Basic Information
- Official English Name: Heart of the Woods
- Development Team: Studio Élan
- Publisher: Sekai Project, Inc.
- Release Dates:
North America: February 14, 2022
Europe: February 14, 2022
Asia: July 8, 2021 - Supported Platforms: PC, PS4, Nintendo Switch
- Genre Tags: Adventure, Visual Novel, Yuri
- Social Media Links:
Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/844660/Heart_of_the_Woods/
Itch.io: https://vnstudioelan.itch.io/heart-of-the-woods
In-Depth Review
Heart of the Woods is a fantasy yuri visual novel that masterfully blends supernatural mystery with a poignant love story. The narrative follows Maddie Raines, who, after years of managing her best friend Tara’s paranormal vlog channel Taranormal, embarks on a final investigation in the remote German village of Eysenfeld. Their journey uncovers the ghost of Abigail, a victim of a centuries-old curse, and intertwines Maddie’s quest to free her with the unraveling of the village’s dark secrets.
The game’s standout feature is its character-driven storytelling, switching perspectives between Maddie, Tara, Morgan, and Abigail. Each character’s distinct voice and development—Maddie’s pragmatic nature, Tara’s exuberance, Morgan’s enigmatic resolve, and Abigail’s playful melancholy—create a rich tapestry of emotions. The narrative’s pacing excels in balancing humor with heavy themes like mortality, sacrifice, and acceptance, avoiding sensationalism in favor of genuine emotional resonance.
Visually, the game shines with Rosuuri’s vibrant character art and original backgrounds, complemented by a haunting soundtrack that enhances immersion. While the visual novel format offers limited player choice (three pivotal decisions affecting endings), the 130,000-word script ensures a deeply engaging experience. The optional R18 patch adds mature content but remains non-essential to the core narrative.
Critics praise the game’s respectful portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships, particularly the tender dynamic between Maddie and Abigail, which avoids fetishization. However, some note that the romance occasionally overshadows the supernatural plot. Despite this, the game’s multiple endings—ranging from bittersweet to heartbreaking—leave a lasting impact, solidifying its reputation as a standout in the yuri genre.
For fans of story-driven visual novels, Heart of the Woods delivers a compelling mix of mystery, romance, and atmospheric storytelling. Its accessible design, including support for multiple languages and accessibility options, ensures a broad appeal. Whether through its emotional depth or supernatural intrigue, this title remains a memorable journey for players seeking narrative richness.
Game Link: Heart of the Woods
