Hermit Home Designer

Pros

• Unique combination of home design and visual novel storytelling
• Engaging narrative that explores deeper themes of isolation
• Over a hundred decorative items for customization
• Six distinctive homes to design and furnish

Cons

• Limited ability to rotate items can restrict design options
• May not appeal to players looking for a traditional design game
• Eccentric aspects of gameplay might not suit all tastes

An Inventive Twist on Home Design

Hermit Home Designer is a unique addition to the genre of home design games, offering players an experience that borders on the therapeutic and the surreal. Developed by indie game creator Ryan Nein, this game offers an unusual blend of interior decoration with an engaging narrative.

Designing for Solitude

In Hermit Home Designer, players step into the virtual shoes of a character named Yamasen-Chan. As someone who embraces solitude, your goal is to help Yamasen-Chan create a living space that not only oozes style but also aligns with her personal need for a reclusive sanctuary. Players are challenged to furnish six distinct homes, each with their own character and requirements, using over a hundred decorative items.

Escalating Eccentricity

Initially, the gameplay starts off as a standard home design simulator. The player selects furnishings and decorations to place around Yamasen-Chan’s apartment. This aspect feels familiar and comfortable for fans of the genre. Where Hermit Home Designer takes a sharp turn, however, is in the feedback from Yamasen-Chan. Her comments guide the decorating process and as the game progresses, her preferences become increasingly peculiar, creating an engaging twist that changes the tone of the game to something more thought-provoking.

Despite its odd undertones, the game does not venture into horror territory. The true discomfort arises from the underlying theme of extreme isolation and how it informs Yamasen-Chan's design choices. Players aim to fulfill Yamasen-Chan's desire for isolation in a world that grows progressively more hermit-friendly with every item placed.

A Narrative-Driven Experience

The heart of Hermit Home Designer lies in its rich visual novel storytelling. The game effectively peels back layers of Yamasen-Chan's character and her reasons for escapism with each new house that players acquire and furnish. This narrative unveils through a series of dialogues and item descriptions, demonstrating a careful attention to detail that enriches the experience.

Limits in Flexibility

A notable drawback is the game's limitation on item manipulation. Unlike many design-based games, Hermit Home Designer restricts the player's ability to rotate objects, possibly leading to some degree of frustration. This curbs the flexibility in design, constraining the creativity that is often a selling point for games of this niche.

The Verdict

Despite its quirks and the lack of item rotation, Hermit Home Designer stands out as a distinctive game within its category. It delights with its blend of eccentric interior design and deep narrative. The game manages to strike a fine balance, keeping the player invested in both the design elements and the poignant exploration of Yamasen-Chan's psychological landscape. As a departure from traditional home design simulations, Hermit Home Designer offers an engaging look at life through the lens of someone living on the fringes of society, and it does so with both whimsy and gravity.

Pros

• Unique combination of home design and visual novel storytelling
• Engaging narrative that explores deeper themes of isolation
• Over a hundred decorative items for customization
• Six distinctive homes to design and furnish

Cons

• Limited ability to rotate items can restrict design options
• May not appeal to players looking for a traditional design game
• Eccentric aspects of gameplay might not suit all tastes