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Obsessed with the gacha game, Candied Hearts, the MC finds herself struggling to earn enough points to unlock a limited edition event skin. She isn’t prepared for a thunderstorm that sends her into the game world itself! Journey through the Land of Sweets, try to solve a political family strife and fall in love!

  • Nameable protagonist (Default name is Candice)
  • 18.2k words (Est. Playtime: 1-1.5 hours depending on reading speed)
  • Multiple choices and scenes to experience!
  • 3 CGS
    • Multiple variations
  • Partial Voice Acting
  • Accessibility Options
    • Sound and Image Captions
    • Self-Voicing (Can be toggled on in the Options menu or by pressing the 'V' key on your keyboard)
    • Font Options (Atkinson Hyperlegible and OpenDyslexic) 

  • 2 Routes (Peppermint & Lakritz)
    • Both will be roughly ~17k words each
    • 4 Endings (2 endings each)
  • Alternate outfits for the MC!
  • Total CG count will be 7!
  • The appearance of Philip, Lakritz' mentor and most trusted friend!

This game contains blood, cursing, potential character deaths, screen flashes, screen shaking, and an abusive parental figure. Please be advised while playing, and take care of yourself.

Liked Candied Hearts? Leave a rating and consider supporting me on Patreon or Ko-Fi to get more games like it!


Patreon | Ko-Fi

Updated 13 days ago
StatusIn development
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Linux, HTML5
Rating
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars
(77 total ratings)
AuthorsHusbandoGoddess, oona
GenreVisual Novel, Interactive Fiction
Made withRen'Py
TagsDating Sim, Fantasy, Female Protagonist, isekai, josei, Multiple Endings, Otome, Romance, Voice Acting
Average sessionAbout an hour
LanguagesEnglish
AccessibilitySubtitles, One button

Download

Download
Candied Hearts Demo (Windows) 92 MB
Download
Candied Hearts Demo (Mac) 75 MB
Download
Candied Hearts Demo (Linux) 81 MB

Development log

Comments

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(+1)

Oh my god, this is both cute and detrimental to my heart. I can see the appeal of Lakritz, I mean tall dramatic guy with an angsty story and a heart full of conflict-- But I was more drawn to Peppermint because my boy is just trying to do his best and he's surrounded by packs of wolves and someone has to be there to support him as he stands up and finds himselfffffff

I have to say the visuals are absolutely beautiful and pleasing, liek no joke, I absolutely thought of how soft and adorable everyone was, even harsher looking characters such as King Karamel and Lakritz looked adorable and in tune with the usual bubbly and cute world of the Land of Sweets. Another thing is that I didn't like MC at first, I feel like I saw my future when she was having a hard time with her decision between spending money on a gacha game or herself, or the desperate measures she went through (because girl really spent majority of her funds there... Like, my girl, you should not get to those financial advise podcast if you want to protect your dignity). And during the trial scene I so badly wanted to tell her to just continue the mythos of the Land of Sweets by proclaiming some sort of candy event in the game/universe but then it got me thinking.

Realistically, wouldn't that just aggravate the king? 

We've seen in one of the choices where you can find a diary that King Karamel is paranoid, corrupt, and selfish. If MC even tried to use some sort of Oracle "magic" divining the future or current event that had happened, wouldn't that just further upset King Karamel such as what Lakritz points out that the king was so aggravated by MC's appearance he had her locked up so swiftly. So even if MC had definitive proof of her origins or benefits, she would have been seen as some sort of asset to the king or locked up to avoid her possibly "attacking" him the same way Lakritz is currently doing.

So yeah, those facts made me cool my head after the trial scene especially with how scatter brained MC was because she couldn't focus at all to what Peppermint was lore building over there, but then realistically, this is the game she has spent not just her time in, but actual money. So of course she'd be lost in her head absolutely made sense, especially with the after effects of the trial scene finally sobering her up because now, it isn't just a silly game she grinded in on, it's an actual harrowing real life situation MC has no choice but to brave.

