If you’ve spent any time on social media lately, you’ve likely seen the buzz surrounding Island of Hearts, a game created by Singaporean content creator JianHao Tan! This new live-action FMV (Full Motion Video) dating sim has made waves for its cast of real-life influencers including Ms. Puiyi and Nahyun.
But does this tropical getaway offer a deep romantic connection, or is it just a fleeting summer fling?
From Rock Bottom to Paradise
The game places you in the shoes of a main character who has hit a brick wall in life. You’ve just lost your job and your long-term relationship in one fell swoop (though the relationship might have ended more because you’re pretty stupid in-game, IMO). In a twist of plot convenience with a dash of magical sci-fi shenanigans, you find yourself transported to a stunning villa that appears to be set in Phuket, Thailand.
Waiting for you are six (and eventually seven) beautiful women, each with distinct personalities ranging from adventurous extroverts to shy, “homebody” types. Your goal is simple: navigate the social waters, manage your schedule, and find your perfect match among the group. But all isn’t as simple as it seems – I also need to admit there are some moments where you’ll end up questioning your own morality.
Meeting The Stunning Cast
The biggest draw for many will be the cast. By using established influencers rather than traditional actors, the developers have created a game that feels more like a curated “fan-service” experience. If you are a fan of any of the influencers featured in this game, this might be a win for you. The game feels like an intimate, interactive vlog, presenting a fantasy where you, the player, can interact and have a close relationship with them.
On the other hand, this means the performances are a bit of a mixed bag. Because many of the stars are not trained actors, some scenes can feel a bit stiff or unintentionally cheesy, which admittedly does have its own “so-bad-it’s-good” appeal. For those who enjoy the influencers’ natural charms, this might add a layer of campy fun.
More Than Just Watching
While Island of Hearts is primarily interactive fiction, where each of your choices dictate the flow of the story, it attempts to break up the “watch-and-click” formula with several mechanics:
- Social Management: You have a smartphone to chat with the girls and a romance meter to track your standing. A key challenge is juggling dates; making an appointment with one girl might mean missing an opportunity with another, leading to real consequences in the narrative. This mechanic can also be seen in other FMV games such as Five Hearts Under One Roof and Roommates, Romance & Ringing Hearts.
- Exploration: There are segments where you scout environments for interactive objects, though I personally found that some of these moments get a bit tedious as they can’t always be skipped, forcing you to comb the entire environment in order to move on.
- Mini-Games: From underwater breath-holding to axe throwing, the game tries to keep you on your toes. Be warned, though – these can be frustrating due to inconsistent input detection and a lack of tutorials (or maybe it’s just my skill issue).
Technical Highs and Lows
Visually, the game is a treat, capturing the sun-drenched beauty of Thailand’s beaches. However, the production quality is quite inconsistent. You might notice repeating animations or lip-syncing issues, especially if you’re switching between English and Chinese audio.
The lack of controller support at launch is also a notable hurdle for those hoping to play on a Steam Deck or a couch setup, so I hope these few details can be improved in the future.
The Verdict: Who Is This For?
Island of Hearts isn’t trying to redefine the genre with a deep, emotionally resonant plot. It’s a light, casual experience designed for relaxation and replayability, with the game boasting over 13 endings. Personally, I found Lily’s route to be the most interesting, with Sophia as a close second. Their storylines felt more natural, while the rest came across as heavily scripted, as if they were forcing themselves to fit in with the plot.
The mini-games were fun and carefully thought out, but poorly executed with unclear tutorials and the occasional input error. At the same time, I need to give credit where credit is due – the lighting and cinematics were spot-on. I can tell that the developers poured a massive budget into this game, and it definitely didn’t disappoint.
Ultimately, Island of Hearts is an interesting experience that tests your rizzing skills and your morals. As someone who personally plays FMVs quite often, and is not particularly a fan of any of the influencers featured, I rate it a 5-6/10. Play it if you like the influencers, enjoy cheesy FMV games, or want a low-stakes romantic “choose-your-own-adventure”, but skip if you’re looking for something more serious and polished.
