Code provided with thanks to Keymailer
Whimsical Heroes: An Uplifting Start to Early Access
Whimsical really is the perfect word for Whimsical Heroes. This adorable little adventure mixes a storybook art style with hex-based strategy combat and a whole cast of cheerful veggie and animal heroes. It’s now available in Early Access, and after spending some time with it, I walked away with a big grin on my face and a strong feeling that this could grow into something special.
If you’re looking for a cosy, good-natured experience that balances feel-good and strategy, this might just be your next favourite feel-good game.
Heroes Needed — Vegetable or Animal?
So, an onion with a lute, a rotund cat wielding yarn, and what I think is a heroic chilli pepper walk into a game. Sounds like the setup for a joke, right? But no, these are your first heroes in Whimsical Heroes, and you’ll quickly fall for their goofy personalities. They don’t speak much, but their emotions shine through expressive animations and short intro scenes that feel straight out of a children’s storybook.
The plot is lighthearted yet intriguing. The kingdom’s resources are mysteriously vanishing, and it’s up to you and your peculiar party to uncover the cause. Along the way, you’ll meet delightful NPCs, animals, vegetables, and plenty of posh-looking frog soldiers. Even the wooden enemies somehow have personality. It’s whimsical storytelling done right, silly in all the right ways.
Happy Storybook Vibes
Visually, the game is an absolute treat. The art style leans heavily into that storybook aesthetic, with hand-drawn textures, soft outlines, and vibrant colours that pop. Each scene feels like a living storybook, with cheerful meadows, glowing forests, and bright villages all buzzing with details.
The music ties it all together beautifully, a gentle and upbeat score that fits the upbeat tone. It’s the kind of game that radiates good energy; even when you lose a battle, it’s hard to stay frustrated for long when a cat and an onion are cheering you on.
One Scene at a Time
Gameplay unfolds across a series of scenes, each presenting a new challenge. Some focus on battles, while others let you chat with NPCs, make story choices, or poke around for secrets like hidden fireflies that reward you with bonuses.
Progression feels well-paced; you’re always moving forward, collecting resources from fights, and upgrading your heroes’ abilities. Between missions, you can recruit new companions to your team, each bringing fresh tactical options and skills, such as a cook that can heal the team or a hedgehog that can lay traps on the battlefield.
There’s a nice rhythm to it all. Whimsical Heroes doesn’t rush you, but it never feels slow either. It’s a pleasant hop from one area to the next, an ideal “just one more level” sort of experience.
Hex Battles Made Friendly
Combat plays out on hexagonal grids in a turn-based fashion. A turn order bar at the top shows who’s acting next: you or the enemy. The goal is usually to wipe out the opposing side, but some missions mix things up with special conditions, like targeting a specific foe.
Each hero has a handful of actions they can perform per turn: moving, attacking, or using special skills. You’ll find plenty of tactical depth in positioning, especially when lining up attacks that can hit multiple foes or pushing enemies into traps scattered around the battlefield.
It’s engaging without ever feeling punishing. Strategy fans will find enough to chew on, while newcomers won’t feel lost or overwhelmed.
Accessible, Cosy, and Clever
What I appreciated most is how approachable it all feels. Whimsical Heroes isn’t out to punish you for mistakes. Difficulty settings range from easy to hard, and even if one of your heroes falls in battle, they’ll be revived afterwards. It’s more about experimenting and learning than flawless play.
The game also autosaves at the start of each new area, making it great for short sessions, ideal for those cosy gaming evenings when you just want something light and relaxing.
Final Thoughts: Feel-Good Times Ahead
Whimsical Heroes is already off to a delightful start in Early Access. It’s bright, funny, and heartfelt, a rare kind of tactical adventure that makes you smile as much as it makes you think.
The developers have shared an Early Access roadmap and are actively inviting feedback from players, which is always a great sign. If this charming little world is already this enjoyable in its early stages, I can only imagine how special it’ll be when the full release arrives.
If you’re craving something feel-good with clever strategy and a dash of vegetable-powered humour, give Whimsical Heroes a look, and don’t forget, there’s a free demo to try too.
Do you like our content?
Subscribe to our daily news and never miss a review!