A downloadable visual novel for Windows, macOS, and Linux

Pulsatio Cordis 

The popular guy meets a random nobody and inexplicably develops a crush on them. Sound familiar? It’s only the premise of 90% of the teen fiction genre. But dream no more. Your love letter, once a wishful Hail Mary, has been accepted by the one and only Liev Latané!

Liev seems unattainable 一 how can any sane eighteen-year old juggle being head student with being leader of the debate team and  the school athletics team, on top of being a UN Youth Ambassador? But somehow, out of 150 students, he chose to go on a date with you!

Follow the story of the lucky student Quinn Jones (name changeable) on their date as they do their best to impress him with their comparably mediocre credentials. Your every choice matters here… you don't want to ruin your chances with him, do you?

Though Liev appears the epitome of a model student, your date gives you the opportunity to find out more about him. What is he like outside of a school setting? What does he like to do in his free time?

The truth may not be as kind as you expect.

Features:

  • Protagonist has a customizable name and gender (male/female)
  • Social anxiety simulator™
  • An affection points system that determines your ending.
  • 7 endings.
  • 15 CGs
  • And most importantly, a cute , sweet boy with no issues whatsoever! ♡ 


Credits:

(NB: Links to all sources are included in the 'About' section of the menu.)

  • Sprite art, CGs, and UI by me.
  • Background art by Noraneko Games, Potat0Master, LisadiKaprio, blueberry Maki, Samu-kun, Unsplash+, Ferdinand Stöhr, Tim Mossholder, Aerial001, Mike Benna, Free VN Assets, and Picdrome Public Domain Pictures.
  • Phone template by Nadia Nova (itch.io page)
  • Music by Eric Matyas, Vivek Abhishek, Tim Kulig, Ontama-M, Imaban, Yuli, Roland Horvers, and Addpico.

Warnings pertaining to the demo:

  • Mentions of animal death .
  • Depictions of mental instability.
Warnings pertaining to the full game (may contain spoilers):

(For more information on Content Warnings, please click here -- note that this document contains spoilers!)

  • Discussions of child abuse.
  • Depictions and extensive discussion of drugging.
  • Depictions of kidnapping.
  • Depictions/graphic descriptions of death and murder.
  • Suicidal ideation.
  • Graphic depiction of broken limb.
  • Homophobia.
  • Notes:

    • I have only ever been familiar with how high school in New Zealand works, so  some concepts may be unfamiliar to people who are used to different systems. It's not a huge part of the story, but I thought it would be worth mentioning.

    Links:

    StatusReleased
    PlatformsWindows, macOS, Linux
    Rating
    Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars
    (670 total ratings)
    AuthorLucia Lily
    GenreVisual Novel
    Tags2D, Anime, Dating Sim, First-Person, Psychological Horror, relationship, Romance, suspense, Yandere
    Average sessionAbout an hour
    LanguagesEnglish

    Download

    Download
    pulsatio-cordis-win.zip 361 MB
    Version 8 Dec 10, 2024
    Download
    pulsatio-cordis-osx.zip 353 MB
    Version 4 Dec 10, 2024
    Download
    PulsatioCordis-2.1-linux.tar.bz2 349 MB
    Version 4 Dec 10, 2024
    Download
    liev vday2025crazy.png 11 MB
    Download
    liev vday2025dere.png 11 MB
    Download
    liev vday2025yan.png 11 MB

    Install instructions

    Unzip/Extract the file. Opening the game may cause a pop-up to appear asking if you trust the file. 

    On Windows, click 'More information' and then 'Run anyway'.

    On Mac,  go to Settings and click ‘Open anyway’ in the privacy settings for trusted apps. 

    Development log

    View all posts

    Comments

    Log in with itch.io to leave a comment.

    Viewing most recent comments 1 to 40 of 289 · Next page · Last page

    I love the story and the artwork :) I hope you don't mind me making a video
    (1 edit)

    I liked it! I do think the ‘twist’ (it’s not really a twist, since we all know how we got here, but) was revealed a little too early but he does say it’s because he couldn’t hold it in anymore, which is fair. Edit: Just realised the author is also the artist! I thought you did a really good job with the mmc. A lot of the visual novels on here and also a lot of manga/manhwa doesn’t do as good of a job showing the dead vs normal eyes, but you did a good job with the juxtaposition of the two. I really enjoyed seeing all the light diminish when he realises things aren’t going the way he wants, or when something he doesn’t care about is happening.

    Spoilery comment below:

    I’m kinda surprised about IN HINDSIGHT, if it’s a nightmare and not a real thing that’s happening, this is the first game I’ve played where the yandere has an ending where he just doesn’t yandere anymore.

