Cosy games are not my natural choice of genre to gravitate towards if I am being honest, being more at home laughing and reloading or squeezing a few more horsepower out of a hyper car.
There is a time and place for everything though, and it’s also refreshing to play something where you can just relax and not have to beat a clock, or worry about some 14-year-old no scoping you from half way across the map. Pine Hearts by Dundee based studio Hyper Luminal Games is a perfect example of this as it gives you a world that needs to be explored with a little bit of Metroidvania/RPG mechanics in the mix to keep you engaged.
Sitting somewhere between a Short Hike and Haven Park, Pine Hearts sees you playing as Tyke – who has returned to the Pine Hearts caravan park after a long time away. You start by helping out a few locals along the way, which in turn unlocks some long lost and powerful memories you have with the area. Then that bleeds into the overarching tones of healing after loss, as well as coming of age, with that itself being very well handled with it being a subject matter that is extremely easy to ham fist. Gameplay sees you having to explore seven areas around the park, with a nice light Metroidvania to things. There are areas you’ll find but just can’t get there until you unlock new gear and kit, similar to The Legend of Zelda games. There are also puzzles to overcome on your adventure, but none of them where overly taxing I found.
Pine Hearts has tonnes of side quests that often lead to some funny and smile enduring moments from the mixed array of NPCs you’ll befriend along the way. You’ll also find items that let you play through your past memoires in an interesting twist, which could have easily been a cut scene but instead is a playable section. For better or worse there are no real threats or “enemies” in the game, instead being aimed more at just exploring and uncovering its world and the almost countless locals along the way. To be honest it’s a joy to just wander around the world, finding new and fun distractions.
Graphically the game never pushes the Switch too hard, but delivers a very cute and cartoon feeling affair that is bright, colourful and charming as you make your way from area to area. The NPCs you meet along the way are a fun bunch too, with more than a few nods and winks to other games throughout them. Sound-wise things are simple but effected with a whimsical tone to your interactions, whereas the soundtrack is a perfect blend of joyful and upbeat melodies, but also impactful for the more emotional moments. It’s also worth saying that Hyper Luminal Games have also gone above and beyond on the accessibility options in the game, having several options to dial the game into your needs; ranging from a colourblind, black and white and high contrast mode, to having a dyslexia friendly font too. Plus, full controller remapping, which is a very welcome option.
Pine Hearts is a lovely crafted cozy title that creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, where there is no rush or demands beyond your hunger to find out what’s beyond the next corner, while hiding a truly touching tale with a core of love, family and memories. If you are looking to lose yourself in a heartfelt journey that may just surprise you, while entertaining and even moving you, then it’s just worth a trip to Pine Hearts caravan park.
A Switch review copy of Pine Hearts was provided by Hyper Luminal Games’ PR team, and the game is out now on Switch and PC for around £20.
The Verdict
Stuart Cullen
Latest posts by Stuart Cullen (see all)
- 2023 Games of the Year – January 8, 2024
- Best Games of 2022 – Scotch Corner’s Verdict – December 28, 2022
- Turbo Golf Racing Preview – August 11, 2022