I loved this game growing up. The music, the graphics, and everything to explore gave me hours and hours of fun. When you have your nostalgic goggles on, this game is pure pleasure. I bought this game and tried it again, (after spending much time with HOMM3) and you realize that the game is not as good as you remember when it comes to the game play. The factions are not balanced and all that matter is how much magic you have. The Armageddon trick is well known to all HOMM2 players and this old game can be exploited beyond belief. Don't let that stop you from getting this game. It will still provide you with hours and hours of fun!
Truthfully I am blown away by this game. Never in my life have I been so engrossed in the gameplay and have hours upon hours slip away from me confined in the magic of Stardew Valley. ConcernedApe has done what Natsume has not been able to do since Harvest Moon 64 and that is to deliver what the demographic wants most. An experience where the player is in control, immersed in a country culture, small awesome rewards as you learn to build, and efficient controls in farming. Truthfully I believe Natsume should be calling this guy and offering him quite the contract to take over the Harvest Moon franchise on the permanent. Maybe not though, perhaps Stardew Valley could be the new intellectual property. Either way, ConcernedApe got it ALL right. What did he improve upon? Control: No more wasting items by throwing them, ease of watering, and slick fluid movement. This is the best control for a farming sim I've had. Farming is easy, you have plenty of energy to complete tasks, and you won't get frustrated. Character Development and Interaction: You know, I actually care about the characters. Its real. When I saw Pam get all upset about drinking, I was throttled. Watching Clint overcome his shyness for Emily was a treat. Shane's struggle with alcohol is fascinating. And that jock Alex, what a jerk. These characters are great and watching them change is incredible. Customization and Crafting: You can customize everything about your farm. This is what we want so badly. Harvest Moon DS almost got it right. There is so much to do in Stardew Valley that you will pride yourself on the organization of your farm. Music: Three songs per season? THANK YOU. Lovingly crafted. I never get sick of the music. A Purpose: Saving the community center is a joy. I talked about this earlier, but you get little rewards as you go further. Get this game. Everything ConcernedApe does after this, I will be first in line. This is the game I've been waiting for since Moon 64.
