Around a week ago, I was browsing my downloaded games when I saw the folder for Heartopia in one of my folders. It's a game I'd often see on my Instagram and Tiktok feed and I got so curious I decided to install it on my PC.
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| My character in Heartopia |
When I decided to finally play it, I realized it was going to be a game I might want to keep coming back to in-between work hours.
Now, I know it's not perfect yet, but there are a couple of things I'm really liking about this game. (Use the nav below to jump to sections!)
1. Everything looks so cute and fluffy.
I know, I know - this shouldn't be the first pro on my list, but once you actually play the game, you'll notice that everything is so cute! You may be asking, "Aren't there other games that look like that already? Isn't that just another life simulator game?"
The short answer is yes, there are other similar games. It's not unique in its cuteness, but because I haven't played anything like it in a while (been obsessing over Stardew Valley and The Sims 4 before hopping onto Heartopia), it was a nice change.
It just feels so... easy to play.
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The game has so many fashion items (both paid and free) and the catalog changes daily. There's a gacha system too, of course, but the items you can buy with in-game currency are already super satisfying.
Even the animals are suuuper cute and fluffy too! You get to feed them, pet them, and develop a friendship in the wild. House pets are just as adorable. :)
2. The game mechanics are easy to understand.
Good games should have an easy-to-follow introduction system, and in Heartopia, you're guided through everything you can do in town.
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Through your watch, you can access everything you'd need to navigate, level up, claim, and take care of your life as well. It didn't take me long to adapt at all.
The watch interface is also cute so it motivates me to just keep opening it and looking through all the "apps".
3. You can level up friendships, meet new ones, unlock emotes, have tea parties.
Again, you may argue that all multiplayer games are like this. While that's true, I like the way the game sort of forces you to join community events for rewards. You get to meet new people, make friends while doing cute, easy things (like fishing and catching bugs).
People here - based on experience - are typically nice and cooperative. I haven't seen or met anyone who just hate on things or make life difficult for everyone else. Chill group of players as far as I know.
It's also cute that with every level of friendship you unlock, you get access to new emotes.
I decided to join a newly-added friend's tea party and it was sooo cute! We all gave each other food, popped some poppers, lit fireworks... it was great. Got a couple of new friends from that event too!
4. Furnishing your house is fun.
One of the reasons why I've played The Sims for sooo long is the house building and furnishing aspect. The same goes for Heartopia. Sure, it's rough around the edges (we'll talk about it later) but for the most part, I loved making my house. Decorating isn't difficult and getting/crafting items are simple.
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Of course, it's not all cute and fluff. I do find some things in the game that are lacking (which can definitely be improved).
1. Build mode could be improved.
I said above that I loved making my house (and it's true) but it took me a while to get used to the building system in Heartopia.
There are basically two modes you can use to build: standard and advance mode.
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| Standard building mode |
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| Advance Mode |
In simple mode, you build from the perspective of your character (still in third person) so if there's an area that's too high or that's at a weird angle and you want to place items on it, it would be a bit difficult. I used this mode early on and it made me DIZZY as heck. I literally had to afk and lie down because of how sick it made me feel!
In advance mode, you get more freedom to move around and you're not limited to certain angles, but the controls... the CONTROLS. I wish they just made it similar to The Sims so it's easier to move around. I'm also not sure if it was just my build, but when I enable to per layer view, it didn't fully strip each floor. I guess it's just my build?
The game also allows you to go on a co-build mode so your friend can help, but you're only limited to your (home owner's) available resources, regardless if your friend has everything you need. You're also limited to single actions, which means if I'm placing an item, my friend can't place one at the same time... pretty weird for a "co-build" system.
Another thing: when you go on build mode, doors automatically open and stay open even after you go back to live/play mode. I have to manually close every door I don't want people getting access to. It gets annoying 'cause what if I had multiple doors and want to keep people out?!
2. Your house moves plots every login.
I wish there was a way to stay on a plot you choose. Every time I login, I end up on a different one, so friends who I play with need to keep checking the map to find my residence. It would be sooo nice if we could stay beside each other or at least stay on the original plot where we spawned in.
3. Camera angles are limited.
In Heartopia, you can take photos with a virtual camera. It's cute and fun, but the angles are limited. In future updates, I hope they can loosen up the camera views so we get more control over the composition.
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I end up having to hide the UI instead and use the actual camera to get the angle I want. It's a small complaint but it would definitely make me enjoy taking photos of things more in the game.
4. No way to quickly switch-equip your tools.
Often, when we're chopping trees and we see a bug, for example, I'd like a way to be able to quickly switch to the bug catcher from the axe. Right now, you have to open the toolbox and click on the tool you want to use.
5. Lack of car controls.
Ever seen a vehicle with no reverse button? No? Play Heartopia. It's just funny to me how the car can't reverse. You can control your car with WASD but when you tap on "S", it doesn't do the expected action. The car turns around to go back, haha!
Final Thoughts
All in all, I'm having fun playing Heartopia. It has occasional bugs (it being a new game) sure, but it's not like I can't enjoy what the game already has.
I'm happy that it feels very chill and cozy, that I'm not being pressured by time to do the tasks. The animals and furniture are cute, plus I don't have to spend real money just to get items.
I do wish that people from the SEA server can play with people from the HK server (we're all in Asia so...) but I would understand if the load would be too heavy for them to merge servers like that.
If you want a game that's just relaxing, fun, and cute, try the game out!
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