History VideoGame / Heartbeat

** Two of Eve's final moves from the DNA Shop in the post-game are [[VideoGame/{{Earthbound}} ESP Rockin']] and [[VideoGame/MetalGearRisingRevengeance Revengeance]]. There's also a RunningGag of a surprising number of the game's trash cans containing a single hamburger... and it's all mouldy.

* WeaponOfChoice: Noted to be a particularity of Mogs. They are born with the ability to wield one specific weapon, that they can hide in and pull out of their shadow; while they can change the specific weapon they use (with most Mog party members having three different weapons found in game), they can't change the type of weapon. Said weapons range from regular swords and axes, to more outlandish stuff like yoyos and umbrellas, to outright gimmicks like Shep's BagOfHolding or Nile's prophetic crystal ball. While most are fitting with their personality, some get less lucky (notably Quinn the Jackalope, a cute and friendly little girl who can barely even lift her battleaxe).

** Early on, you have the option to complete a rather complex puzzle and rescue a lost "puppy". Shortly after, you meet the Sheepsquatch trio for the first time, who turn out to be the owners and reward you with a discount on their sleeping bags. If you didn't get the puppy before meeting them, you won't be able to do so which means you don't get the discount.

** If you head straight to Harbei during [[spoiler:the Cluster attack]] instead of exploring the previous areas you've visited, you'll miss out on scenes where you can be assisted by your previous allies and some other characters, and also fight against [=NPCs=] who have fallen under [[spoiler:Yorshk's]] influence. You also lose out on extra Mog Essence, an item used to craft stat-raising items, which can only be obtained from specific one-time battles.

* PlotTunnel: At one point, you have to travel on a boat to Snowver, and get temporarily stuck on an island along the way before making it there. The sewer entrances you see during this time are unreachable until specific story events have happened, by which time your two party members for that part of the game have left, so you'd better hope you saw all the missable dialogue you wanted to see with them.

* QueerEstablishingMoment: The earliest possible moment you learn that the game has LGBT characters is when you meet Fang at Choi's house in Corona Woods, who mentions having 12 wives, not only establishing that she likes women but that she is also polyamorous.

** There are no achievements that are permanently missable, since any that are missed during the main story can be completed in the post-game. There are also no achievements for getting any or all of the MultipleEndings, so you don't have to get them all if you don't want to.

* PermanentlyMissableContent: Downplayed as anything you miss during the main quest can be done after completing the story, however, there is some dialogue you can miss if you don't backtrack with certain allies before they leave you, and there's one instance where you're prevented from backtracking for a while and they've left by the time you're able to do that again. The biggest example is if you head straight to Harbei during [[spoiler:the Cluster attack]] instead of exploring the previous areas you've visited, where you can be assisted by your previous allies and some other characters, and also fight against [=NPCs=] who have fallen under [[spoiler:Yorshk's]] influence, which means you also lose out on extra Mog Essence, an item used to craft stat-raising items which can only be obtained from specific one-time battles. You don't miss out on anything else that you can't get later, though.

Also has [[http://heartbeat-rpg.wikia.com/wiki/HEARTBEAT_rpg_Wiki a fan wiki]] which compiles more information about the characters and story from WordOfGod comments.

* PermanentlyMissableContent: Downplayed as anything you miss during the main quest can be done after completing the story, however, there are certain cutscenes and dialogue you can miss; the biggest example is if you head straight to Harbei during [[spoiler:the Cluster attack]] instead of exploring the previous areas you've visited, where you can be assisted by your previous allies and some other characters, and also fight against [=NPCs=] who have fallen under [[spoiler:Yorshk's]] influence. You don't miss out on anything you can't get later if you skip it, though.

* TerribleTrio: Wake, Skip and Pike quite literally call themselves the Terror Trio, and people forget and mix it up with the trope name. They're not actually incompetent (in fact Wake has quite the reputation), but they're not really evil as much as they are somewhat jerkish PunchClockVillains (except Pike, who's not even a jerk). [[spoiler:All three end up pulling a HeelFaceTurn, with Pike joining the party while Wake and Skip opt to crash on Belle's couch and start a family.]]

* DemonicPossession: [[spoiler:As vengeance for ruining her life, Queen Han literally took Caesar's, possessing his core and using his body for the following centuries.]] [[spoiler:She also possesses Eve in Ending B, if you haven't defeated all the Red Eyed Clusters and gotten the Bagua Mirror from Choi].]]

* DefeatMeansPlayable: The majoity of your party members are fought as bosses before they join you, although in some cases they don't join right after, and there's one party member, [[spoiler:Rex]], who you fight ''after'' she's been in the party, [[spoiler:and also rejoins afterwards]].

** There are many offhand references to the history of Solum [[spoiler: such as terraforming and genetic engineering of species to survive harsh conditions, that the reveal of humans not being native to Solum and aliens being around isn't treated as a surprise by the game, though it may come as one to players who missed those references.]]

* ImprobablyFemaleCast: All party members are women, save for guest-star Blitz, which is justified In-Universe as Eve can't command Yang (male) Mogwai in battle due to her Yin phase.

