Heretic’s Heart | First Half
Available On
Download from itch.io
DISCLAIMER
This is an incomplete game. Parts I and II are fully contained in the First Half, but Part III is just partially. All of the endings and the remainder of the narrative are still being developed.
ABOUT THE GAME
Heretic’s Heart is a slow-burn, coming-of-age tragic tale set in low-fantasy Germany during the late 19th century.
It’s about death and life, Heaven and Hell. It’s wracked with guilt and grief and the aching need for human connection in a world that’s stacked against you.
This story contains heavy topics (childhood trauma, death, intrusive thoughts…) that may be triggering to some readers. Please heed the bottom of the page for detailed content warnings to reconsider if this game is for you. It is aimed at audiences who are 17+ due to its themes.
The hospitality of the Free Church of Murkwell is something it takes great pride in. It provides food and shelter to all those in need, including men, women, the impoverished, the lonely, travelers, and sick people. For as long as they require it, everyone is cordially greeted and taken care of. The town’s safety is the Church’s top priority, regardless of the expense.
Oliver Kreutz, the minister’s only son, is the Church’s shining pride.
Oliver studies and prays assiduously, stays on church property, doesn’t speak or eat unless instructed, and doesn’t raise his voice. For the sick, the unfortunate, the unbelievers, and, most of the time, for himself. Once, twice, or perhaps sixteen times because he is afraid that if he doesn’t, a catastrophe would occur.
A strange young guy with serious injuries appears one day, and the Church is all too happy to adopt him. As a wandering merchant, Hansel speaks and eats as he pleases, takes what he feels is properly his, and only prays when he is in danger of dying.
In a momentous encounter that lasts for days, weeks, and months, their two worlds collide. Oliver is captivated by vivid tales of a world that is both alien and captivating, as well as a freewheeling energy that is unlike any other. With food in his mouth, clean sheets, and general care, Hansel finds himself cozy and appears to have asked for nothing in return.
That is, until the past comes back to haunt Oliver and presents the greatest challenge he has yet to encounter. He needs to return to his quiet, everyday existence despite being plagued by bizarre dreams, delusions, and a shaky conscience.
But given that what afflicts him is also what he longs to defend, how could he ever do that?
GAME FEATURES
About 100 full-screen CGs with narratives reminiscent of picture books
Ten distinct backgrounds with variations for day and night
74k words (three to six hours of reading
two points of view
Piano and ambient music
A dark world with themes derived from the witch hunt of the Middle Ages
FETISHES
- Anime
- Atmospheric
- Dark
- Fantasy
- Story Rich
GAME SCREENSHOTS
ABOUT ME
I create VNs for folks who are depressed all the time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Heretic’s Heart | First Half?
Heretic’s Heart | First Half is a Visual Novel game for adults.