Exciting Updates on the To Heart Remake

New Cast Members Announced
AQUAPLUS has revealed an exciting new promotional video for the remake of its classic 1997 visual novel and dating sim, To Heart. The announcement came on Thursday, alongside the news that Shiravune will be releasing an English version of the game.

Release Dates

• Game Release Date: June 26, 2024
• English Version Release Date: June 25, 2024 (or June 26, depending on the time zone)

Shiravune is also streaming an English version of the promotional video, which features a fresh rendition of the original opening song, Feeling Heart, performed by YURiKA. This song was originally sung by Nakatsukasa Masami in the PSX version and the 1999 anime adaptation.

Watch the Promotional Video

Opening Comparison

AQUAPLUS has also shared a video comparing the original 1999 opening with the newly recreated version:

Multilingual Release

Shiravune's release will also include a Chinese version, marking the first official international translation of the game.

New Features

The game's website has unveiled several new features:

• In-game Events: Fully recreated in CG with cinematic presentations.
• Text Display Options: Players can choose between one or two lines of text in a bottom text box (ADV presentation) or multiple lines overlaying graphics (NVL presentation), similar to the original game.

New Voice Cast

The remake will feature a new voice cast, including:

• Kakeru Hota as Shiho (originally voiced by Chieko Higuchi)
• Saho Shirasu as Aoi Matsubara (originally voiced by Mayumi Iizuka)
• Shōgo Sakata as Hiroyuki Fujita (originally unvoiced, but voiced by Kazuya Ichijō in the anime)

Previously announced cast members include:

• Kana Ichinose as Akari Kamigishi
• Hina Yomiya as Multi (originally voiced by Ayako Kawasumi and Yui Horie)

Players will have the option to switch between the original and new voice cast at any time.

Availability

The game will be available in:

• Download Version: On Switch and Steam
• Physical Edition: Regular edition on Switch
• Premium Edition: Includes all 13 episodes of the 1999 television anime adaptation (note: the English release does not mention a premium edition with the anime).

A Classic Reimagined

Originally released on Windows in 1997, To Heart was AQUAPLUS's first console game on the PlayStation in 1999. The visual novel is celebrated for its character designs and relaxed pacing, influencing many subsequent otaku media. The character Multi is particularly noted for her iconic moe design and writing, contrasting her cheerful personality with a poignant backstory.

The game inspired a television anime in 1999 and a sequel titled ToHeart - Remember my memories in 2004, along with a sequel game, To Heart 2, which also received an anime adaptation in 2005.

Sources: Press release, To Heart remake's website