Pine Hearts review: Rooted in nostalgia & joy

With its charming, hand-drawn visuals and soothing soundtrack, Pine Hearts invites players on an emotional journey through the serene Pine Hearts Caravan Park. Playing as Tyke, you’ll explore, solve puzzles, and uncover nostalgic memories, all while soaking in the game’s heartwarming atmosphere.

And to top it off, the very first quest is to ‘pet the dog’ - a delightful start that sets the tone for the entire adventure.

Welcome to Pine Hearts

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From the outset, it’s clear that Pine Hearts is more than just a game; it’s a heartfelt invitation to slow down and reflect. The vibrant visuals and attention to detail instantly draw you in, promising an immersive and satisfying experience.

Tyke arrives at Pine Hearts in the hopes of completing his hillwalking journal. This challenge holds a special meaning for Tyke, which plays out in the form of memories that replay as he wanders around the campsite, caravan park, golf club, and beach.

The game’s narrative, described as a "love letter to all who have experienced loss," offers a cosy refuge to ponder fond memories. The memory drops, resembling water droplets, are a key part of this. Finding the standing stone and clearing the path gives rewards in the form of these drops. Collect enough, and the memory unlocks.

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These memories are not just cut scenes; there is some interaction, and as you journey through them, Tyke will learn a new skill. However, the number of drops needed to unlock a new memory ramps up significantly. In the end, I collected over 10% more than needed, so not every task must be completed to finish the game.

Yet, for completionists, there's no clear indication of what tasks are left or where the missing drops might be, which may cause some frustration.

So much to see

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Pine Hearts itself is more than just a mountain. The world map shows its seven distinct areas, ranging from a beach to a golf course, a castle to a campsite, with quests to complete at each. The main story guides you through the key areas; however, parts of these areas are blocked with tree stumps, rock faces, etc., and can’t be accessed until that skill or tool has been unlocked.

The world map might not be detailed enough to find all the routes, but there is a local map on the quest log page. This smaller map shows the paths in that area and also helps find quest items and key individuals.

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Unfortunately, I found the quest log inconsistent. I struggled to find the vegetables for the Lone Camper's burger quest and when I did find them, it was slow to update as I picked them up.

A real treat to play on Switch, this cosy adventure game is enjoyable to play in handheld and docked modes, although there is the odd judder while the game saves. The controls are straightforward, and you are reminded of what to press when you get to an object. The options menu is very extensive, with settings for accessibility, including run mode, simplified controls, font scaling, and visual support.

The Verdict

Pine Hearts is a breath of fresh air, encouraging you to slow down and tend to your emotional roots. It doesn’t just simulate an adventure; it simulates peace, creativity, and community. Whether you’re revisiting childhood memories or simply seeking a tranquil escape, Pine Hearts offers a slice of serenity with no stress involved.

4.5/5

Reviewed on Nintendo Switch. Review code provided by the publisher.