1bitHeart
Release date: Aug 28, 2017
Developers: △○□× (Miwashiba)
Publishers: PLAYISM
Genres: Adventure, Casual, Indie
Categories: Single-player, Steam Achievements, Steam Trading Cards, Family Sharing
Supported languages: English, Japanese

Welcome to 1bitHeart―the latest title from Alicemare and LiEat developer △○□× (Miwashiba). In this unique and endearing adventure game, take on the role of Nanashi, a lonely, agoraphobic boy, as you solve a slew of mysteries around town while also making friends. This is the story of a world in which pretty much everything is controlled and watched over by computer programs. One day, Nanashi―a young boy who has been cooped up in his room―meets a mysterious girl. “Let’s make some friends.” “OK!” Nanashi accepts the young girl’s sudden invitation without giving it much thought. At that very moment, some very strange things begin to occur in town... Detective Part (Story Mode) Gather information and topics by exploring the town and speaking with people to progress through the story. Conversation Part (Story Mode) Use the topics and info you’ve gathered to piece together conversations while progressing through the story. (The game ends when your HP reaches 0.) Free Mode (After clearing Story Mode) Talk and mingle with the residents of the town, make friends, and play mini games in Free Mode. *This title was originally a free game, but the Steam version includes specially added events, etc. This was the 3rd game I made, where I first experimented with a side-scrolling system, voice over and detective elements. I probably spent the most time working on these 3 things, including revisions. When designing the town, I had foreign cartoons in mind and was aiming more towards a foreign audience than a Japanese one. However, the game is set in Japan of the near future and the character design is aimed more towards the Japanese aesthetic. I took advantage of the fact the game is set in Japan to make some cultural references here and there. 'An adventure game where you make friends'. Not a typical tag-line, but if there is any aspect that takes your fancy I hope you will play my game!

Press reviews: “1bitHeart is a unique game that shows you the importance of friendship in a different way that most other games do. If you enjoy mysteries, visual novels or the art style presented on the game, I’m pretty sure you’ll enjoy this little gem.” 90 – Operation Rainfall “I loved my time spent in this goofy, sci-fi world. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a wonderful way to waste a few hours. If Miwashiba ever decides to grace us with any more of these delightfully odd little experiences in the future, you can bet your ass that I intend to play them.” 75 – Destructoid “1bitHeart caters to a specific target audience, but what it does for this type of experience it does well. It takes about four hours to complete which feels like about the proper length for it. Solving mysteries and making friends is the goal Misane has for Nanashi, and watching him panic and squirm while awkwardly fumbling through conversations has a certain endearing and relatable charm to it.” 80 – Hardcore Gamer