Particle Hearts on Nintendo Switch: A Captivating Puzzle Platformer from Underwater Fire Games

Particle Hearts, the debut title from Los Angeles-based indie studio Underwater Fire Games, is set to launch on Nintendo Switch on August 25, 2025.

Published by First Break Labs, this ambitious 3D puzzle platformer aims to capture players’ imaginations with its thoughtful narrative and unique gameplay mechanics.

As a new name in the industry, Underwater Fire Games has already distinguished itself with a mission to craft thought-provoking video games that inspire wonder—a philosophy reflected throughout Particle Hearts. The core of Particle Hearts puts players in control of a mysterious, silent protagonist whose spectral form embarks on an introspective journey of self-discovery.

The game world opens with a disembodied voice urging the character forward, inviting players into an experience defined by exploration and curiosity.

Absent of traditional maps or UI cues, Particle Hearts challenges users to navigate each environmental puzzle organically, relying on subtle sound design and visual landmarks to progress. At the heart of the gameplay lies a series of Torii Gate-inspired structures, which serve as the main objectives for each level.

Solving the puzzles within these gates unlocks new areas and further deepens the game’s world.

Drawing inspiration from renowned titles such as Journey and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Particle Hearts implements its own twists into the puzzle-platforming formula.

Each level encourages players to think outside the box, rewarding experimentation and attention to environmental details. Narrative progression is equally unique.

To uncover the protagonist’s backstory and the cryptic voice’s purpose, players must seek out hidden wind chimes scattered across the landscape.

Interacting with these chimes grants brief narrative insights, building a rich lore for those interested while allowing others to focus on platforming.

Underwater Fire Games offers the flexibility for players to engage as much or as little as they like with the story, a feature that sets Particle Hearts apart from other modern indie games. Gameplay-wise, initial abilities include a forward dash—usable both on land and mid-air—a particle burst that allows for phasing through certain barriers, and an attack function that develops as the game progresses.

Puzzle room challenges are diverse, ranging from environmental manipulation to pattern memorization and spatial reasoning.

The gradual introduction of new mechanics keeps the gameplay fresh, although later levels require increased precision and creative problem-solving. Audio design is a standout aspect of Particle Hearts.

With no visual indicators to guide navigation, environmental sounds—like the growing chime of wind instruments and distant howls—help orient players toward secrets and objectives.

Many have compared this approach to the sound cues in classic games like Sonic Adventure’s Emerald hunting, where auditory clues become essential tools for exploration.

The atmospheric soundtrack and sound effects complement the minimalist visuals, creating an immersive and reflective mood. Despite these strengths, Particle Hearts is not without shortcomings.

Movement speed is deliberately slow to reinforce a sense of vulnerability in the protagonist, and while brief dashes are possible via in-world objects, there are no permanent upgrades to increase traversal speed.

Some players may find that this design choice drags down the pacing in later, more expansive levels—particularly during the roughly eight-hour campaign’s second half. Ultimately, Particle Hearts delivers a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience that aligns with Underwater Fire Games’ creative ambitions.

While the slower exploration mechanics and repetitive puzzle structures may deter some, the title’s haunting narrative, striking visual direction, and cleverly constructed Figment Gates make it a strong addition to the Nintendo Switch’s indie platformer lineup.

Recommended for fans seeking a puzzle platformer rich in atmosphere and depth, Particle Hearts is a testament to the promise of new voices in game development. A review copy of Particle Hearts was provided by publisher First Break Labs for evaluation purposes.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch platformer Underwater Fire Games Particle Hearts First Break Labs Nintendo eShop Los Angeles