14 DAY TRIAL // Tyke doesn’t know a lot of things, but he is always happy to try and pet an animal he finds as he explores the world of the Pine Hearts Caravan Park. After all, aren’t rabbits and squirrels as worthy of love as dogs and other classic pets? So, I make sure to guide him to any fuzzy creature and let him do his thing.
When my character is not distracted, he should be looking for five ingredients that will allow a camo suit-clad dude to try and draw out a mysterious creature. I’m pretty sure the results will be hilarious so I am trying to find the buns, which should be near some birds. I wonder if I can get them to stand still so I can pet them.
Pine Hearts is developed by Hyper Luminal Games and published by Little Nook. I played a preview version of it on the PC using Steam. The title is expected during the first quarter of this year and will also launch on the Nintendo Switch.
Our main character is Tyke, returning to the Pine Hearts Caravan Park with his mind set on exploration. He starts off by chasing a barking dog and quickly discovers that there are plenty of people who need a helping hand. The title engages with plenty of big themes, like family and the power of memories, but employs a light touch.The writing is mostly functional but with touches of whimsy. Tyke also gets to explore memories from this early childhood, which add to the narrative but also give him new ways to interact with the world.
Pine Hearts is all about exploration and discovery, with as much petting as possible. The protagonist will pick up new skills gradually, which will allow him to open up new areas. For example, early on he relives a memory that teaches him how to push down trees to cross chasms and water. Tools, linked to quests, will also give him extra options.
The world of Pine Hearts is filled with characters that will have something witty to say or will give Tyke a new side quest. There are many requests to bring back items, which are fine initially but could become boring in the long run. Wandering across the world, revealing new shortcuts, and gaining access to new areas is fun. I hope that the full version offers enough variety to keep players interested in the genuinely touching narrative.
The team at Hyper Luminal Games says accessibility is one of its main focuses. It offers full remapping for both controllers and mouse and keyboard, simplified controls, a color-blocking mode, and more, to make sure any players can explore this lovely universe.
Pine Hearts is very cute, combining soft, round character designs with a world that could serve as the backdrop for tens of classic kid books. When Tyke moves through a memory, the effect is accentuated and used to enhance his longing. I like the game’s presentation, but it can become a little similar after a while. The sound design is equally strong, with a light soundtrack that emphasizes the call to adventure and the experience’s non-threatening tone.
Conclusion
Mechanics are easy to understand and focus on delivering new abilities and tools that open up more of the world. Pine Hearts is cozy and filled with emotion and I am looking forward to seeing what adventures Tyke takes on in the full version.
Preview key provided by the publisher.
