The Heft Effect (2024)

Developer: CupCupMug
Platforms: Windows, macOS
Genres: Adventure, Casual, Indie, Simulation
Rating: 3.3 of 5, 6 player ratings
Typical playtime: about 26 minutes
Where to get it: Steam

The 3D catalog: game boxes on wooden shelves, with the cat sitting at the counter next to its greeting.

The catalog in 3D

The same catalog has a room you can walk around in. The cat behind the counter is the AI Catbot, and they pick real games from it when you tell them what you feel like playing. Nothing is for sale, here or in there. Go in from here and this game is already out on the counter, with more like it waiting on the shelf next to it.

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How it feels

A short, playful visual novel with a whimsical tone and a focus on body changes, told through 3D rendered scenes and light minigames.

whimsicalquirkylightheartedshortplayfulintimatemildly surreal

What players say

Players consistently finish all endings and achievements in under 30 minutes, calling it one of the developer's shortest games. The story is simple and the renders are praised, but replay value beyond the gallery and minigames is minimal. Reviews note it targets a niche kink audience with few alternatives.

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More by CupCupMug

This page is from Underplayed Gems, a catalog of older and overlooked games. Not quite it? You can browse by platform and genre, or take this one into the 3D catalog and ask the Catbot for something closer.