Castle of Heart: Retold vs Bye Sweet Carole

• Perspective: 2.5D Side-Scroller
• Multiplayer: Single-Player Only
• Setting: Slavic Mythology
• Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2 (TBA)
• Unique Feature: A unique curse mechanic that acts as a timer, where the player's health constantly depletes and must be replenished through aggressive combat, creating a timed-runner feel.

• Perspective: 2D Side-Scroller
• Multiplayer: Single-Player Only
• Setting: Early 20th Century England / Fantasy Kingdom
• Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch
• Unique Feature: A completely hand-drawn, cinematic horror adventure with a unique rabbit transformation mechanic, inspired by classic animated films and 90s adventure games.

• Crystals of Mokosh: Four hidden gems are scattered throughout each of the game's 20 levels. Collecting them extends Svaran's maximum health.
• Stone Hearts: Floating pickups found throughout levels and dropped by enemies. These are essential for replenishing Svaran's constantly draining life bar.

• Puzzle Items: Found throughout Bunny Hall and Corolla. These are useful objects that must be collected and used at the opportune moment to solve puzzles, in the style of classic point-and-click adventure games.
• Lore Notes: Documents, letters, and environmental clues that piece together the story of Carole's disappearance and the secrets of the world.

• Dark Fantasy
• Slavic Mythology
• Action Platformer
• 2.5D
• Indie
• Curse

• Horror
• Adventure
• 2D Platformer
• Hand-Drawn
• Dark Fairytale
• Mystery
• Psychological

• Sword: Primary Melee
  Svaran's main weapon for close-quarters hack-and-slash combat.
• Secondary Melee Weapons: Torches, Hatchets
  A variety of melee weapons that can be picked up and used for a limited time. Svaran drops his secondary weapon if his first health bar is depleted.
• Secondary Ranged Weapons: Javelins, Crossbows
  Ranged weapon options that can be found in the levels for engaging enemies from a distance.

• Knight's Armor: Svaran wears a suit of armor, but there is no traditional armor system with defensive stats. His durability is determined by his health bar, which is extended by collecting Crystals of Mokosh.

Progression is based on in-level pickups and collectibles. Players can find dozens of different melee and ranged secondary weapons throughout the levels. Collecting the four 'Crystals of Mokosh' hidden in each level will extend Svaran's maximum life bar. There is no traditional skill tree; progression is tied to player skill and health upgrades.

The game does not feature a traditional skill or upgrade system. Progression is tied to puzzle-solving and acquiring key items. Lana's primary ability is her magical transformation into a rabbit, which is essential for escaping threats and platforming. There are no combat upgrades; the focus is on stealth and evasion.

The game is a linear 2.5D platformer. Players will travel across 20 levels set within four distinct, Slavic-inspired landscapes. Most levels have been completely rebuilt for the Retold version, featuring new animations and more detailed environments.

The game features a linear, 2D structure. Players explore two main settings: the hostile and austere Bunny Hall orphanage and the mysterious, creepy kingdom of Corolla. The gameplay involves moving back and forth between these two realities, where actions in one can influence the other.

• Svaran: Playable Protagonist
  A noble Slavic warrior who is cursed and turned to stone. He must fight against time to defeat the evil sorcerer and save his beloved.
• Mira: Key NPC
  A priestess and Svaran's betrothed. Her tear brings Svaran back to life, and her rescue is his primary goal.
• The Sorcerer: Antagonist
  The main villain of the game. A servant of the evil god Chernobog who cursed Svaran and rules the land with dark magic.

• Lana Benton: Playable Protagonist
  A young girl at Bunny Hall orphanage who is investigating the disappearance of her best friend, Carole.
• Mr. Kyn: Antagonist
  A sinister, menacing man in a cylindrical hat who controls the kingdom of Corolla and relentlessly pursues Lana.
• Mr. Baesie: Companion / Protector
  A kind, headless silver gentleman who guards the kingdom of Corolla and acts as Lana's faithful companion.
• Velenia: Antagonist
  A ruthless and ominous owl that serves as a threat to Lana.
• Tar Bunnies: Enemies
  Swarms of ravenous, nightmarish rabbit-like creatures that plague the world.

