Life simulation or 'journey' games are often a mixed bag of good ideas wrapped in eccentric, esoteric extravagance. That alliterative adjective-laden descriptor being a metaphor for the indulgence they can both present, and personally represent. But amidst the in-life and in-joke writing of some, others emerge as explorations of broad stroke ideas larger than life, or life-giving, such as the promise presented through Armature Studio's Where the Heart Leads for PS4 and PS5.

The setup is both metaphorically and physically cool. Whit, a hubby and dad, tries to save the family fur-child from a sinkhole, but then literally rabbit holes his whole life; decisions made and those ignored, included, and we have an unraveling on our hands, as dictated by you, the player. We'll let the pros tell you the full premise:

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.

Proudly supported by the PlayStation Indies initiative, 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.

“The lives we lead are tangled—countless unseen threads chronicle our story,” said Todd Keller, director, Armature Studio. “Where the Heart Leads tugs on these knots, inviting players to reflect on where they’ve been, where they’re going, and what’s most important, even when life is frightening and the road uncertain.”

Where the Heart Leads is set to release on PS4 and PS5 July 13. Check out the game's latest trailer embedded below.

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