Salutations my fellow gamers! I'm Lewis and welcome to another XPN Gaming review! I’m diving into a game that’s quite a departure from what you’re used to seeing me review. This one left a profound impact on me, and I can’t wait to share it with you! You might be wondering, "What kind of game could have such a deep effect on you, Lewis? Is it a horror game?" Surprisingly, it's not. This game moved me emotionally rather than scaring me.
Let me introduce you to Tin Hearts VR, using the same story narrative everyone loved from the original all remade to be played through VR, a game so full of emotion that I had to pause and absorb everything that was unfolding. Exploring themes of loss and grief is never easy, but Tin Hearts handles it with such grace and sensitivity. Developed by Rogue Sun, and Lionhead Studios' former developers behind the “Fable” series and published by Wired Productions, this emotional, lemmings-style game is a masterclass in storytelling and design.
Tin Hearts offers a heartfelt narrative adventure, weaving the poignant story of a genius inventor and his journey through memories and past regrets. It’s a beautiful, moving experience that I’m excited to share with you. Welcome to my review of Tin Hearts VR!
Tin Hearts VR / Tin Hearts
Release Date: September 28th 2023
Story
I Have To Warn You, It'll Break Your Heart
You are Albert J. Butterworth, one of the greatest inventors of the Victorian era. Your creations consistently astound and delight your beloved daughter Rose and your wife Helen. As you journey through ghostly apparitions, you witness the world through the eyes of the most loving family, reliving a past that was both beautiful and heart-wrenching. It made me deeply miss my own father, and the emotions it stirred were overwhelming, often requiring me to step away for a moment. Perhaps it hit a bit too close to home for me.
As you progress through the game, the once joyous Butterworth family faces trials that drastically alter their lives. Without giving too much away, the game delves into the devastating pain of losing someone dear—a pain that is all too familiar to many of us. The Butterworth's once vibrant home transforms into a place of loneliness and sorrow, haunted by the ghosts of their past.
Amidst this turmoil, you also encounter Lucien Mantlefell - The Guild of Toy Makers, an evil and exploitative company interested only in taking from Albert. Their presence, revealed through scattered letters, adds another layer of tension and conflict to the story.
As you watch the story unfold, you must lead a group of Tin soldiers through various locations, utilising different unique options and even Albert's marvellous inventions. Each level opens up a moment in Albert's life, providing deeper insight into his journey and the profound emotions that shape it.
Tin Hearts masterfully intertwines these elements, creating a poignant narrative that explores love, loss, and the haunting grip of memories.
Gameplay
Already Broken
Tin Hearts VR is a captivating experience where you guide tin soldiers to their exit using a variety of unique strategies to navigate from point A to point B. As you progress, you unlock new abilities, such as rewinding and fast-forwarding time. These features are incredibly helpful, allowing you to quickly get the soldiers to the exit or save one from an unfortunate fall, bringing them back to join their comrades.
Unlocking new abilities also opens up previous levels to new methods of solving puzzles. For instance, a toy train blocking a path can be moved once you gain the ability to interact with it, revealing new routes and solutions. The game offers a plethora of unique skills to unlock, keeping the gameplay fresh and engaging.
In some scenarios, you’ll need to use items in the environment, such as blocks that can be manipulated to block paths, create bounces, or help soldiers reach higher ground. You’ll also encounter obstacles like the sinister Guild of Toy Makers' Jack-in-the-Box, which springs to life and devours your soldiers. In these cases, finding alternative routes using environmental objects becomes crucial.
As you guide your tin soldiers, you’ll discover letters, photos, and more that deepen the story. These items reveal the darker aspects of the narrative, complementing the ghostly apparitions you encounter. Reading the letters provides a richer understanding of the story’s emotional weight and the trials faced by the Butterworth family.
Though the ghostly apparitions can be distracting, and my soldiers often paid the price for my diverted attention, the game’s difficulty is well-balanced. The developers have thoughtfully included a hint system accessible through the pause menu for those moments when you’re stuck. While I personally avoided using hints, opting to solve the puzzles on my own, the option is there for those who prefer a bit of assistance.
Playing Tin Hearts in VR enhanced my connection to the game compared to the original version. The immersive experience made me feel more engaged and emotionally involved in the story. This game has cemented its place in history as one of my favourite puzzlers, blending challenging gameplay with a deeply moving narrative.
The fact this game was also created by the amazing minds behind the “Fable” series, Lionhead Studios I am not surprised why it looked, felt, and played so well, how this studio isn’t around anymore still to this day is so unfortunate as I need more games by these amazing developers!
Graphics and Audio
When You're Happy You Enjoy The Music, But When You're Sad You Understand The Lyrics.