    I OVE TTHIS GAME SO MUCH EUGHH THEYRE ALLL SO LOVABLE. I MIGHT BE FREAK FOR HAVING ENDING IN HINDSIGHT AS MY FAVORITE BUT !!! LIEV IS SO PRETTYYY GOD IM SO INLOVE WITH HIM !!!!!!!!! MY BABY!!! anyways i love quinn sm... i love these cuties smm ahhh

    peak game and peak point system!! i love the secret ending sm :p

    hi twin I played your demo 3 years ago and finally finished the full version today. Also are you filo?? haha was a little surprised when I saw "Anak" in the game or maybe mc is filo

    I was pleasantly surprised to see school terminology I'm familiar with growing up, neat game overall

    Purely downloading just for the NZ rep

    (+2)

    Amazing game definitely one of my fav VNs so good and highly recommend! 

    (+3)

    I’ve played truly countless visual novels, including many in the yandere genre. Honestly, even before reaching the first ending in this game, I was already prepared to shake the author’s hand.

    SPOILERS ALERT

    • First, what immediately caught my eye was the depth of the protagonist. We are presented with a girl who actually analyzes the situation and thinks critically. If there were a "Smart MC" tag, it would definitely apply here. The author gave her a distinct personality and allowed us to understand her, following her perception and analysis—which is vital. She felt alive and real to me.
    • Second, the writing of the Male Lead (ML). He is crafted so well that you could practically sit down and diagnose him clinically. You can try to guess which disorder (or group of disorders) the author was leaning toward. I suspect the author is well-versed in psychoanalysis and psychiatry, or perhaps has even worked in those fields. The connection between the ML’s parents, his childhood, and his current behavior is clearly traced, along with subtle traits of his obsession. The author did a brilliant job of fleshing him out.
    • Third, the choice system. It’s a small detail but a noticeable one: in other novels, minor choices only change a few lines of dialogue before snapping back to the main branch. Here, quite a lot changes. Choices feel more impactful, and the information revealed depends heavily on them. This feels closer to reality, where a differently phrased question can determine whether you "learn someone’s deepest secret five years down the line" or not.
    A Note on Affection Points

    I want to dedicate a separate paragraph to the Affection Points. I completely agree with the author’s decision regarding the points required for the True (and healthiest) Ending. I loved this mechanic because it’s not about mindlessly trying to please him or earn his favor—it’s about working toward a healthy relationship. Realism again? Yes. And I’m thrilled. You have to actually think, not just fawn.

    Whenever I experience a new piece of work, I always think about the creator. What kind of person are they? What are their interests? How do they see the world? Depending on the work, I develop certain feelings toward the author. Here, it seems obvious: I believe the script was written by a mature person. I am drawn to their vision and how they executed the plot. I think we would have been friends if we knew each other in real life.

    Also, I completely lost it at "Tsibulka" (Little Onion). I’m from Ukraine, and... that was the last thing I expected to see, haha


    Definitely 5/5. I sincerely enjoyed this novel—not just for the romantic route, but out of pure respect for the author. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt that specific sensation of: 

    "Yes, I’m in awe. Brilliant move, author."
    (+1)

    are you still alive ): ?

    (+1)

    PEAKKK I actually love the story sm thank you so much for making this game<33

    I'VE PLAYED THIS BEFORE ALREADY BUT JM COMMENTING JUST NOW TO SAY THIS IS PEAK AND THE PLOT IJS SO AWESOME AWOOGA ALSO! IS MC FILIPINO????? IN ONE OF THE ENDINGS THEIR MOM MENTIONS 'Anak' AND I GASPED I LOVE THISSS

    its not letting me play it keeps opening a file (playing on linux)

    me too! have you found a way to play yet?

    (+1)

    This is so cute and fun oh ma gash <3

    Wow, I had a blast playing this! I love Liev so much!!

    (+1)

    I really like this game! I love yandere!Liev is so cute although he is little crazy:) Thank you for this game

    (+5)

    Well, it's a FULL yandere game which is a blessing by itself. 
    I didn't personally like the dynamics but the story was objectively interesting. UI is splendid. Yan sim and mirai nikki vibes and referencies also play their role.

    I didn't like the strictness of endings and choices. I really wish that we could play as an unhinged version of MC. But it was really worth playing nonetheless. Thank you.

    (+1)

    #dia 10 pidiendo una traducción a español

    (+2)

    Holy moly this game is INSANE!! Like how on EARTH is this game not more popular?!? AND ITS FINISHED?? Im in love with both the game AND Liev!! The art style is so gorgeous, and the storytelling is PEAK!! One of my favorite things is his speech patterns (referring to mc like theyre not standing right infront of him) and how well put together the ui is!! Like i WISH every vn had a place where you can see all the endings you got!! 

    Hes so crazy i love him, i need to go back and try to get the true ending since its the only one im missing, i couldnt figure it out last night with the guide, i wasnt sure if i wasnt supposed to not hug him or stop him from doing the other thing after i also think i messed it up with the aff points(⸝⸝⸝-﹏-⸝⸝⸝) but oh well i will figure it out eventually(´꒳`)

    also ‘its as if im Atlas, heaving against the weight of the sky’ is a GREAT use of a greek mythology ref!!^^

    (+1)

    Ngl I'm pretty disappointed in how resistant the MC is to Liev's yandere tendencies. When I was a teen I would've been at the very least intrigued, maybe a little confused. The MC just doesn't seem like a high schooler at all. Especially with the minor psychoanalysis she does so often.

