Review and strategy notes for the free SRPG game "Heartium".

This time, I'd like to introduce a free PC game called "Heartium".
In another article, I introduced a rather challenging game called "Greymerka," but "Heartium" is also quite substantial in terms of content.
（Click here for an article introducing "Greymerka"）

Game Overview

As a game, it's a fairly standard simulation RPG.
In my case, it took about 30 hours to complete the game.

As a system, it doesn't have any particularly unusual features.
The reason I was able to become so engrossed in it was because the quality of the fundamental aspects, such as the story, characters, and game balance, was extremely high.

The difficulty level cannot be selected, but I felt it was roughly somewhere between medium and upper-medium difficulty.
As you progress through the second half, it gradually becomes more challenging.
Since all units are deployed in battle, it's important to level them up and utilize them all evenly.

Of course, there are strong units and units that aren't so strong.
I think the real test of a player's skill lies in how they utilize even average units.
The unit's stat limits are somewhat restricted, so it's difficult to clear the stage with individual strength alone.
The same applies to the enemy characters; even the strongest warriors of the enemy nation are at a disadvantage against overwhelming numbers, which I appreciated as a realistic touch.

Furthermore, there are many formidable enemies that can be defeated with enough effort, ensuring that even hardcore players will find something to enjoy.
You don't have to go to great lengths to defeat them, but since you can get rewards if you do, I think it's worth giving it a try.
Incidentally, even if your allies are defeated, you don't lose their characters permanently, so sometimes you might need to make the decision to sacrifice them.

Each stage has its own unique characteristics to prevent it from becoming repetitive.
In the early Super Robot Wars games, the later stages mostly consisted of a repetition of "defeat enemies → reinforcements → defeat enemies → reinforcements."
The strategies for winning become repetitive, and there's a lot of frustration involved.
However, Heartium has a well-developed story and setting, and the events are meticulously crafted on maps that match it, making it a game that is unlikely to become boring.

As the story progresses, battles become larger in scale, and the number of allied NPCs increases.
In that case, you'll need to consider coordinating with NPCs when strategizing.
I was glad to have a strong sense of being a part of a major battle.

Review (no spoilers)

I felt that the story and characters were very lively, which is probably because the creator has made various games before.
Unlike works that rely on plot convenience, this one doesn't give the impression that "the enemy characters are stupid" or "only things convenient for the allies happen."
I get the impression that every character, including the antagonists, has thought things through carefully and is acting in the best possible way for themselves.

Also, even if you think a character is just a one-off background character, they might reappear in an unexpected role.
Furthermore, even the nameless NPCs give the impression of speaking with genuine, lifelike dialogue.

Even unnamed NPCs can be incredibly powerful, sometimes even having names like "Ace XX."
It makes me think that he must be the ace of that unit, and it sparks all sorts of imagination.

There are mostly female characters, but I think it's good because it's vibrant.
There are comedic parts in the lighthearted scenes, and serious moments in the tense scenes, so there's a good balance between the two.
Despite the cute illustrations, the story is fundamentally serious.

summary

In summary, this is a simulation RPG that I can recommend to anyone.
Rather than anything being particularly outstanding, I think it's a well-made and enjoyable game that's easy to play.
It has about 30 chapters and stages, so it offers plenty of challenge.
I really hope you'll take your time and enjoy playing it.