* ItemCrafting: Called Alchemy here; you can use materials gathered from battles to create useful items, weapons, stat-raisers, and later food and DNA for Mott.

* TheBattleDidntCount: In Ending B, it is difficult, but possible to defeat [[spoiler: Queen Han possessing Eve, especially by using damage items. However, she shrugs it off as being rusty and the scene proceeds as if the party lost.]]

* DemonicPossession: [[spoiler:As vengeance for ruining her life, Queen Han literally took Caesar's, possessing his core and using his body for the following centuries.]]

* HubLevel: Shep the Tanuki turns the world's sewer system into this, connecting all of Outset's towns as well as persuading some Mogs to set up a shop and an arena. [[spoiler:The Den has another one in the form of the Inn]].

** [[spoiler:After learning that Nyx has been stealing Core pieces to make an Artificial Core to save Ceasar from being possessed by Han, Klein and Eve suggest using the pieces that Eve has recieved from her friends to make one instead, saying that they were formed from better emotions and memories and would be more effective than ones with painful thoughts instead]].

* TimeLimitBoss: Nyx will ominously count down from twelve with every turn of her boss battle, with your allies worrying about what it could mean. If you don't defeat her before she reaches zero, [[TotalPartyKill she'll use a move that takes out everyone]].

** When all hope seems lost after Eve is unable to defeat Han in her strongest form, everyone she's gotten to know throughout the game can feel it and start cheering her on, giving her the motivation to continue, as well as giving her the ability to summon her allies to fight by her side]].

* PermanentlyMissableContent: Downplayed as anything you miss during the main quest can be done after completing the story, however, there are certain cutscenes and dialogue you can miss; the biggest example is if you head straight to Harbei during [[spoiler:the Cluster attack]] instead of exploring the previous areas you've visited, where you can be assisted by your previous allies and some other characters, and also fight against NPCs who have fallen under [[spoiler:Yorshk's]] influence. You don't miss out on anything you can't get later if you skip it, though.

* WhiteAndGreyMorality: The heroes are pretty cheerful and upbeat characters themselves, and they are happy to save the day. While there's only one character in the game who seems to be truly evil, everyone else is redeemable or at least quite sympathetic. You know it's this trope when the [[DefeatEqualsFriendship majority of your party ends up being people who were initially enemies]].

** While trying to get to Snowver and catch Nyx before Wake and Skip do, you'll probably be prepared for a rematch, only to find that [[spoiler:Nyx managed to escape, and also took a large piece of Skip's Core, leaving her weakened. They both decide to let the party go after Nyx, and don't attack them again aside from the aforementioned memory versions and other boss rushes]].

* {{Foreshadowing}}: There are many offhand references to the history of Solum [[spoiler: such as terraforming and genetic engineering of species to survive harsh conditions, that the reveal of humans not being native to Solum and aliens being around isn't treated as a surprise by the game, though it may come as one to players who missed those references.]]

** The [[WarpWhistle sewer system]] and the museum's fish collection will gleefully name every location in the game before you've even reached the first quarter. [[spoiler:Though the sewer doesn't have any of the Den's locations, and one of the fishes is in a place that you never go to... unless you catch every other fish in the game first.]]

* InterspeciesRomance: Romance between Mogwai and Humans is very rare, but not unheard of, and the two cases shown in the story were between Conjurers and their pacted Mogs. [[spoiler: Also subverted for Ark and Nile, as though they were in love, they only got married after Nile was reincarnated as a Mogwai.]]

** During the part of the game where Eve [[spoilers:fights against Yorshk in Klein's Core]], there will be an option to save beforehand, but even if you lose, the game will continue since there's no way to backtrack and do some grinding if you're at a low level.

** Harbei Grotto and Cirruwa Forest are two back to back areas that mark the point where the game starts introducing tougher enemies and forcing the party to attack with ineffective affinities, with Harbei Grotto also forcing the party to walk part of the way out of the dungeon with only two party members.
** After the party crosses the PointOfNoReturn [[spoiler: and enters the Den]] is the last major spike in difficulty, with healing spots being very limited and [[spoiler: Klein being kidnapped almost immediately and unavailable until she's rescued]].

* HumanDisguise: Pacted Mogs often appear in their Human forms so as to not draw undue attention, since Conjurers are relatively rare. While most Mogwai in Human form have distinguishing characteristics such as strange hair colors or are a LittleBitBeastly, some have human forms that're close enough that even other Mogs get confused.

* InterfaceSpoiler: The [[WarpWhistle sewer system]] and the museum's fish collection will gleefully name every location in the game before you've even reached the first quarter. [[spoiler:Though the sewer doesn't have any of the Den's locations, and one of the fishes is in a place that you never go to... unless you catch every other fish in the game first.]]

* VerbalTic: The Tiny Onis say "man" all the time, man.

** In Snover, you have to fight against Kon and her Conjurer, Rain. In fact, this is a two-on-two fight as Pike and Io have stayed behind at the town's entrance and Mott isn't included in the battle.

** In Ending C and D, [[spoiler:you end up fighting against Klein after Yorshk corrupts her, and the end changes depending on wether you win or lose]].

