Japanese studio Frontwing’s latest visual novel, Cocoro, has been released for Windows (Steam). Co-published with Good Smile Company, the game’s story was planned and penned by Asta Konno (Natsu no Ame, ATRI -My Dear Moments-, GINKA), with character designs by Akio Watanabe (Kantai Collection, The Fruit of Grisaia, Monogatari).
Cocoro takes place in the ruined city of Tsukumo after a global AI insurgency. The story follows Hinata Mitsumine, a resident of Tsukumo who used to play with a girl in the local botanical garden in his youth. Losing his mother at a young age left Hinata temporarily unable to speak, but through his interactions with the girl, he overcame his trauma and fell in love with her. Hinata eventually left Tsukumo, but not before promising to marry the girl.
Upon coming back to the city over summer break, Hinata hears rumors of a ghost in the botanical garden who tends to the flowers. His investigation leads him to a humanoid girl who explains that she is already betrothed, with her fiancé promising to marry her when the flowers bloom. The girl hopes to become human to make her future husband happy.
Though Hinata remembers the girl (whom he names “Cocoro”), she apparently does not recognize him. Over summer break, Hinata and the girl slowly reconcile and learn (or relearn) about each other. The two also encounter several characters (many of whom are Hinata’s childhood friends) who help them reconnect.
Cocoro is available for Windows (Steam). To commemorate its release, the game is currently on sale until September 8. You can find out more on the official Cocoro webpage.
