Tortured Hearts – Or How I Saved The Universe. Again. (v1.02)

A loot-hungry veteran’s routine adventure expands into a multiversal conspiracy about the forces pulling the universe’s strings. Tortured Hearts – Or How I Saved The Universe. Again. is a deliberately old-school indie CRPG with a dry, self-aware title and a seriously expansive scope beneath it. Its tone balances grand cosmic stakes with the messy personal consequences of being an adventurer who keeps prying into problems far larger than expected.

Play revolves around travelling through a huge collection of distinct locations, speaking with a dense cast of NPCs, taking quests, and surviving demanding tactical battles. Combat uses a measured, turn-based approach that rewards party composition, careful positioning, and character planning rather than quick reflexes. Character growth avoids rigid class restrictions, letting players assemble unusual builds around the abilities and approaches they prefer. Conversations matter as much as fighting: choices alter relationships, lock or unlock quests, affect which companions stay available, and contribute to different resolutions.

The scale is the standout feature, with 185 areas spread across a multiverse and an estimated campaign length that can stretch well beyond most modern RPGs. Up to eight major companions can join the protagonist, and their availability is tied to actions and dialogue rather than simple recruitment checklists, giving repeat playthroughs genuine variation. Its design openly favors patience, reading, experimentation, and consequences over streamlined convenience, making it a better fit for players who enjoy the depth of classic Neverwinter Nights modules, Baldur’s Gate-era party RPGs, or sprawling hobbyist-made campaigns. Newcomers should expect a demanding learning curve, while CRPG veterans looking for a massive, choice-driven adventure have plenty to dig into.