Another thing I wanted to point out is Lakritz use of SweetTart, isn't that MC's ingame username? Or is it some sort of petname such as "dear", "darling", "sweetheart", and etc?

Nonetheless, I'm kinda hoping after this demo we're actually locked in our desired route because while I do like Lakritz design and overall character, I want to focus on our sweetheart Peppermint because I just want the marshmallow to be safe and sound and not accidentally enter Lakritz route because I decided to check the "right" dialogue option to increase his hidden love meter.

Looking forward to the development, hoping the team is chugging along life well, and this is quite a cool project moving forward!

(+1)

AHHH, thank you for your comment, Neci! They're always such a treat to read~

I'm actually super intrigued and happy hearing your experience regarding the MC. When writing her, we definitely wanted to highlight how her addiction is very much a problem and how she likes to stand up for herself and others could not only be a benefit, but also be a detriment in certain situations (i.e. meeting King Karamel). 

In regards to Lakritz calling MC Sweet Tart because you're not the only one to wonder about that! It's just a nickname, and the reason why Lakritz choose it is explained briefly in his route, but it's a funny coincidence, right? ;)

To answer your question about the routes, the demo covers the entire common route. So, yes, you'll be locked into either Lakritz or Peppermint's route. You should be able to pick off right where you left off from the demo, though sometimes Ren'Py save files can be unloadable with updates and such. If that does happen, I'll include a choice at the start of the full release for demo players to jump into either Peppermint or Lakritz' route so y'all don't gotta replay through the common route if you don't want to!

Oh that's so interesting! Also, I'm glad my comment was insightful since I was basically writing without a clear goal in mind since I just finished the demo and omg I just loved how the direction turned out. That lil comment about the mystery with "Sweet Tart" is honestly so intriguing to me so I'm really gonna go explore Lakritz's route after Peppermint once the VN is ready~ (I'm also highkey curious about the other sweet soldier we have).

Also I'm really glad for the locked in choice because now it means we can focus our goal directly on our chosen, LI! Thanks so much for the clarifications (even though it just ended with more mystery hehe)

(+1)

I have played some of the game so far and I enjoy it much! This is part 1! Enjoy

(+1)

AHHH THANK YOU FOR THE WONDERFUL VIDEO! <3

(+1)

I just played through the game and I can't wait for the full version!!!!!!!!!

Loved the game!

(2 edits) (+2)

HELL YES, let's crush some candy mutha*****s!!

Having been in the pits of gacha before, Candice's situation is such a mood, and is so well represented... 😔  (!@#% the gacha industry, stop ruining games kthx 😡) *ahem*

The character designs are awesome, the music fits so well, the backgrounds are so colourful and exciting, and I like the UI - it blends nicely with everything else without distracting from the action.

Gotta love a good sprinkling of family drama too, for good measure - that extra pinch of spice to make it both sweet and savoury! 🌶

The VAs seem fitting for each character, so nice job casting everyone!  But I did feel like some of the voice acting is out of balance volume-wise.  e.g. Karamel's voiced lines sound quiet compared to the other characters to me. 🔉

I'm definitely getting more "frenemy" vibes from Lakritz (AKA OP secret boss character), rather than LI.  So I totally ship Candice x Peppermint! 🍬

I'm eager to see where the plot goes from here!  Also, I was hoping there'd be an option to chew through the prison bars, so ty for delivering on that! (even if I almost made Candice break her teeth and/or jaw in the process 😂)

Love the demo, and very hyped for the full release! 🎉

(+1)

I loved this so much 😭

(+2)

I'm glad you liked the game (and being called Sweet Tart ;D), jjo!

omg never would've guessed that being called freaking 'sweet tart' would have me blushing and giggling?? 

(+1)

"My name, Sweet Tart, is Lakritz" the va had me blushing?? 😭😭

i've only just started this but i already really like  peppermint 😭😭

(+1)

PEPPERMINT IS THE SWEETEST!!! As his writer, I'm glad you're liking him! I'm also glad you like Lakritz as well. <3

this game so cool

(+1)

5/5 would play again . . . and will!

