Having played the original in my childhood and wanting a "chill farming sim" game after burning out on Stardew Valley earlier this year, I thought to myself "why not?" only to find myself predictably regretting this impulsive purchase shortly afterwards.

My problem with the game isn't its simplicity. If anything, that's what I was looking for. It's that the game lacks any of that chill, relaxing vibe it should strive for. Sim games need a good art style, music and overall atmosphere to keep you going. This game just doesn't cut it. The art is serviceable at times, but why the hell do the bachelorettes look like 8 year-olds? Actually, don't answer that.

The music is all out of whack, instruments that should be rhythmic at most are holding the main melody. Some of the tracks, notably the new ones not present in the original such as the summer holiday steel drum one, are way too upbeat and feel like they trigger an underlying anxiety due to being at odds with the laid-back gameplay, not unlike a big chunk of Animal Crossing New Horizon's soundtrack.

Just listen to the autumn song yourself. Does this evoke the relaxing atmosphere of a beautiful fall day when you hear it? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_E7rsLCKo7g&ab_channel=HarvestMoonAllSeries

And what really bothered me was that there's only one footstep sound effect. You spend the whole game running; over grass, dirt trails, hardwood floors, cobblestone streets, and yet it all sounds exactly the same. It may sound like a nitpick but it really plays a big role in taking you out of the game IMO.

The gameplay elements are basic, yet solid. There's a good game underneath, but it needs to be a complete package for it to work.

Reviewed on Sep 05, 2021


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