Heart of Summer: Anime School Life Dating Sim with a Thriller Twist

8/11/2026, 11:49:10 PM

Release date: 2/28/2025

Tags: #choose-your-own-adventure #visual-novel #dating-sim #thriller #horror #skateboarding #anime #story-rich

User Reviews

Score: 100%Positive
Review Count: 12 reviews
Fetched At: 8/11/2026, 11:49:12 PM

Live Store Snapshot

Body text may reflect the state at publication time. For the latest sale, price, and review changes, prioritize the live price panel, review panel, and the Steam store listing.

Japan Price: ¥ 2,700
Global Price: $15.99
Sale Status: Regular pricing
Price Checked At: 8/11/2026, 11:49:08 PM

Key highlight

Relive your last high school summer in "Heart of Summer," an anime-inspired visual novel blending dating sim romance with thrilling horror elements in a nostalgic 2000s Japan setting.

Who this is for

For those seeking a blend of sweet school anime nostalgia and chilling horror, "Heart of Summer" offers a unique journey through unexpected twists and turns.

Details

Overview

Step into the shoes of a high school student reliving their final summer in the charming, yet mysterious, city of Takagi. "Heart of Summer" is an anime-inspired visual novel that blends the familiar tropes of a dating sim with unexpected thriller and horror elements.

Set in the early 2000s, the game aims to capture the nostalgic essence of classic school anime, offering players a unique narrative experience.

Highlights

Genre-Bending Narrative: Experience a story that seamlessly shifts between lighthearted rom-com, suspenseful horror, and other intriguing genres.
Nostalgic Setting: Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of 2000s Japan, reminiscent of classic school anime, brought to life in a visual novel format.
Dating Sim Core: Engage with five distinct charming girls, aiming to build relationships and perhaps find that high school girlfriend you've always dreamed of.

Who It's For

This game is perfect for fans of visual novels and dating sims who appreciate a strong narrative with unexpected twists. Players who enjoy anime aesthetics, slice-of-life stories with a darker undertone, and choose-your-own-adventure mechanics will find "Heart of Summer" particularly engaging.

Those looking for a classic anime school life experience with a mature, thrilling edge will also be drawn to its unique blend of genres.

Game Info

"Heart of Summer" is a single-player experience developed and published by Akehabara. It falls under the Indie and Simulation genres, with strong elements of Visual Novel and Dating Sim gameplay, complemented by Thriller and Horror themes.

The game is available in English and supports Steam Family Sharing. It was released on February 28, 2025.

Please be aware that the game contains Nudity or Sexual Content and General Mature Content, making it potentially inappropriate for all ages or for viewing at work.