    (+1)

    as an high schooler who LOVED psychology, yes, its very on character. But i also wished that the mc would be less resistant in some routes!

    ( obs: sorry for bad english )

    Me gusto mucho es la primera ves que veo que en algun juego de yandere tocan el tema de recibir ayuda psicologica lo que me parece lo mas realista buen juego espero por ver mas obras de la autor gracias

    i love itt

    (+1)

    I think this is the first time I've finished a visual novel, the art is so beautiful and to be honest it exceeded my expectations, I didn't expect it to touch such a sensitive chord in me as a person with social anxiety, I was eager to see how their relationship develops, you can see the love you put into the story, I'm simply delighted, I hope you continue with such great projects :) 

    Will there be a android version???? I had the demo on my computer but it broke and i was and still am very interested in this game!!

    THIS IS THE BEST GAME I'VE EVER PLAYED
    I NEED MORE CONTENT PLS!!!!!!

    THAT WAS AMAZING OH MY GOSH???? I WANT MORE CONTENT

    That was beautiful

    yay

    This is my first time commenting on Itch.io but I just had to after playing all of the endings and getting all the CGs!! I just have to say that this game is really underrated. The writing in the game is pretty good and does not feel too cliche or corny to me. I usually have a super low attention span when it comes to reading but I enjoyed reading every dialogue option  and not skimming through it. I also love the fact that you don't immediately get to know his full past but have to make certain choices for Liev to open up to you.

    I also enjoyed the fact that the MC/Quinn is given the option not to shy away and actually call out Liev's disturbing behaviour. And despite his disturbing behaviour he actually respects MC/Quinn's boundaries a lot and actually asks for consent for hugs or kisses :D.

    (Spoiler Alert!!) I'm happy that there is  the True Ending where you actually get a chance to help each other. This is also the Ending I enjoyed the most. It's unrealistic if it was the real world but I like the fact that Liev is given the option to redeem himself and actually is aware of his behaviour and admits to it. I like me some redemption arcs.

    I hope to see more of your projects if there will ever be another game you make. I would definitely be excited if that were that case. My guilty pleasure of liking Yanderes was definitely fulfilled with this game!! :) It definitely has a special spot in my heart. 

    #dia 7 pidiendo una traducción a español

    (-7)

    was gonna hate because of the gacha life bgs but this game is actual heat and liev is lowk fine asf

    (+4)

    I love stuff like this! Before Liev revealed his true nature, I was already in love with him cuz I thought he was so kind and understanding. Then he revealed he was crazy, and I fell even more in love with the game cuz I love dark stuff like that (but I fell out of love with Liev, obviously, lmao). I think it's fair to say the game is an anxiety simulator. I played it all the way through the night it was released and had adrenaline pumping until I could fall asleep. The game's setting, the music, the moments when Liev gets angry and the screen turns red—it's all VERY well-produced, in my opinion. I don't think Liev being standard is a bad thing; I think "classic" is the right word. The game inverted the idea of Yandere Simulator (you control the yandere and kill the girls who like your senpai), which I'd never seen before. It's precisely Liev being crazy that makes the gameplay more exciting, and I, at least, had a hard time realizing that being nice made him worse. Liev's background is a bit basic and vague, but I find it captivating in the context of the game—where he can't/won't talk about his past and the protagonist wants to help him overcome the bad things he ignores. The last ending I played was the one where he kills and tears off a piece of a bully's arm. I finished the game traumatized, but I loved the CG of him spying on the protagonist 😓

    (+1)

    #dia 8 pidiendo una traducción a español

    (+1)

    Dale pocoyo, yo confio en ti.

    (+1)

    #dia 7 pidiendo una traducción a español

    (+1)

    #dia 6 pidiendo una traducción a español

    (+2)(-1)

    #dia 5 pidiendo una traducción a español

    (+2)

    Sigue bro, yo te animo también.

    (+1)(-1)

    #dia 4 pidiendo una traducción a español

    (+6)(-1)

    WHEN WAS THIS RELEASED???? WHY DIDN'T ITCHIO TELL MEEEE???
    I was there when the demo was first put out and then after the style was changed. I had been checking it hoping it would be finished but never got anything until now. I'm so happy!!

    (+2)(-1)

    #Dia 3 pidiendo que alguien lo traduzca a español 

    (+2)

    I LOVE THIS GAME!!! if theres any vn that made it to my top 3 its this one deadass

    thank you :D I’m so happy that it’s one of your favourites!!

    Viewing most recent comments 1 to 40 of 289 · Next page · Last page