Pine Hearts explores love and loss across a wholesome hike in Q1 2024
Hyper Luminal Games has announced its first self published title is set to arrive at a virtual caravan park in the opening months of 2024. Revealed during The Game Awards’ Wholesome Snack showcase, the release date for this chilled out getaway comes with a further look at what to expect, including a raft of accessibility options too.
The team behind this wee open world puzzler confirmed that its first self published title will be a love letter to those who have experienced loss. It will provide a refuge for those who want to unwind and remember fond memories, and it begins in a caravan park. Not your normal place for a video game, I know. However, players taking on the role of Tyke will soon be able to pull on your boots and head out into a welcoming world, exploring deserted forests, playing hopscotch, creeping through graveyards, and making new friends along the way. There’s a thoughtful story behind the cartoon façade, dipping into ideas of love, life, memories, and family. Did I mention you can build sandcastles and pet the dog too?
Accessibility
During the reveal, Searra Leishman, UX/UI Designer and Accessibility Lead, confirmed that this title has everyone at the forefront of is mind. A whole raft of options should make it easier for a wide audience to pick up and play.
“The game will be launching with more than ten different accessibility settings. The playable demo for Wholesome Snack currently features the first 3 of these: Simplified Controls, Colour Blocking Mode, and Control Rebinding. There is also an accessibility onboarding flow in the demo, which allows users to make some quick choices about their options before they jump into gameplay. Beyond this, we have a further 7 options implemented that will be available with the full release.”
If you like the look of the trailer, then you can head over to the Pine Hearts Steam Store page and try out the limited time demo now.