Graphically, Tin Hearts VR is nothing short of stunning. The intricate details, from the specks of dust in the workshop to the lush, meticulously designed garden, create an immersive and visually captivating environment. Each character model is well-crafted and unique, adding to the charm and individuality of the game. The level design is nothing less than amazing, with artistic graphics that bring the Victorian setting to life in a beautifully authentic manner.
However, what truly elevates Tin Hearts VR to another level is its exceptional soundtrack. Created by award-winning composer Matthew Chastney, whose credits include trailers for "JOKER," "Chernobyl," and even "Bridgerton," the music is deeply moving and emotionally resonant. Chastney's compositions enhance the atmosphere and narrative depth of the game, drawing players deeper into the story with every note.
Coupled with top-notch voice acting, the game’s soundscape is both captivating and immersive. The sound effects, such as the whimsical "boing" for the drum sound, add a playful touch to the audio experience, further enriching the overall immersion. This meticulous attention to detail in both visuals and sound design makes Tin Hearts VR a truly enchanting and unforgettable experience.
Comfort
A Father's Love Is Forever Imprinted On His Child's Heart, Even When He's Gone
The controls in Tin Hearts VR may take some time to get used to, especially for players who are new to virtual reality experiences. One notable adjustment is the need to change your height at the start of each level if you're playing in a seated position. Turning is done using the buttons rather than the analogue stick, which can feel a bit unconventional at first.
Navigating the game world can also vary from level to level, with some requiring movement using only one joystick while others utilise both. Players have the option to choose between teleportation or smooth movement, with the ability to adjust the turning speed to their preference.
To enhance comfort during gameplay, Tin Hearts VR offers additional features such as vignettes that can be enabled for moving, turning, and interacting with objects. These vignettes help reduce motion sickness for some players by providing visual cues that mitigate disorientation.
While the controls may initially present a learning curve, the flexibility and customisation options available ensure that players can tailor their experience to suit their preferences and comfort level. With practice and adjustment, players can fully immerse themselves in the captivating world of Tin Hearts VR.
Time Is A Great Healer
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on Tin Hearts brings forth a flood of emotions that still resonate deeply with me as I write this. Each intricate detail of the game remains vivid in my mind, and listening to its soundtrack simultaneously transports me back to those poignant moments.
I want to take a moment to share something deeply personal, and I hope you'll forgive the departure from the typical review format. In September 2023, I experienced one of the most painful moments of my life—I lost my father. He was more than just a parent to me; he was my hero, my unwavering support, and a constant source of encouragement. He always made sure I knew how proud he was of me.
As I played through Tin Hearts, there was a moment that struck me particularly hard. Albert, the protagonist, was playing a game with his daughter, pretending to be a monster chasing her. In that simple, innocent scene, I saw reflections of my own cherished memories with my Dad. It was a poignant reminder of the profound loss I've experienced and the longing to relive those precious moments once more.
One of the hardest truths to reconcile with is that, as I continue through life, I'll know my Dad longer in his absence than I did when he was here and that breaks my heart to say. He won't be there to witness my milestones, to share in my triumphs and struggles, or to see the person I've become. It's a bittersweet realization that weighs heavily on my heart.
Death has a way of reshaping us, fundamentally altering our perspectives and priorities. It's a journey that no one can truly prepare for, and its impact is profound and far-reaching. The person I once was ceased to exist the day I lost my dad, and I've been navigating the complexities of grief and loss ever since.
Playing Tin Hearts has been both cathartic and challenging for me. It's a reminder of the beauty and fragility of life, of the power of memory and nostalgia, and of the profound impact that love and loss can have on our lives. It's a journey that I continue to navigate, one step at a time, with the hope of finding healing and peace along the way.
Yet amidst the sorrow, there is solace to be found in the beauty of Tin Hearts—a meticulously crafted masterpiece that serves as both a tribute to lost loved ones and a celebration of cherished memories. The soul-stirring soundtrack, composed by the talented Matthew Chastney, adds another layer of depth to the experience, evoking emotions that words alone cannot express.
To the developers of Tin Hearts, I extend my heartfelt gratitude. Thank you for creating a work of art that not only allows me to immerse myself in moments of my own childhood but also serves as a cathartic outlet for processing grief and finding moments of solace. Your contribution to the gaming world is truly invaluable, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to embark on this emotional journey.
Thank you to everyone who took time out of their day to take a moment to read this review, your support is always appreciated and means the world to me!
So, from all of us and myself thank you! Oh, and guys before you go always remember to… KEEP GAMING!
XPN Rating: 5 out of 5 (Platinum)
(Thank you to Anastasia from Wired Productions and the talented team at Rogue Sun for providing the code for this review)
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