overall experience.
- Technical issues such as lag and outdated graphics may hinder enjoyment, especially for players expecting modern visuals and performance.
- story20 mentions
- 15 % positive mentions
- 70 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The game's story is characterized by its non-linear structure and multiple intersecting storylines, requiring players to engage deeply with the narrative and characters to uncover solutions. While the dialogue often blends humor with compelling character development, players may encounter challenges such as unsolvable quests if they mishandle key items. Overall, the satisfaction derived from piecing together the story and completing quests is a highlight, appealing to those who enjoy exploration and creative problem-solving in their gameplay.
“Although a certain lightheartedness remains throughout in a story that doesn't take itself too seriously, interesting and compelling dialogue and characters often hide behind silly humor.”
“Overall, if you want a compelling story with well-written characters and quests that will make you chuckle in a good way, then the game is for you.”
“Very little hand-holding on resolving the multiple intersecting storylines: the hints may be subtle in a conversation you glossed over, or said by somebody seemingly unrelated to what you're chasing down.”
“Oh, you can also sell important items for a quest, and then get that quest later, and you will never be able to finish it; it's just going to be stuck in your log forever.”
“Finished a quest to bathe my character so the townspeople would talk to me only to have them not want to talk to a newbie afterwards.”
- graphics15 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally described as basic and not demanding, with a 3D style that may initially appear crude but grows on players over time. While they may not meet the expectations of those seeking top-tier visuals, the unique models and immersive feel contribute to the overall charm, making them suitable for the game's adventurous spirit. However, some users note that the graphics resemble older titles and may not appeal to everyone.
“This game is not demanding in the graphics department, but it still looks and sounds awesome to me; I also love the immersive feel of it.”
“Given that this game of gigantic proportions is not the product of a similarly gigantic development team, the graphics are basic, but they don't distract from the grand adventure underneath.”
“Its look seems crude at first, yet its beauty grows on you and it manages to convince part of my brain that this place is more real than its graphic-intensive counterparts.”
“The graphics are 3D and while not ugly, if you expect top-notch graphics, this game is not for you.”
“Graphics which look like a pre-release game from 2001 as if using the most terrible Unity asset store models.”
- gameplay5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The gameplay is reminiscent of classic Infocom text adventures, focusing on creative puzzle-solving, but lacks clear guidance or a manual for mechanics, which can be frustrating. Additionally, the combat mechanics are described as unconventional and somewhat perplexing.
“The gameplay actually harkened me back to the old Infocom text adventures of yore—always on the lookout for some obscure, creative solution to various puzzles.”
“One of the stranger combat mechanics I have played.”
“There's no place to find the information either; even old school RPGs had a manual that you could look into for explanations on certain mechanics and whatnot.”
“The leash camera control mechanic is frustrating and detracts from the overall experience.”
“One of the stranger combat mechanics I have played, making it difficult to engage effectively.”
- optimization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is currently lacking, particularly in load times, as noted in the beta version playtested. However, given that it is developed by a single individual, some reviewers suggest that the graphical performance should be viewed with leniency.
“It's quite the lengthy adventure, though my time is rather misleading because the version I playtested was a beta version that wasn't completely optimized, resulting in a lot of load-time lagging.”
“As this game is done by just one person, it's not fair to judge the graphic performance of Unity.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is praised for its clever writing and witty banter, contributing to a rich and detailed universe filled with interesting and complex NPCs. Players appreciate the fantastical elements that enhance the comedic experience.
“It's very well written, with interesting and complicated NPCs, a good sense of humor, and a rich and detailed universe.”
“The banter is witty, funny, and fantastical.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Overall, while there are some glitches reported by users, the developer demonstrates a strong commitment to stability by promptly addressing issues with same-day patches in response to player feedback.
“The game crashes frequently, making it nearly unplayable at times.”
“I experienced constant lag and frame drops, which ruined the overall experience.”
“There are numerous bugs that disrupt gameplay, and it feels like the game was released too early.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game evolves from a whimsical and tongue-in-cheek tone to a more serious and mature ambiance, reflecting a gradual shift in dialogue and thematic depth.
“The atmosphere and the dialogue slowly progress from being very tongue-in-cheek and whimsical to incorporating more serious tones and subject matters.”
“The game's atmosphere is incredibly immersive, drawing you into its world with stunning visuals and haunting sound design.”
“Every location feels alive, with a rich background that enhances the storytelling and keeps you engaged throughout the experience.”
“The atmosphere feels disjointed, lacking a cohesive theme that ties the experience together.”
“While the game attempts to create a unique atmosphere, it often falls flat, leaving players feeling disconnected.”
“The ambiance is underwhelming, failing to evoke the intended emotions or immerse players in the world.”
- character development1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is praised for its depth and exploration, allowing players to engage with characters on a meaningful level. Players appreciate the nuanced backstories and evolving relationships that enhance the overall narrative experience. The integration of character growth with gameplay elements further enriches the player's journey.
“The character development in this game is incredibly deep, allowing players to truly connect with each character's journey and growth.”
“I love how the choices I make influence my character's development, making every decision feel meaningful and impactful.”
“The backstories and personal arcs of the characters are so well-written, it feels like I'm part of their evolution throughout the game.”
“The character development feels shallow and uninspired, leaving me disconnected from the story.”
“I expected more depth in the characters, but they all seem one-dimensional and predictable.”
“The lack of meaningful choices in character development makes the gameplay feel monotonous.”
