Heartlines
By @Soulglider
Make choices to build relationships and navigate a branching romantic story in this visual novel about finding new connections.
How to play
- Read the dialogue and tap the text box to advance the conversation.
- Select dialogue choices that align with the character you want to bond with.
- Check the Story Map to view your current affinity out of 20 for each person.
- Unlock new chapters and specific branches by meeting the required relationship thresholds.
Controls
- Touch
- Tap the dialogue box to advance text or select your choices.
- Keyboard
- Press Space or Enter to advance the dialogue and read faster.
- Mouse
- Click the dialogue box to advance text or select your choices.
More about this game
Heartlines is a visual novel where your decisions shape a romantic journey at the Maple House. The core loop involves reading dialogue, interacting with characters like Sora and Akari, and making choices that alter your affinity meters. As your trust with each character grows up to a maximum of 20 points, you unlock exclusive branching paths on the Story Map. Difficulty comes from balancing these relationships to access specific story routes. A run ends when you complete the currently available chapters and reveal your final path.
Tips
- Pay close attention to character reactions during dinner; agreeing with Akari or Sora can grant up to 2 affinity points.
- Use the Story Map to track your affinity. You need at least 1 point with specific characters to unlock branches like Rainy Errand.
- If you want to read without clicking, turn on the auto-play feature which automatically advances dialogue after a 1500-millisecond delay.
Questions
How do I unlock the After Hours route?
To unlock the After Hours branch on the Story Map, you must build your relationship meters. It requires having at least 1 affinity point with both Hana and Reina.
Can I change my choices?
You can use the back button in the top menu to return to previous dialogue beats, but choices you have already made remain saved. To completely start over, use the restart button on the map.
What happens if a choice is locked?
A locked choice means you do not have enough trust with that specific character yet. You will need to replay and select different options earlier in the story to increase their affinity meter.