This is such a wonderful introduction to a game that will definitely be worth the wait.

  • The writing pulls you into the world as the dialogue really lets the characters shine so you get attached (hehe) and provides just enough information to hook you into the story that will unfold.
  • Art is absolutely cute but does not feel jarring when the story does start to unravel more sinister plots . . .
  • Voice acting is already on point and matches the characters quite well! Cannot wait to hear more when the full game comes out :)

Absolutely looking forward towards more as this demo was fantastic!

(2 edits) (+1)

I LOVE THIS GAME SM!!!! Peppermint is so cute and adorable, I love him so much!! he's so kind and I love that. ONE OF MY FAVORITE GAMES , IM SO EXCITED FOR THE FULL RELEASE rating: 1000000000 out of 10 <33 🥰🥰🥰

(+1)

AHHHH THAT MEANS A LOT!!! SO GLAD YOU LOVE THE GAME 🥺💕💕 I promise you the full release won't disappoint

(+1)

idk if this is gonna be seen by the creator or not but can i make fanart of peppermint and post it to my youtube channel?

Of course you can! When you do, please link the video here so I can see it!!! 💕

(+1)

thanks :D and i will

(+1)

finished it, 

(+1)

AHHHH!!! I LOVE HIM SO MUCH! He's so cute in your style. Thank you so much for the lovely drawing. <3

(+2)

i cant kiss peppermint :( really good game tho

(+6)

9/10, not a 10 because you can't kiss peppermint, which is essential to gameplay >:( /hj

so true

(2 edits) (+1)

This game not only tugged at my heart with cuteness, but when stuff went down I was on the edge of my seat. Everything from the writing to the art to the character designs was nothing short of immaculate and I had such a blast playing this with friends too. I cant wait for the full release, I'll be on it in a heartbeat!!!

(also loved the MC very inclusive design and relatable too, felt very seen and I just really appreciate that attention to detail. Amazing job<3)

(+1)

It's a lovely demo so far! I had great fun playing it and will be waiting in anticipation for the full release!! (please know I am now emotionally attached to Peppermint, he is so sdjflsjd and I love him so much)

(+1)

Hey Kristi, 
Here's what I love about your game:

* Character design and art - Peppermint adorable, puff sleeves and puffed shorts. Even main character lying on her bed at the start of the game and her expression changes are very cool.

* Background art - awesome! Reminds me of an edible gingerbread house. * Story premise - very cool! Otome Jam had an optional reincarnation theme, so nice to see a game entry that actually

* Story premise - very cool! Otome Jam had an optional reincarnation theme, so nice to see a game entry that actually fulfils that. Relate to MC situation - time & effort in game reward, so you want to protect your investment at all costs!

* Voice acting. Wonderful! With Max as Peppermint, you're grand!

Overall: An adorably sweet romance game. Got a sweet tooth? Kristi has got you covered!  Can't wait for more!  xoxo


(+1)

I love the art and CGs sooooooo much! Hahaha I feel so bad for main character being so obsessed with gatcha, I laughed when she said she bought gummy bears because it reminded her of the characters! The raven is cute and damn, things get serious even in such a sweet world.  Wonder what will happen next.

(I totally thought she would end up in the game from hacking the code or something but it's just a classic phone face slap XD) I can't believe she wouldn't immediately recognize the characters from the game she's addicted to! Look forward to seeing the other characters she mentioned and what the two brothers will get up to next!

Only thing I wish was different was the gap in audio, it would be nice to keep hearing the BG music when she landed! Can't wait for the update <3
Awesome work!

Thank you so much for playing and for your feedback! <3 I gotta ask, who was your favorite? :3c

Too soon to say, I kinda feel for both the bros! Gotta see how their characters develop 
I'm also liking the main character's sass hehe

(+1)

I loved this game! Peppermint is so cute. I loved the art style, music, and the voice acting! The writing was 10/10 (many of us know what its like to get sucked into a free gacha game!) I cant wait for the full game!

