Heart of China (1991)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Heart of China: A Romantic Adventure in 1930s China

Released in 1991, Heart of China is a romantic adventure game set in 1930s China. The game follows Jake “Lucky” Masters, a former World War I fighter pilot, who is recruited by wealthy businessman E.A. Lomax to rescue his daughter, Kate, who has been abducted by a Chinese warlord named Li Deng.

Heart of China is a point-and-click adventure game with a simple interface and gameplay that is very similar to Rise of the Dragon, another game released by the same developer, Dynamix. The game utilizes digitized photos of live actors superimposed on hand-painted graphics, which gives it a unique and visually appealing style.

The game is set in a variety of locations, including Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Chengdu, and features a cast of colorful characters, including Jake, Kate, Li Deng, and a mysterious ninja named Wu Sin. The player must interact with these characters and solve puzzles in order to progress through the game and rescue Kate.

One of the things that makes Heart of China unique is its branching dialogue system. The player’s choices in dialogue can have a significant impact on the game’s story and ending. For example, if the player chooses to be aggressive towards Li Deng, he may become hostile and refuse to cooperate. However, if the player chooses to be more diplomatic, Li Deng may be more willing to negotiate.

Another unique feature of Heart of China is its arcade sequences. These sequences require the player to complete a variety of tasks, such as shooting down enemy planes or navigating a maze. If the player fails to complete an arcade sequence, they can skip it after several tries.

Heart of China was a critical and commercial success, and it is still considered to be one of the best adventure games of all time. The game’s unique setting, branching dialogue system, and arcade sequences make it a truly unforgettable experience.

Gameplay

Heart of China is a point-and-click adventure game with a simple interface and gameplay. The player uses the mouse to interact with the game world and solve puzzles. The game’s puzzles are generally logical and fair, and they require the player to use their wits and observation skills.

The game also features a number of arcade sequences, which require the player to complete a variety of tasks, such as shooting down enemy planes or navigating a maze. These sequences can be challenging, but they can also be skipped if the player fails to complete them after several tries.

Setting

Heart of China is set in 1930s China, a time of great political and social upheaval. The game’s locations include Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Chengdu, and each location has its own unique atmosphere and characters.

Characters

Heart of China features a cast of colorful characters, including Jake “Lucky” Masters, Kate Lomax, Li Deng, and Wu Sin.

  • Jake “Lucky” Masters is a former World War I fighter pilot who is recruited by E.A. Lomax to rescue his daughter, Kate. Jake is a skilled pilot and a resourceful adventurer.
  • Kate Lomax is the daughter of wealthy businessman E.A. Lomax. Kate is a kind and compassionate young woman who is kidnapped by Li Deng.
  • Li Deng is a Chinese warlord who has kidnapped Kate Lomax. Li Deng is a ruthless and ambitious man who is determined to build a powerful empire in China.
  • Wu Sin is a mysterious ninja who helps Jake on his quest to rescue Kate. Wu Sin is a skilled martial artist and a master of disguise.

Story

Heart of China’s story is a romantic adventure that follows Jake “Lucky” Masters as he travels to China to rescue Kate Lomax from the clutches of the evil warlord Li Deng. Along the way, Jake will encounter a variety of challenges, including dangerous enemies, treacherous terrain, and his own inner demons.

Themes

Heart of China explores a number of themes, including love, loss, redemption, and the search for identity. The game’s story is a powerful and moving tale that will stay with the player long after they have finished playing.

Legacy

Heart of China was a critical and commercial success, and it is still considered to be one of the best adventure games of all time. The game’s unique setting, branching dialogue system, and arcade sequences make it a truly unforgettable experience.

Heart of China has been praised for its innovative gameplay, stunning graphics, and engaging story. The game has been ported to a variety of platforms, including the PC, Amiga, and Macintosh. It has also been released on GOG.com and Steam.

Heart of China is a classic adventure game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s unique setting, branching dialogue system, and arcade sequences make it a truly unforgettable experience. If you are a fan of adventure games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Heart of China.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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