I really loved the game, it made me feel so much damn emotions and my sympathy passed from character to character until I realize we were all the victims in the first place 😭 I literally cried
100/10 game, it was amazing and made me cry. its so realistic to my life experiences and i skipped the TWs like i usually do but omfg the game made me emotional like no other game has. Also, i have this thing where i lose focus after like 5 mins but i read every single word. this game felt so close to home and im so glad i found it. in a month or so im gonna tip 50 dollars when i get enough to put it aside. the demonstrations of abuse and manipulation were absolutely perfect and i loved the symbolism. this game is genuinely perfect. this is one of those games that i wish i could experience for the first time all over again. also i love the choices. they feel so meaningful, even the smaller ones. the art is some of my favorite that ive ever seen and genuinely my favorite visual novel ever. the dialogue was written perfectly and the art style was perfect along side it. like i suggested this game to all my friends. also, the customization was absolutely perfect, it was personalized easily but didnt feel overwhelming. this game is so far the only 10/10 game ive ever played and easily the best VN out there. It passed my old favorite(DDLC) by a long shot. The only problem i had with this game was that it was so short, but honestly, i think that also makes it better. TLDR; this game is perfect
As someone who was in an abusive relationship, this game is so accurate. I choose not to forgive Yuu/Yua at the end, and the detail about people saying that you need to forgive is so true to reality, and still breaks me. I had a therapist who literally said it was my fault, and I should forgive my ex. I still have nightmares. I still cry at night. But bit by bit, I'm getting better. I'm living again. Just yesterday, I went hiking, I had fun, I barely thought about it. However is reading this and had a similar experience, you are strong, it's not your fault and you can go back to being the happy person you were before. I hope you are having a good day 🖤
I now know even more that I have attachments issues from how my parents drifted apart are deeper than I thought
for god sake I cried so hard on one of the ending (no my fellow vn enjoyers I won't say which one it was) ...I wasn't ready to see someone drifted away again but I know from my parents that it's for the best
still.. I legit hope that mc would ended up with happy reunion though.. that might just be my attachment issue self saying stuff again.. it never easy so let someone so close go.. well..from my experience with my father.. it was 13? maybe 14 years I can't remember.. I still missed that person..
good game with amazing arts. I hope anyone that reading this so long comment to have a wonderful day ^^
Downloaded the game for fun as I didn't expect much from it but it came out as a masterpiece absolutely loved the story also got a bit emotional on *that* one ending. Would definitely rate it a 10/10 amazing work ❤️
Edit: absolutely fell in love with the character design and the story.I was a little disappointed that the story wasn't that long but still enjoyed it (yes I did all the 4 endings) would love to play a similar game like this.
Let me start off by saying this game was fantastic. When first booting the game up, I had no idea that I was about to be confronted with such deep and heavy topics. Content warnings have become something I mostly skip through, because I normally feel as if they are over exaggerated. This game really caused me to take a look and reflect on my own personal experiences though, and I think those warnings were warranted.
As someone who has been in cycles of abuse exactly like displayed, I was hit with so many emotions. This game is exactly what I needed. Even after moving on from these sorts of dynamics, it can be super hard to recover and return to the person you were before the abuse started. I felt like a lot of things in this game were something I really needed to see and hear. It was a great reminder that what I've been through is valid. I'm not crazy. Relationships like this are not healthy. Things of that nature.
To anyone else who has suffered through similar events, or may even be in a similar situation now, I wish you the best. Your feelings are important. Don't let anyone make you second guess yourself. You are not a slave, and no matter what they say you don't have to be there. Even if they threaten horrible things, it isn't your fault. You're not evil for wanting to help yourself, I promise.
----------------
Anyways with that out of the way, 10/10 game. I was blown away at each turn. I recorded a video where I got all endings, as well as went over the secrets of the game! I hope you all enjoy, and maybe it can help out anyone if they get stuck.
I did notice several grammar and pronoun issues in my playthrough, but things like that happen all the time, especially in such a long game. It's a lot of text to proofread.
