Heartbound (video game)
Heartbound is a role-playing video game , developed by American indie developer Pirate Software. The game centers around a boy who deals with depression, anxiety, and fear as he embarks on a journey through different locations in search of his dog, Baron. The narrative changes with different pathways and endings, depending on how the player interacts with the environment, other characters, and combat system. Each choice or interaction has the potential to change the game by adding dialog, encounters, or interactive objects to the world. An alpha version of the game was released for Microsoft Windows, OS  X, and Linux in November 2016 on Steam Greenlight. The game was greenlit by the community in ten days and received enough support to reach the top game on the platform for that time period. A beta was then released for Microsoft Windows, OS X, and Linux in February 2017 along with a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign. This campaign was successful within its first 24 hours, and the game is now in development for the final release. Initially scheduled for a full release in December 2017, the game is currently planned to be released in sections; an early access version of  the game has been released in December 2018, and content will be added over time through patches. Gameplay. Heartbound is a role-playing game that borrows many conventions from other gaming genres. Progress is achieved by exploration and player choice, and how the player interacts with the world shapes the story line and the environment for the rest of the play-through. According to the Pirate Software website: " "Every time you interact with an object, talk to an NPC, forget to turn off a light-switch, take out the trash, or disregard a sparkly bush the game remembers this and  will change subtly for all further interactions. The greatest part about this design is that it already works and is in the current builds of the game. Both minor and major differences are going to pop up throughout the game and give the community something to share with one another. Everything you do matters no matter what kind of player you are or choose to be." " Alternate reality game. A series of cryptographic puzzles can be solved outside of "Heartbound", available from the game's website. These puzzles provide additional lore and offer an alternative narrative parallel to the game . Completing portions of the Alternate reality game (ARG) can foreshadow or unlock additional game content. Combat. Heartbound doesn't use the traditional systems of levels, experience, or consumables; everything is skill-based and combat can change, based on the player's actions and relationships with others. Equipment can be found throughout the world, which augments Lore's damage and maximum health. Every enemy has unique mini-games that are not encountered anywhere else in the game. There are no random battles, and a number of encounters are avoidable based on how the player progresses. Development. Hall lists "Secret of Mana , EarthBound" (and the "Mother" series), "Wario Ware", "Secret of Evermore", and "1o57" as sources of inspiration for "Heartbound". Reception. "Heartbound"s alpha and beta releases were both very well received. Both IGN and Game Skinny have shown interest in the direction the game is headed. The game is currently holding the No. 2 spot for top indie release on Game Jolt. Video game music label Materia Collective released a preview version of the soundtrack by composer Stijn van Wakeren on July 13, 2018.