Ocean’s Heart
Developer: Max Mraz
Do you remember when games didn't tell you exactly where to go, and you had to rely on exploration, memory, and experimentation to make your way through? Ocean's Heart remembers. It’s a game I’ve loved from the moment I started playing it.
I was already drawn in by the very obvious similarities to old Legend of Zelda games, but as it unfolded, it claimed a hold on me. A top-down, 2D action-RPG at its heart, the game begins with you chasing down pirates to find your father, but quite quickly opens up into a fight to save the world from evil. Your standard Tuesday in fantasy land.
The world you set off to explore is old, and much of the lore needs to be found. Like the games of yore that it draws from, a lot of that history can be missed or disregarded entirely if you only stick to the main plot, but you won't want to. The world is so beautifully enticing in both writing and style that you'll find yourself wanting to explore every inch. Even having played it through several times, I still found secrets I'd missed. I mean, no one expects to find a health-restoring llama hidden in a cave under a bush, yet there it was.
The story is simple, but it's simple-done-well. You are a volunteer in the navy, the famous pirate Blackbeard wants an ancient artefact to use for evil means, and we'd all rather he didn’t succeed. Swash and buckle. Underneath the high-seas action, though, is a family story. Yes, we all love a good adventure, but it starts with our protagonist just wanting to make sure her father is okay, and bringing him home to their modest village to be with her and her sister.
The gameplay also isn't overly complicated, but that's a good thing. In fact, unlike the game it draws most prominently from, you’re not even gifted a shield. Your sword and a quick retreat are your only starting weapons here. Whilst it's certainly not a Metroidvania, you will need to find some items or weapons to enter certain areas. Enemies also respawn upon re-entering a screen, so don't expect an easy walk-through. They are relentless and do not care about your feelings. Indeed, during early walkabouts, you can find yourself outnumbered and outgunned if you're not careful.
The developer, Max Mraz clearly loves the games they take influence from. They put a great deal of detail into the story and design, but also the art. Everything looks very pretty, from swaying wheat to crashing sea. Combat animations are smooth, and cutscenes do a lot to add character and emotion to the little 2D people. There’s a real understanding of the feel of the giants it’s standing on.
Ocean’s Heart is a must for lovers of old-school adventures with a twist. It’s well thought out, beautifully presented, and a true example of an indie love letter.