Just when you think the cozy gaming genre has shown us everything, an indie developer comes along and throws a wild combination of mechanics into the pot. Enter Alchemy Hearts Remastered, a project by developer KernanKnight that has recently surfaced on Reddit and is turning heads with its unusual genre mashup.
Imagine running a warm, bustling restaurant nestled deep in the woods. You’re chopping ingredients and serving customers, but instead of just frantic clicking, you’re using a deck of cards to manage the chaos. It sounds ambitious, and frankly, it’s the kind of creative risk we love to see in the indie scene.
A Fresh Recipe for Cozy Gaming
At its heart, Alchemy Hearts Remastered is a restaurant management simulator wrapped in a visual novel. But unlike your standard cooking sim, it layers in roguelike deckbuilding elements. This means your daily service isn’t just about speed; it’s about strategy. You build a deck that helps you cook recipes, craft items, and arguably “battle” the dinner rush.
The developer, Kieran (aka KernanKnight), shared on Reddit that they have been working on this title for about two years [web:1]. It’s a passion project aiming to create a soothing atmosphere where players can lose themselves in the rhythm of running a fantasy kitchen.
The Core Loop: Cook, Craft, Card Battle
The gameplay loop seems to revolve around three main pillars:
- Cooking & Serving: You manage a restaurant in a forest setting, preparing dishes for a variety of customers.
- Deckbuilding: Instead of standard menus, you likely use cards to execute actions, combining ingredients or managing time.
- Visual Novel Storytelling: The game features an anime aesthetic with a focus on narrative, characters, and relationships [web:1].
What Sets It Apart?
Most cooking games lean heavily into stress—think Overcooked!—or pure relaxation like Cooking Mama. Alchemy Hearts Remastered sits in an interesting middle ground. By introducing roguelike mechanics, it suggests that failure is part of the journey, but the “cozy” label implies it won’t be punishingly difficult.
The setting also plays a huge role. The developer describes a “warm, cozy atmosphere” with occasional campfire gatherings [web:1]. It paints a picture of a game where you play to unwind, not to spike your heart rate.
Planned Features vs. Current State
Since the game is still in active development (targeting a 2026 window according to some data, though the “Remastered” branding suggests a fresh push soon), the feature list is evolving. Here is a quick breakdown of what is confirmed versus what is being considered:
| Confirmed Features | Planned / Wishlist |
|---|---|
| Deckbuilding Mechanics | Romance Options |
| Restaurant Management | Painting Minigame |
| Crafting System | Bonfire Customization |
| Visual Novel Narrative | Full Restaurant Customization |
FAQs About Alchemy Hearts Remastered
1. Who is developing Alchemy Hearts Remastered?
The game is being developed by a solo indie developer known as KernanKnight (Kieran), who has been working on the project for roughly two years [web:1].
2. Is this a sequel to an existing game?
It appears to be a significant update or reimagining of a previous project. While SteamDB lists an “Alchemy Hearts 2,” the developer refers to this project specifically as “Alchemy Hearts Remastered,” suggesting a focus on polishing and expanding the core concept [web:2][web:1].
3. What platforms will it be on?
Currently, the focus is on PC via Steam. There hasn’t been any official word on console ports for Switch, PlayStation, or Xbox yet.
4. Is the game purely a cooking simulator?
No. While cooking is the theme, the mechanics rely heavily on deckbuilding and roguelike elements. You will likely draft cards to perform cooking actions rather than manually chopping vegetables [web:1].
5. When is the release date?
There is no firm release date set in stone yet. Some database listings point toward 2026, but indie timelines often shift. Following the developer on social media or Steam is the best way to keep up.
Final Thoughts
Alchemy Hearts Remastered is shaping up to be one of those “comfort food” games we didn’t know we needed. The mix of strategic card play with the low-stakes vibe of running a forest bistro is a winning concept on paper. If KernanKnight can balance the roguelike challenge with the cozy atmosphere, this could be a sleeper hit for fans of Slay the Spire who also enjoy Coffee Talk.