Gosh, thank you so much for recording your playthrough and writing such a in-depth comment. I can’t believe you recorded all the endings omg
I wrote Hydrangea exactly with the goal of sharing a story with a realistic depiction of what an abusive relationship looks like and what its impacts are in the people involved and those around them. I’m really glad to hear it touched you and I hope you’re doing okay as well. <3
(As for the typos and pronoun issues, I want to fix them so if you or anyone reading this could let me know where they happen, I’ll release a patch ASAP!! We sadly ran out of time to check each possible combo of pronouns before the game jam ended RIP)
This was truly wonderful. As someone who went through a toxic relationship in high school, I was really able to connect with the emotions throughout. Very, very well done.
De magnifiques graphismes pour une histoire qui l'est tout autant! Les fins sont toutes aussi intéressantes les unes que les autres. J'ai adoré y jouer plusieurs fois ^-^
This is the first visual novel I ever played, and played it all the way through. I could find myself relating on both ends, but specifically Yua in some ways. I feel like Yua would feel guilty, but either way, a enjoyable playthrough. I recorded the entire thing to and put it on youtube.
I'm glad this was the first visual novel I played, I didn't think I'd enjoy this type of genre. I was suggested doing a visual novel for reading outloud, due to my voice. Thank you for this experience, it made me think of my own life, and reflected a bit more.
Thank you for recording your playthrough! And whoa, that’s a doozy VN to start with haha. I’m happy to hear you had a good time even though you don’t usually play games in this genre!!
Thank you to the entire team for making this thoughtful game.
-
[[[ Vague Spoilers ]]]
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Downloaded this game to see how the Hanahaki trope would play out while searching for more horror games, despite having an idea of what would go down.
In genuine truth, this story made me realize a lot about myself and the relationships I've had with others - from family to friends. So much so that it made me bawl several times over and reflect on familiar words and thoughts within the text, haha.
I hope anyone who plays the game and relates to their hardships, that they're able to find joy and grow. Even if it's hard and takes a while, I'll keep doing the same!
didnt play... yet! i clicked immediately on this game since my fav flowers r hydrangeas and I'm so happy ppl at least know hydrangeas exist!! ill play this soon :3
this was such a hard game to play but it really opened my eyes on things. I didn't really realize at first a lot of things about my own life....till i played this game so.. ANYWAYS ENOUGH ABOUT ME.
THIS GAME WAS GREAT WAUGHHHW AUGHHHW AGHJHJHJHJHSHJHS (thank you)
I love this game, a lot. I love how the psychological abuse was perfectly portraited since I've been in a mentally abusive relationship once. I think I might need a quick break after playing this game because holy. I didn't expect a dating sim to hit too much like home, honestly XD. But, seriously, I love this game a lot and I don't think I can describe my love for this game. Maybe you can make sense of this because right now, I'm not sure I can.
this was an amazing game, but I uninstalled it as soon as I got to the final ending. i just can't replay it anymore, it felt too real. beautiful game and beautiful art though!
the secret letters in the download folder after all endings are just so... thank you for sharing this beautiful work. I think i see someone close to me in the Sweetheart, and it's enlightening to say the least. Thank you. I hope that everyone who are suffering will find peace
i was not prepared for the true ending.. i told myself i wouldn't cry, and i was *very* convinced i wouldn't cry during the playthrough, and yet i did. wonderful game, i appreciate and love how accurate it is to victims of abuse, as someone who has experienced it myself. the art was so pleasing to the eyes, as well! 10/10 game. ❤️
(SPOILERS FOR THE GAME WARNING :) ) Bro, this one hurt. I really downloaded this cause of how attractive the colors and art were but I was crying at the final ending. I haven't seen such a dark concept portrayed so perfectly and showing how it effects people but can end for the better. Makes me feel seen from how the MC is on a path of recovery in the 4th ending like so many.
Really can't begin to explain how pretty the art was and how emotional the storyline is.
