Highlands City [S1 Ep.1 P2] [DD Games]

Helena is a woman who never takes a step without calculating the profit.
When she joined the PAC (Custodial Sponsorship Program),
her goal was simple: two years of massive tax breaks for her companies in exchange for,
“taking in” a young person leaving the system.
The chosen one is Evan, 19, an orphan who spent five years in a juvenile detention center.

Now, under the same roof, a dangerous game begins. Helena thinks she’s in control,
but Evan knows that in that city, the rules that apply are the ones he brought from the streets.​

Highlands City is a sandbox visual novel developed by DD Games. The story follows Evan, a 19-year-old orphan who has just been released after spending years in juvenile detention. Through a government sponsorship program, he is placed under the care of Helena, a successful businesswoman whose decision is driven more by financial incentives than compassion. Living under the same roof, both characters quickly realize that each has their own plans, ambitions, and secrets. As players explore the city, build relationships, and make difficult choices, every decision influences Evan’s future and the lives of those around him.

Review GameCax

Highlands City presents a refreshing narrative by placing players in the role of a protagonist who must rebuild his life after a troubled past. Rather than following a predictable redemption story, the game explores trust, ambition, and personal growth through a series of interconnected events that evolve according to the player’s decisions.

One of the game’s strongest features is its sandbox structure. Players are free to explore different locations throughout the city, interact with a diverse cast of characters, complete objectives, and gradually unlock new opportunities. This freedom encourages exploration while allowing the narrative to unfold naturally instead of forcing players along a single path.

Character writing is another highlight. Helena serves as more than a simple guardian figure—her motivations, business ambitions, and complicated relationship with Evan create constant tension throughout the story. Supporting characters also receive meaningful development, with their own personalities, backgrounds, and storylines adding depth to the overall experience.

Visually, Highlands City features detailed renders, modern environments, and polished character models that bring the city to life. The clean interface and cinematic presentation help immerse players in every conversation and major story event. Ongoing development continues to introduce additional locations, characters, and gameplay systems, ensuring the adventure keeps expanding over time.

Overall, Highlands City combines strong storytelling, meaningful choices, and sandbox exploration into an engaging visual novel. Players who enjoy character-driven adventures with freedom to explore will find plenty of content to experience.