* CastFullOfGay: While much of the cast doesn't have any stated romantic interests, those who do are almost entirely gay women, including many of the protagonists, and a male/male relationship was significant in the history of the story. Of course, for Mogwai, gender isn't necessary for reproduction and is more a manifestation of their energy than anything else.
* ChainOfDeals: In order to get a piece of Shep's Core, you will need to get a pen from her. After getting access to the back room of Aeros' Smallmart, you find a man who has pen, and wants some chicken to eat. Then you find several other people who all want something, and will give you something else in exchange that another person needs, until you get the chicken and trade it to the man in return for the pen.

* EyesOutOfSight: Chip's hair almost completely covers her head, exposing just her nose, mouth, and a few freckles.

* NonLethalKO: Goes both ways. HP is called "Pulse" and represents the will to fight, althought they will need to be revived rather than gradually recover; if all the party's Pulse drops to 0, the game will tell you that they lost hope. Meanwhile, enemies that have their Pulse reduced to 0 will surrender rather than be killed.
* OlderThanTheyLook: While most of the Mogs err on the side of ReallySevenHundredYearsOld, Eve herself is twenty-two. No one ever believes her (the twintails don't really help), which is why diners and bars only sell you coffee.

[[caption-width-right:350:Eve the human, and Klein the Cait Sith]]

* EarnYourBadEnding: Endings D and C require the player to ignore [[spoiler: Eve saying they need to rescue Klein]] multiple times, and are consequently are the two most brutal endings. To a lesser extent, Endings B and A require the player deliberately ignore reminders from Choi before the PointOfNoReturn and [[spoiler: Rex's shouted advice that they need to avoid hurting Caesar]].

* HubLevel: Shep the Tanuki turns the world's sewer system into this, connecting all the world's towns as well as persuading some Mogs to set up a shop and an arena.

* TheBattleDidntCount: In Ending B, it is difficult, but possible to defeat [[spoiler: Queen Han possessing Eve, especially by using damage items. However, she shrugs it off as being rusty and the scene proceeds as if the party lost.]]

* BonusBoss: During the Red-Eyed Cluster outbreak, a number of NPC mogs can be fought, but aren't required for completing the game, including Zheng in Corona Woods, the staff of the Sand Bar Museum, and the Sheepstack in Tindalos. Then there's Peppy Jack in the post-game, who has an entire sidequest and difficult dungeon to reach, and the Kuji Inn challenge, which is the only way to fight the non-combat Conjurers in the story, including June, Patch, and Beck.

* GuestStarPartyMember: Chip's little brother Blitz, who is AI-controlled due to incompatible affinity with Eve. Choi, Fang, and later Tate are more standard examples, being briefly playable for short parts of the game. Shep is a weird case: the game treats her as a full main character, but since she's more concerned with shopkeeping than adventuring, you only get her in your party for one boss fight [[spoiler:until the post-game, where she's as playable as any other party member]].

* HumanDisguise: Pacted Mogs often appear in their Human forms so as to not draw undue attention, since Conjurers are relatively rare. While most Mogwai in Human form have distinguishing characteristics such as strange hair colors or are LittleBitBeastly, some have human forms that're close enough that even other Mogs get confused.

* MyNameIsNotDurwood: It doesn't matter how much it's repeated, Wake never gets that no, Pike's name isn't short for "Pichael".

* BlindingBangs: Chip's hair almost completely covers her head, exposing just her nose, mouth, and a few freckles.

* HumanDisguise: Pacted Mogs often appear in their Human forms so as to not draw undue attention, since Conjurers are relatively rare. While most Mogwai in Human form have distinguishing characteristics such as [[YouGottaHaveBlueHair strange hair colors]] or are LittleBitBeastly, some have human forms that're close enough that even other Mogs get confused.

* WrestlerInAllOfUs: Eve's a fan, and would probably have tried to become a MaskedLuchador if it wasn't for her Conjurer business. For someone who looks like a WhiteMagicianGirl at first glace, all of her moves are wrestling-themed in some fashion.
* YouGottaHaveBlueHair: While wacky hair colors are usually reserved for human-shape Mogs (with Io's bright pink getting special attention from the people around her), Snowverians all have various shades of blue hair.

* DifficultySpike: The Otecho Path area, primarily due to it being the first area where Toxin-affinity enemies are common, meaning that your Light-affinity party medic Klein is in constant danger of going down, and it being one of the few zones without some way of healing close to the entrance, meaning you have to backtrack all the way to the previous town if bad things happen.

** Belle's theme is [[Franchise/{{Touhou}} Rustic Ranch Story]] and would fit in well in the games it references. June also owns a Mountain Tengu branded camera, and Dawn looks very suspiciously like a hatless Sumireko.

* WhiteAndGrayMorality: The heroes are pretty cheerful and upbeat characters themselves, and they are happy to save the day. While there's only one character in the game who seems to be truly evil, everyone else is redeemable or at least quite sympathetic. You know it's this trope when the [[DefeatEqualsFriendship majority of your party ends up being people who were initially enemies]].

** [[JustForFun/PokemonVietnameseCrystal VOLCANO BAKEMEAT]], caps and all, is a TV Dinner brand in this universe.