(ai, the down below comment is for the developer, don't really want to spoil if possible with some words I've said✌️)
I rarely comment on this site but damn, this game is just so good. I can't believe how much I hated the twin who manipulated mc and loved the twin who tried to and helped us, perhaps my emotions are a bit more intense since I've had a similar experience before with the mc so I really hated the manipulating twin but I'm really happy that I played this game and got to the true end, I'm so glad for mc and everyone. Ai, the story is just so good and the art is chefs kiss.♡(ӦｖӦ｡)
Thank you very much for creating such a lovely game, while this may be out of place, the game made me feel better and have more positivity in my outlook in life(after going through the true end ofc xd)!❤️
Thank you so much for playing!! I’m very happy to hear that you enjoyed it. I wrote Hydrangea hoping to help people who went through similiar things feel less alone, so this really nice to hear ;w;
Excellent storyyyy, there's more I want to talk about but it's not covered in this video. But here all I can say is that it's an excellent way and little bit of twist in the Yandere type!!!
Gosh, it was so good. I love the color scheme and how it was drawn. I like it that we can change their gender, sprite, name, and pronoun. Its worth playing. I first got the 2nd before the 1st and 3rd at last. I was amazed on how it can really change someone psychologically. I somehow got related because I experience what MC felt before, though in my case I was helped by my friends to figurr it out in early stage. Their voice is good too, I feel really sad and I'm happy to see the true ending. me lowkey wishing if there's a change where their path meet again. This time where everyone is healthy... There's even a lil part of me wishing they could end up together and this time with genuine love lol well done to the game ‧˚₊*̥(∗*⁰͈꒨⁰͈)‧˚₊*̥ I also like that you could read the letters each endings as hints before true
To be honest I related so much to the protagonist, their actions, their thoughts, to the point it made me sick. I often wondered if my situation "counted" (I'm trying to not give spoilers, just in case) and this VN honestly helped me so, so much to accept what happened and to understand that I did the right thing. This game was amazing in all the ways possible, I can't thank you enough for creating such a thing!! <33
I loved it!! The story and the game is well-made and it really gives an insight of how it feels to be in a desperate situation such as abuse and to empathize with the outcomes of it. The game was such an emotional roller-coaster and I think it was a masterpiece. The character designs & the art was soo cute and well drawn as well!
I really want to thank everyone who had contributed in the making of this game, I'm glad I've got to play it 💗💗
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I really loved the game, it made me feel so much damn emotions and my sympathy passed from character to character until I realize we were all the victims in the first place 😭 I literally cried
Tnx for this ver much <3 I luv Yua and Yuu
This game made me cry for 20 minutes straight with how wonderfully sad ending 4 was. I'm still crying.
100/10 game, it was amazing and made me cry. its so realistic to my life experiences and i skipped the TWs like i usually do but omfg the game made me emotional like no other game has. Also, i have this thing where i lose focus after like 5 mins but i read every single word. this game felt so close to home and im so glad i found it. in a month or so im gonna tip 50 dollars when i get enough to put it aside. the demonstrations of abuse and manipulation were absolutely perfect and i loved the symbolism. this game is genuinely perfect. this is one of those games that i wish i could experience for the first time all over again. also i love the choices. they feel so meaningful, even the smaller ones. the art is some of my favorite that ive ever seen and genuinely my favorite visual novel ever. the dialogue was written perfectly and the art style was perfect along side it. like i suggested this game to all my friends. also, the customization was absolutely perfect, it was personalized easily but didnt feel overwhelming. this game is so far the only 10/10 game ive ever played and easily the best VN out there. It passed my old favorite(DDLC) by a long shot. The only problem i had with this game was that it was so short, but honestly, i think that also makes it better. TLDR; this game is perfect
As someone who was in an abusive relationship, this game is so accurate. I choose not to forgive Yuu/Yua at the end, and the detail about people saying that you need to forgive is so true to reality, and still breaks me. I had a therapist who literally said it was my fault, and I should forgive my ex. I still have nightmares. I still cry at night. But bit by bit, I'm getting better. I'm living again. Just yesterday, I went hiking, I had fun, I barely thought about it. However is reading this and had a similar experience, you are strong, it's not your fault and you can go back to being the happy person you were before. I hope you are having a good day 🖤
I cried. I loved this sm<333
I now know even more that I have attachments issues from how my parents drifted apart are deeper than I thought
for god sake I cried so hard on one of the ending (no my fellow vn enjoyers I won't say which one it was) ...I wasn't ready to see someone drifted away again but I know from my parents that it's for the best
still.. I legit hope that mc would ended up with happy reunion though.. that might just be my attachment issue self saying stuff again.. it never easy so let someone so close go.. well..from my experience with my father.. it was 13? maybe 14 years I can't remember.. I still missed that person..
