I’ve seen this game making its rounds in social shares over the past week now, be it on Facebook or Twitter, and trust me, it certainly caught my attention!
I still remember the days when I had gotten my very first handheld game console: Nintendo DS. It was a birthday gift to myself, and I had tons of fun selecting various games to try out (based on friends’ recommendations as well I might add). Obviously Pokemon was one of the first few that I’d immediate boot up in my handheld game console. But other games that I had tried (and loved) are either puzzle games or farming (?) games like Professor Layton, Phoenix Wright, Animal Crossing, and Harvest Moon.
Anyway, we’re not here to reminiscence about my younger years.
My attraction to this game was in two-folds. First, this game was conceptualized and developed by one person over the span of four years. That alone had my attention as I scanned through review after review about this game. Secondly, if you’re into Harvest Moon, Animal Crossing, or even Rune Factory (which were all handheld game console games only, sadly enough), then you’ll definitely love this.
Though the concept isn’t exactly new, storyline is relatively refreshing. Now I have not played any handheld game console games in a long while now, so my apologies if I sound fascinated by certain features that you’d probably shrug and exclaim, “Duh, [game title] has that feature too!”.
The story goes like this:
You’ve inherited your grandfather’s old farm plot in Stardew Valley. Armed with hand-me-down tools and a few coins, you set out to begin your new life. Can you learn to live off the land and turn these overgrown fields into a thriving home? It won’t be easy. Ever since Joja Corporation came to town, the old ways of life have all but disappeared. The community center, once the town’s most vibrant hub of activity, now lies in shambles. But the valley seems full of opportunity. With a little dedication, you might just be the one to restore Stardew Valley to greatness!
tl;dr you got bored with city life, so why not try farming instead?
It’s pretty cool that I can customize/personalize my own character, such as hair (and colour), eye colour, skin colour, top, and bottom (and colour). You’re also given a choice between getting a Dog or a Cat (for later parts in game) and you’ve gotta write down your “Likes”. I chose birds for that I think. Not entirely sure what that is about.
Expect some quests along the way as well. Trust me, you’ll get the weirdest quests ever. I’m currently requested to hunt for the Mayor’s purple underpants that he had so (in)conveniently left somewhere, and found it way to embarrassing to ask for anyone’s help but me LOL.
Events are pretty neat, though sad to say, chances of you getting a partner can be pretty dismal at first.
Honestly, I was torn between cringing in embarrassment and laughing my foolishness away as I went from one person to another hoping to get a dance date for the Flower dance. Oh well, I guess it’s just not my luck!
Meanwhile, I’m alternating my days between farming, clearing up my farm, foraging (gleefully!) and mining/combat. It sure takes up a lot of time, and you can be sure your Energy level will drop faster than you can cry “Stardew Valley!”. Especially if you’re woodcutting or breaking rocks.
Oh and before I forget, there’s this old forgotten Community Hall that the depressed Mayor would like to restore one day. But he cannot decide whether he should restore it or just sell off Pelican Town to the conglomerate (who’s been harassing him to sell, no duh). Guess whose job is it to help repair Pelican Town on top of faming, mining and whacking slimes in the mines?
Music in the gameplay is pretty good, though I wish there were more options to the songs. Especially when I’m at the bar’s jukebox. I must admit that I find it tough trying to upgrade my equipment on top of getting myself a kitchen (to cook) and building a barn. Imagine, 10,000 gold for a kitchen! And I’m earning approximately 400g per day if I’m lucky hahahaha. It’s not easy, but the challenge sure makes it fun. That said, I admit I’m a lousy strategy player so this could be my own personal problem here.
My verdict?
It’s a pretty fun game to play. Design is decent, and you definitely won’t run out of things to do in this game. I’m aware that some may complain that this is a ‘grindy’ sort of game, but have no fear! If you’re feeling bored, take up the requests challenge that is time-sensitive or go down the mines and see how far can you accomplish before time/hp/energy runs out.
My biggest gripe is the fishing bit. I find it rather difficult trying to score a catch because my mouse isn’t sensitive enough (or so I think anyway). So fishes are gleefully swimming around cause I’m ignoring them lol.
Stardew Valley is available on Steam for RM31 as of now.
If you’re looking for more tips and tricks, here’s a couple of sites you can check out for yourself:
silvennia 