Thank you so much for your kind words, Lacy! Yesss, Peppermint is an adorable little bean. <3

(+1)

This was SUCH a fun, unique experience! I adored the candyland aesthetic, and there was so much attention put into making the UI, backgrounds, and sprite art all cohesive. This was SO polished in every aspect. The character designs were GORGEOUS and so thoughtfully constructed - giving Candice a blue shirt that contrasts with the pink pastels, for instance, indicating that she's an "outsider," and giving Peppermint a much more "rounded" look as opposed to Lakritz' "sharper" one to distinguish their personalities. I LOVED the VA performances too; all of them did a wonderful job! The CGs look awesome, and there was a lot of care put into adding variations to add more dynamicism! 

As a gacha game enjoyer myself, I really loved Candice as a protagonist! Her reactions were all so relatable, and I liked how she has a backbone while also being a flawed, realistic human being. When I heard about her spending so much money on the game, I kept saying to myself "GIRL STOP" but also, more quietly, "girl...if you don't get that skin now...you'll never have it..." 

I really loved both of the LIs - and it was so interesting how they've both been shaped by their relationship with their toxic father, but they reacted in completely different ways. They're both so well-rounded and three dimensional, Peppermint especially. While his kindness is a strength, his meekness also prevents him from standing up to his father - though you do get hints at his desire to rebel as the story progresses. Lakritz is a bit more mysterious, but I was intrigued by his desire to help Candice, and his relationship with his brother. I'm really interested to see how both characters develop from here!

This is definitely one of the most UNIQUE otome that I have ever seen, and I'm really looking forward to the continuation!

(1 edit) (+1)

So cute!! The opening dialogue rings so true for devotees of skinner box games, and it only makes me even more glad I managed to delete the apps and stop waking up in the middle of the night to fret over virtual baked goods 😭


 Both Peppermint and Lakritz have fully caught my attention; Peppermint is adorable and I really want to see him grow and gain confidence, and Lakritz's penchant for flair combined with his grim determination to set things right are so intriguing! I will patiently wait for more story about both of them- though I may need some sweets to pass the time now. Worth! 😋

(+1)

Ahhh thank you so much for the kind words, Allie! It really means a lot. 😭💕 I'm so glad you were able to escape gacha hell.

(+1)

Omg, everything abt this is so cute! I surprised myself with Peppermint taking my heart, wishing nothing but the best for him and ofc for Lakritz to take control (absolutely loved his voice)! Can't wait for the full release <3

(+1)

As Peppermint's writer, it means a lot to hear that he stole your heart~ I'm honestly blown away by how many people love my son. And yesss, Mye'Shawn did an excellent job as Lakritz. <3 Thank you so much for playing.

(+2)

You saw my live reaction, so you know I love this. Everything looks delicious, which I think for this is an absolute win! And I'm so intrigued to know more about the world and see where the story goes!

Also, I love Peppy, I'm adopting him. 

And I'm going to eat the kingdom.

(+1)

Lakritz: "We need to take down the king."

Candice: "I agree. Let's eat the kingdom, so he doesn’t have a place to rule!"

Lakritz: "... W-What?"

(+1)

Legit me as Candice! If he wants to destroy the kingdom, I know just the way >:)

(+1)

Oh my.... That was the cutest and sweetest design I've seen. I love the characters designs aaaaa. And I love how cute peppermint is, I wanna squish him I bet he feels like soft gummy lol.  I wouldn't mind a gacha version too lmao. I can't wait to play more of this on your future updates!!! 

(+1)

Thank you so much for playing and I'm glad you're looking forward to the full release! And yes, eppermint is the best, and he deserves all the headpats (and squishes). 😭💕

(+1)

As I was playing this, I can't stop thinking about Wreck it Ralph lol. TURBOTASTIC!

I really adore the artstyle for this game, it's colorful and everything just seems to pop and I can't take my mind of sugar rush lol. I can't wait for the full release, this was really fun. 