good game with amazing arts. I hope anyone that reading this so long comment to have a wonderful day ^^
Downloaded the game for fun as I didn't expect much from it but it came out as a masterpiece absolutely loved the story also got a bit emotional on *that* one ending. Would definitely rate it a 10/10 amazing work ❤️
Edit: absolutely fell in love with the character design and the story.I was a little disappointed that the story wasn't that long but still enjoyed it (yes I did all the 4 endings) would love to play a similar game like this.
Damn, this one hit way closer than expected. Amazing work
im speachless i loved the game!!
Hiii! I like this game, but is there a walkthrough?
https://meiri.itch.io/hydrangea/devlog/698995/quick-hint-guide
Gosh it was so good. Thank you. It did a great job with how abusive relationships stay together.
Hi, I'm playing the game on Linux and when I reach the stage where I get to customize "sweetheart" and press continue the game crashes
I believe I’ve found out why this crash happens - update should be out in a couple minutes!
(Crash happened because I made an oopsie with the code for the french pronouns [sobs)
EDIT: update is out, redownload the game and let me know if it’s fixed for you
You got it, oh and by the way I worked around it by pressing the ignore button on the crash screen
absolutely beautiful
Thank you for playing! <3
As someone who has been in cycles of abuse exactly like displayed, I was hit with so many emotions. This game is exactly what I needed. Even after moving on from these sorts of dynamics, it can be super hard to recover and return to the person you were before the abuse started. I felt like a lot of things in this game were something I really needed to see and hear. It was a great reminder that what I've been through is valid. I'm not crazy. Relationships like this are not healthy. Things of that nature.
To anyone else who has suffered through similar events, or may even be in a similar situation now, I wish you the best. Your feelings are important. Don't let anyone make you second guess yourself. You are not a slave, and no matter what they say you don't have to be there. Even if they threaten horrible things, it isn't your fault. You're not evil for wanting to help yourself, I promise.
----------------
Anyways with that out of the way, 10/10 game. I was blown away at each turn. I recorded a video where I got all endings, as well as went over the secrets of the game! I hope you all enjoy, and maybe it can help out anyone if they get stuck.
I did notice several grammar and pronoun issues in my playthrough, but things like that happen all the time, especially in such a long game. It's a lot of text to proofread.
Gosh, thank you so much for recording your playthrough and writing such a in-depth comment. I can’t believe you recorded all the endings omg
I wrote Hydrangea exactly with the goal of sharing a story with a realistic depiction of what an abusive relationship looks like and what its impacts are in the people involved and those around them. I’m really glad to hear it touched you and I hope you’re doing okay as well. <3
(As for the typos and pronoun issues, I want to fix them so if you or anyone reading this could let me know where they happen, I’ll release a patch ASAP!! We sadly ran out of time to check each possible combo of pronouns before the game jam ended RIP)
ending 3 has me shivering my timbers
we’re all shaking in our BOOTS
I almost cried during that ending, great game, 10/10.
Thank you for playing! <3
This was truly wonderful. As someone who went through a toxic relationship in high school, I was really able to connect with the emotions throughout. Very, very well done.
