On the kind of fateful stormy night that changes a man’s destiny, an enormous sinkhole opens in the middle of Whit Anderson’s farm. As thunder rumbles and rain lashes the Andersons, Casey—their curious Golden Retriever—ventures too close to the gaping maw and tumbles in. Desperate to save Casey, Whit descends into the darkness, but emerges in a realm beyond his imagining.
In this strange world, constantly shifting like the stops and starts of a dream, Whit bears witness to the story of his life and gains the power to change it.
Experience a lifetime in hazy, ethereal spaces made manifest by Whit’s memories. As they come into focus, explore his childhood, learn about his family, and uncover his greatest joys and regrets. Connect with others who’ve shared in Whit’s life, from his eccentric, misunderstood brother Sege and high school sweetheart Rene to the children they raise.
At pivotal moments in Whit’s dreamlike reflection, at the points in time and space where lives change forever, make new choices or stick with the decisions which helped form his family. Answer, for Whit, what life would have been like. If he’d stood with his brother. If he’d stayed behind. If he’d taken the leap. If he’d said ‘Yes.’
Behold surreal environments and structures that defy reality. Soak up an ambient soundscape befitting a dream. Discover what gets left behind, and what’s worth returning to, across a selection of intimate vignettes. Make hundreds of choices on the journey back home, where dozens of possible endings await.
Perp Games will release the PS4 boxed version of Where the Heart Leads on Tuesday, July 13, the same day as its digital release. The Physical Version promises to be a very Special Edition with a variety of exclusive physical and digital content.
“It’s with great pleasure that we have partnered with Perp Games, a publisher that strongly values making physical editions something more special than just a boxed disc. I know together we can create a very rewarding experience for Armature Studio fans, PlayStation gamers, and collectors,” said Todd Keller, Game Director at Armature Studio.
“It is extremely exciting when a developer embarks on a project of this magnificence and magnitude. And even more so, when the Developer succeeds in such spectacular fashion. The highly talented team at Armature will take you on an emotional journey and we are very proud to be part of that journey.” said Rob Edwards, Managing Director at Perp Games.
More details will follow in the coming weeks.
Boasting thousands of choices and dozens of endings across a twisting, uplifting, gut-wrenching story, Where the Heart Leads features a 600,000-word script, rivaling five novels or the biggest AAA RPGs. Step into Whit’s life, from his childhood and teenage years to fumbling around as a young adult and reflecting on his works as an old man. Experience an entire lifetime of choices and their consequences.
A broad cast of memorable, complicated characters fill Whit’s life with love, fear, calm, and anxiety. Grapple with difficult decisions posed by friends, family, and other loved ones. Support your brother’s passion for art or push him towards a more conventional career. Give advice to your partner or give her the space to solve her problem independently. Whit’s choices could lead him back to the wife and kids he left behind, to a life unlike anything he’s ever known, or to his ruin.
Where the Heart Leads unfolds a rich narrative tapestry of detailed, realistic writing and entrancing watercolor-style artwork. Marvel at surrealist landscapes reminiscent of dreams and their shifting realities. Explore detailed environments to find journal entries, sentimental items, and other artifacts of Whit’s past. Discover if the grass is greener, whether fate can change, and how one life orbits countless others.
Key Features:
- Take the journey of a lifetime as Whit Anderson, an artist and would-be farmhand who retraces his steps as a child, parent, and elderly man
- Hundreds of choices across a 600,000-word script, equal to five novels and offering virtually limitless permutations
- Dozens of endings and hundreds of outcomes. For many choices, a consequence
Where the Heart Leads will release on PS4 (PS5 via backwards compatibility) on July 13 for $24.99.
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