As someone who hasn't seen Wreck-It-Ralph, your comment made me realize the kingdom shares the same name as the karting game in the movie. I hope Disney doesn't come for us with a cease and desist. 🤣


Thank you for playing! I'm hoping to bring you the full release very soon. 💕

(+1)

Hey! I played the entry!

So, it was so good! I love how the beginning got me emotional for A GACHA GAME and the character-writing in general! Lakritz is as mysterious as he should be, although quite flirty (I'll admit I fail to fall for flirtatious characters, but he knows his way too well lmaoooo) and I ADORE PEPPERMINT!!!!!!! Aaaah!! So cute!!!! Adorable!! Supportive!!!!

Candice was a great protagonist! I loved her personality and I enjoyed how we could shape her views with the choices (especially regarding the discussion about Lakritz's views).

The writing was very good, the timing of the jokes was great, and the scene between Peppermint and King Karamel really made me suffer with them! Sincerely, I can't highlight enough how invested I was and how it made my heart feel so heavy for Peppermint! The pressure of being judged by everyone, his panick, him trying to keep face and to explain his views, all that to be mocked and despised... You sure know how to write bullying, God!

Also, kudos to the artist, to the voice actors and to everyone involved! The game looks absolutely great, from GUI, to logo, and even the music!! You picked it with a lot of care, it was very good!

I'm looking forward to the full-release! Take the time you and your team needs for it as it is the priority, but it was very good!!! I hope everyone involved is proud, because you all can be, this was a polished and very engaging experience!!!

(+1)

My goodness, the art style gives a lot to think about, it's amazing in every way, keeping the texture good, the creativity flowing, and of course the sweetness of how we can visualize the world.

Amazing piece of hope and good work on this game, I wish you efforts all the luck the world can give.

(+1)

SummerOrigins did such a phenomenal job with the art. She did a lot of research into candies, seeing which ones would for the best furniture, type of housenought! Every background felt so unique and on-theme. I honestly can't sing her praises enough!


Thank you so much for your kind words. 💕😭

(1 edit)

Can you please port it to Android, or tell me what version of Ren'py you used, because it won't work on any version of Joiplay I have on my phone.

At this time, we don't have plans to port to Android. I can look into it and see if we need to make changes to the UI, but I can't promise anything.

Beautiful demo, can't for more! <3

Also, is there a patreon for this game by chance?

(+2)

Thank you so much for playing! I'm glad you loved the demo. 

There is no Patreon for the game specifically. I asked the team, and they gave me the okay to do this. If you would like to donate money to support a developer or two, myself (Kristi) and the artist, Aca, both have separate ko-fis open. I'm having issues financially while Aca's laptop died on her, so money to either of us would be appreciated!

My Ko-fi

Aca's Ko-fi

(+1)

Ugh, I love this sm

The character art and the UI sucked me in IMMEDIATELY. Peppermint is just the sweetest guy. Early on i just found myself wanting to hug the cute lil dude omg 

(+5)

This was sooo GOOD!! I'm really enjoying the story so far!! Peppermint and Lakritz are very charming characters (both personality-wise and appearance-wise) and I absolutely love Candice, she's such a great MC!!

I really like the fact that Candice was isekaied into a gacha game instead of the more usually seen otome game world or novel that tends to be seen in the otome isekai genre, it's very refreshing. Also the fact that she actually doesn't know about their stories because other characters were hotter to her?? xD that's just amazing and made me love Candice even more.

The writing is really good, I was immersed the whole time and, honestly, the only thing I didn't like is that the demo ended LOL. I'm especially smitten with Peppermint, really looking forward to his route, he's so sweet (no pun intended) and cute!! Lakritz is mysterious and interesting too and I love how Veronica changes expressions in his sprites as well <3

Of course, the art is amazing, really fitting to a candy-filled fantasy-romance story, hehe. 

Awesome job, I'm excited to play more when the next update comes out!! <3

(+4)

Fierce leading lady, adorable and kind captain, handsome and cunning rebel AND cute raven