I did not understand your game at first ConcernedApe.... but I get it now.... I played this originally a few years ago with my partner at the time, it was fun, but I didn't play it again after we stopped playing together, until recently when one of my best friends bought me the PC version. Now I get the hype for it after all this time, this is my go-to when I'm bored right now or when I'm getting off a long day of work, I can get lost mining or fishing for hours. The gameplay is very much the same as all farming games, but for me, getting to know the community and become a part of it made it so enjoyable (especially Elliot and Haley, I think we should kiss-) The music is also very good as well as the bits and pieces of story as you play, honestly just give it a chance, you might like it more than you think.

I tried Stardew Valley back in 2017, did not get through spring. Decided it was not for me. My wife got really into it shortly after that and put about 80 hours into it. So I found out there's split screen co-op and years later we decided to give it a try together. I don't see an end in sight now.

Now I've played through my first year, and while I see many more in game years and hours to come, I can say after around 35 hours that this is an incredible game and sits comfortably in the top 25 of all time.

I think it was the co-op aspect that made me love the game. You can break up daily tasks and switch between "chores" to keep things fresh and money rolling in. While the mining is simple, I got really into it. I love that you create your own goals and how layered all the systems are. Not to mention I've listened to this mesmerizing OST countless times since picking it back up.

The only unfortunate part is now actually anticipating Haunted Chocolatier. Godspeed ConcernedApe, a true legend.

I dislike how the main quest doesn't involve the NPCs.

Let's take repairing the bridge to the quarry as an example. In other farming/community sims, this quest would involve talking to someone who wants it repaired, the player finding some carpenter in town to help, the player gathering items for construction, and then after a couple days the bridge would be fixed and the villagers would thank you with a little celebration.

In Stardew Valley, the player donates some wood and berries to the Community Center, and then some magic creatures fix the bridge overnight. Most NPCs don't recognize that the bridge is fixed at all, let alone that the player helped out. This game is too focused on giving the player lots of tasks rather than justifying those tasks in the world.

I have other problems with the base game, but the modding community here is so extensive that every other issue has a mod to fix it. The main quest is the only thing that can't be modded to be fixed, so it's my only remaining complaint.