• Main Story Campaign
  A linear, cinematic story that follows Lana Benton as she investigates the disappearance of her friend Carole, jumping between the real world and the fantasy kingdom of Corolla to solve puzzles and uncover a dark secret.

• Q: What is Castle of Heart: Retold?
  A: It is a complete remake and definitive version of the 2018 Nintendo Switch exclusive action platformer, Castle of Heart. It features massively improved graphics, rebalanced combat, and a reimagined story.
• Q: What is the 'curse' mechanic?
  A: The protagonist, Svaran, is cursed to turn to stone. This translates into a unique gameplay mechanic where his health constantly drains like a timer. He must stay aggressive, killing enemies or finding pickups to replenish his health and survive.
• Q: Is it a hard game?
  A: Yes, it is designed to be a challenging 2.5D action platformer, similar in feel to classic games like Super Ghouls and Ghosts. Precision platforming and strategic combat are required.
• Q: What's new in the 'Retold' version?
  A: Almost everything has been enhanced. Most levels are rebuilt, graphics and lighting are overhauled, controls are more responsive, combat is rebalanced to be more tactical, and every line of dialogue and every cutscene has been remade.

• Q: What is Bye Sweet Carole?
  A: It is a 2D cinematic horror-adventure game with a completely hand-drawn art style inspired by classic animated films. It was created by Chris Darril, the director of the Remothered series.
• Q: Is there combat in the game?
  A: No. The gameplay is focused on puzzle-solving, platforming, and stealth. Players must run and hide from enemies rather than fight them directly.
• Q: What is the rabbit transformation?
  A: It is Lana's main ability, allowing her to transform into a rabbit to run faster, jump higher, and escape through small passages. This is essential for both platforming and evading enemies.
• Q: What games is it inspired by?
  A: Its horror and stealth elements are inspired by the original Clock Tower, while its platforming is similar to Cuphead. The overall adventure game feel is a homage to 90s classics like Dragon's Lair and Heart of Darkness.

• OFFICIAL PC SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS from the game's Steam page. These specifications are for the rebuilt 'Retold' version and are relatively modest.
• Laptop Performance Note: Laptop performance will be excellent on modern hardware. Most gaming laptops from the last few years will run the game at high settings without issue.
• Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P: Not a critical factor for this title, as it is not graphically intensive.
• Laptop Consideration: Cooling Thermals: The game is not demanding enough to stress modern cooling systems.
• Laptop Consideration: C P U Power Limits: Any modern mobile CPU will handle the game with ease.
• Laptop Consideration: M U X Switch Optimus: Not a critical feature, but beneficial for reducing latency in any game.
• Game Name: Castle of Heart: Retold

• OFFICIAL PC SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS from the game's Steam page. The requirements are modest, reflecting the game's 2D, hand-drawn nature.
• Laptop Performance Note: Laptop performance should be excellent on most modern hardware. Even laptops with capable integrated graphics may be able to run the game, though a dedicated GPU is recommended.
• Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P: Not a critical factor for this title, as it is not graphically intensive.
• Laptop Consideration: Cooling Thermals: The game is not demanding enough to stress modern cooling systems.
• Laptop Consideration: C P U Power Limits: Any modern mobile CPU will handle the game with ease.
• Laptop Consideration: M U X Switch Optimus: Not a critical feature, but beneficial for reducing latency in any game.
• Game Name: Bye Sweet Carole

• G P U T G P: Not a critical factor for this title, as it is not graphically intensive.
• Cooling Thermals: The game is not demanding enough to stress modern cooling systems.
• C P U Power Limits: Any modern mobile CPU will handle the game with ease.
• M U X Switch Optimus: Not a critical feature, but beneficial for reducing latency in any game.

• G P U T G P: Not a critical factor for this title, as it is not graphically intensive.
• Cooling Thermals: The game is not demanding enough to stress modern cooling systems.
• C P U Power Limits: Any modern mobile CPU will handle the game with ease.
• M U X Switch Optimus: Not a critical feature, but beneficial for reducing latency in any game.