Heart of the Woods (2019)
Denpasoft, Ratalaika Games, Sekai Games, Sekai Project, Studio Élan
A fantasy yuri visual novel filled with magic, fairies, and a ghost girl. When Maddie and her best friend, Tara, journey to a remote forest village to investigate rumors of the supernatural, they find a whole lot more than they bargained for.
About the story
Maddie Raines has had enough. After years of serving as manager, editor, and general business-handler for her best friend Tara's popular paranormal vlog channel, she's finally ready to move forward with her own life. But when she agrees to take one last trip with Tara to the mysterious village of Eysenfeld, she's suddenly swept up in a dangerous supernatural crisis that will change the course of both of their lives forever. A strange young woman named Morgan has promised them undeniable proof of real paranormal phenomena, and what she has to offer eclipses anything they’d ever seen before. However, out of all the strange occurrences the three of them bear witness to, one in particular captivates Maddie in a way she’s never been before: the ghost of a young woman. This woman is Abigail, the victim of a centuries-old injustice now bound eternally to the forest surrounding Eysenfeld. Drawn to Maddie in a way she can’t explain, Abigail reveals herself to another person for the first time in more than 200 years. While Tara and Morgan investigate the mysteries surrounding the village itself, Maddie begins to form a bond with Abigail that grows to be more intense than any bond she’s felt before. As she learns the truth about Abigail’s death and imprisonment, she realizes that it falls to her and her friends to break the curse that has ruled over Eysenfeld for centuries. But more importantly than that, it falls to her to finally free the woman she loves.
Platforms
Linux Mac Switch PC PS4 PS5 XONE Series X|SGenres
Adventure Indie Visual NovelThemes
Fantasy Mystery Romance
Languages: English and 4 more
| Interface | Audio | Subtitles | |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | |||
| Chinese (Simplified) | |||
| German | |||
| Spanish (Spain) | |||
| Chinese (Traditional) |
Media
Critic Reviews
PSX Brasil
By José VianaHeart of the Woods is a perfectly fine visual novel, a good introduction to those that have never played an OELVN. However, it has clichés and a story that is divided between a romance that doesn't seem very believable and a mystery with a predictable outcome, not reaching its full potential and ends up leaving something to be desired.
CFG Games
By Michael SpadaforeHeart of the Woods is an amazing story that's brought down by how unstable the Switch port is. When this is patched it will be easier to recommend it.
LadiesGamers.com
By C J LehrHeart of the Woods is one of the better Yuri titles I’ve played so far. It carries the player into a world featuring the supernatural, romance, and friendship. The characters and their interactions are unusually satisfying and believable. I hope more games from these creators make it to the Switch!
Digitally Downloaded
By Matt SainsburyHeart of the Woods is a beautiful and romantic visual novel, with a wonderfully winding plot and brilliant set of characters. Without giving anything away, the first hour or two isn't indicative of the rest of the game, and once you push through that slow, senseless start, something beautiful, sweet, and, yes, a little sexy shines through the paranormal, gothic and mystery elements.
Gaming Fyx
By Alex GelinasHeart of the Woods is an exceptionally good visual novel – perhaps one of the best I’ve played in years. I can only hope that Studio Élan continues to put out fantastic, lovingly crafted experiences for years to come.
