Stardew Valley

I resisted this game for years. I finally put several hours into it. The world is fairly open, and there are a lot of quests and npcs to get familiar with. After only a few days, I believe the price of Stardew Valley is very generous for what the game offers. Good: - There's so much content. This game continually surprises me with all the mini games and extra game mechanics. -I didn't think I'd appreciate the tool/item crafting, but I now see how it adds to the game depth as my farm grows. -So far, the game is friendly enough to enjoy with friends and family. I like the fact that it doesn't rely on guns and violence to engage the player, but still offers optional combat in the mines. - All the in-game routines have something of a meditative effect. I often feel a little more relaxed after playing. It wouldn't be surprising if Stardew Valley were being used in neuroscience research. Bad: - Tracking down the npcs takes more work than most of the quests themselves. That process can be a little boring at times, but whatever. Maybe it's designed that way to get the player to explore more of the map. - The plot is forgettable. Something about a bus and a community centre? The plot thread is just too thin. Maybe it will come together later on, but all the side quests feel like complete diversions from the story. It would be nice if they were a little more integrated than just earning money/supplies.

From the outside, it looks similar to other games in the genre, but once you've scratched the surface, it is so much more. Yes, you are the newly-arrived citizen of a quaint town. Yes, you have inherited a small farm from your deceased grandfather. Yes, you meet and get to build relationships with townspeople. Yes, there is a mine to collect ores and metals needed to upgrade your tools. Yes, it's a definite callback to what we all know and love about the genre. However, there is so much more to do. I would not have racked up hundreds of hours of play if there wasn't. Conceived and produced wholly by Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone, Stardew Valley takes a common formula, improves the heck out of it, and then adds even more. After finding points in the original Harvest Moon series that he didn't like so much, ConcernedApe took it upon himself to change the genre from the inside, and he definitely has left a lasting mark on the market. Considering the level of detail that is in this game, and that it is from a one-man show of a maker, Stardew Valley is impressive and quaint all in one package. And even when you think you've seen it all, the active and creative modding community makes it even better, adding fresh ideas and content for more immersive playthroughs. The main drawback, however, is that there are only a certain number of hours in the day, while there is so much you want and need to do to satisfy your curiosity. Also, the fishing mechanic is simplistic to the point of near obsolescence. If you're looking for a simple, easy to learn and enjoy game, or even a walk through nostalgic memories, here is your game.

To be honest, I first bought a pirated copy of this game and was skeptical at first, and to my surprise this game's so good that I played it almost everyday (around 15 hours of game time per day) and then weeks after I finished it, I discovered GOG, and then I saw this game on here, and guess what? I decided to buy it again the legit way, to support very fine game such as this, I appreciate great games, and to that note, I surely don't mind spending extra money in order to support the developer. This game is that good. It reminds me of Harvest Moon (when it was still good) combined with Minecraft-ish crafting systems and UI, there's TONS of things to do (farming,fishing,mining,crafting,etc) making this game has a very good lifespan, I definitely recommend this game, just buy it, you won't regret it if you like simulation-RPG-kinda-game like Harvest Moon.

Amazing game, worth price, for long nights, what can be better?

I was looking for some time a little management game without making head, nice without having spent a crazy time. I admit that Stardew bluffed me as much by its gameplay as by its long life. I recommend it without hesitation for a moment!