Thank you for playing. I’m glad to hear the story touched you in some way and I hope you’re doing okay today. <3
De magnifiques graphismes pour une histoire qui l'est tout autant! Les fins sont toutes aussi intéressantes les unes que les autres. J'ai adoré y jouer plusieurs fois ^-^
Wow, i that was amazing. I cried a bit
This is the first visual novel I ever played, and played it all the way through. I could find myself relating on both ends, but specifically Yua in some ways. I feel like Yua would feel guilty, but either way, a enjoyable playthrough. I recorded the entire thing to and put it on youtube.
I'm glad this was the first visual novel I played, I didn't think I'd enjoy this type of genre. I was suggested doing a visual novel for reading outloud, due to my voice. Thank you for this experience, it made me think of my own life, and reflected a bit more.Thank you for recording your playthrough! And whoa, that’s a doozy VN to start with haha. I’m happy to hear you had a good time even though you don’t usually play games in this genre!!
I cried, 10/10 would recommend
Thank you to the entire team for making this thoughtful game.
-
[[[ Vague Spoilers ]]]
-
Downloaded this game to see how the Hanahaki trope would play out while searching for more horror games, despite having an idea of what would go down.
In genuine truth, this story made me realize a lot about myself and the relationships I've had with others - from family to friends. So much so that it made me bawl several times over and reflect on familiar words and thoughts within the text, haha.
I hope anyone who plays the game and relates to their hardships, that they're able to find joy and grow. Even if it's hard and takes a while, I'll keep doing the same!
Thank you for playing, the team and I really appreciate the feedback ;w; I hope you’re doing okay today.
didnt play... yet! i clicked immediately on this game since my fav flowers r hydrangeas and I'm so happy ppl at least know hydrangeas exist!! ill play this soon :3
this was such a hard game to play but it really opened my eyes on things. I didn't really realize at first a lot of things about my own life....till i played this game so.. ANYWAYS ENOUGH ABOUT ME.
THIS GAME WAS GREAT WAUGHHHW AUGHHHW AGHJHJHJHJHSHJHS (thank you)
THANK YOU FOR PLAYING!!! WAAAAAUGH [SCREAMS WITH YOU]
Nem joguei ainda mas vou dar 10 só por ter tradução brasileira, muito bom!!
É BR UHUUUUUUUUUU
Mas é claro
Love the end!!! Gosh, I really cried a lot. Thank you for making such a wonderful game.
Thank you so much for playing! <3
I love this game, a lot. I love how the psychological abuse was perfectly portraited since I've been in a mentally abusive relationship once. I think I might need a quick break after playing this game because holy. I didn't expect a dating sim to hit too much like home, honestly XD. But, seriously, I love this game a lot and I don't think I can describe my love for this game. Maybe you can make sense of this because right now, I'm not sure I can.
Thank you for playing. Hope you’re doing okay now. <3 Take care of yourself!
this was an amazing game, but I uninstalled it as soon as I got to the final ending. i just can't replay it anymore, it felt too real. beautiful game and beautiful art though!
Honestly I can understand, some games make me feel that way too. Glad you enjoyed the experience!
this was beautiful im speechless
Thank you for playing!!
the secret letters in the download folder after all endings are just so... thank you for sharing this beautiful work. I think i see someone close to me in the Sweetheart, and it's enlightening to say the least. Thank you. I hope that everyone who are suffering will find peace
Thank you for playing. I hope you’re doing okay, please take care of yourself. <3
spoilers ↓
i was not prepared for the true ending.. i told myself i wouldn't cry, and i was *very* convinced i wouldn't cry during the playthrough, and yet i did. wonderful game, i appreciate and love how accurate it is to victims of abuse, as someone who has experienced it myself. the art was so pleasing to the eyes, as well! 10/10 game. ❤️
Thank you so much for the kind words ;w; I hope you’re doing better today. Happy to hear you enjoyed it!
