HEARTBEAT (2018)

Developer: CHUMBOSOFT LLC
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Genres: Indie, RPG
Rating: 4.2 of 5, 624 player ratings
Typical playtime: about 9.7 hours
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 top-down RPG with a calm surface hiding an undercurrent of unease, where you explore a recovering world with turn-based combat and creature collecting.

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What players say

Players are split: many condemn the game for its developer's transphobic views, saying the queer-friendly facade feels disingenuous. Others praise the cute pixel art and rhythm-based battle system, but even supporters note the story is shallow and gameplay becomes repetitive.

Screenshots

More games like this

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.