(SPOILERS FOR THE GAME WARNING :) ) Bro, this one hurt. I really downloaded this cause of how attractive the colors and art were but I was crying at the final ending. I haven't seen such a dark concept portrayed so perfectly and showing how it effects people but can end for the better. Makes me feel seen from how the MC is on a path of recovery in the 4th ending like so many.
Really can't begin to explain how pretty the art was and how emotional the storyline is.
love this with all my heart <3
Thank you so much, the team and I really appreciate the feedback <3 Hydrangea is a very special project and I’m happy to hear you enjoyed it so much.
(ai, the down below comment is for the developer, don't really want to spoil if possible with some words I've said✌️)
I rarely comment on this site but damn, this game is just so good. I can't believe how much I hated the twin who manipulated mc and loved the twin who tried to and helped us, perhaps my emotions are a bit more intense since I've had a similar experience before with the mc so I really hated the manipulating twin but I'm really happy that I played this game and got to the true end, I'm so glad for mc and everyone. Ai, the story is just so good and the art is chefs kiss.♡(ӦｖӦ｡)
Thank you very much for creating such a lovely game, while this may be out of place, the game made me feel better and have more positivity in my outlook in life(after going through the true end ofc xd)!❤️
Thank you so much for playing!! I’m very happy to hear that you enjoyed it. I wrote Hydrangea hoping to help people who went through similiar things feel less alone, so this really nice to hear ;w;
Gosh, it was so good. I love the color scheme and how it was drawn. I like it that we can change their gender, sprite, name, and pronoun. Its worth playing. I first got the 2nd before the 1st and 3rd at last. I was amazed on how it can really change someone psychologically. I somehow got related because I experience what MC felt before, though in my case I was helped by my friends to figurr it out in early stage. Their voice is good too, I feel really sad and I'm happy to see the true ending.
me lowkey wishing if there's a change where their path meet again. This time where everyone is healthy... There's even a lil part of me wishing they could end up together and this time with genuine love lolwell done to the game ‧˚₊*̥(∗*⁰͈꒨⁰͈)‧˚₊*̥ I also like that you could read the letters each endings as hints before trueHeck yeah!
To be honest I related so much to the protagonist, their actions, their thoughts, to the point it made me sick. I often wondered if my situation "counted" (I'm trying to not give spoilers, just in case) and this VN honestly helped me so, so much to accept what happened and to understand that I did the right thing. This game was amazing in all the ways possible, I can't thank you enough for creating such a thing!! <33
Thank you for playing! I’m very happy to hear that the story has helped you a little bit ;w; mission accomplished!!
dang oh my gosh this made me feel so emotional;; thank you for creating such a beautiful game
Thank YOU for playing!!
The story is beautiful, and I love your story telling! Although right after we promise to read the letter, an exception occurs (i also play on mac)
Yeah, I’ll try to fix that :( press the ignore button for now and the game will continue.
thank you for telling me :))
I updated the mac version, now the error won’t pop up - but sadly mac users will be missing out on that feature…
I’ll keep trying to find a way to have it working for everyone!!
thank you so much for trying your best to make this game the best for everyone 😭❤️
I love this! Your talent and passion for this game is obviously clear in this game - it's beautiful!
I did find a small error in the code! I play on Mac, not sure if that changes anything. I hope the screenshot helps:
oh i got that error too and I also play on mac 🥲
Aw, man. Looks like that feature doesn’t work on Mac :( bummer…
I’ll try to fix it - for now press the ‘ignore’ button.
I updated the mac version, now the error won’t pop up - but sadly mac users will be missing out on that feature…
I’ll keep trying to find a way to have it working for everyone!!
I loved it!! The story and the game is well-made and it really gives an insight of how it feels to be in a desperate situation such as abuse and to empathize with the outcomes of it. The game was such an emotional roller-coaster and I think it was a masterpiece. The character designs & the art was soo cute and well drawn as well!
I really want to thank everyone who had contributed in the making of this game, I'm glad I've got to play it 💗💗
Thank you so much for playing and sharing your thoughts! We’re very happy to hear that ;w;