Harvest Moon, we all remember the old classics, but who could ever forget the lure of Harvest Moon? The game-play and style are nothing complex and really rather simple in design, which might be the reason for its success. Japanese game makers hit the jackpot on this game, a simulation farming game. While there is always the ever popular SimFarm game that Maxis popularized so well, Harvest Moon has that fun and anime styled look to it that attracts players on a more personal level with the storyline.
The strategy behind the game is to raise a farm from ruins into a paradise of tomatoes, cows, chickens, horses, and even a dog. Players will struggle to keep their crops watered so they can make the daily shipments, keep their livestock well fed and groomed, and even withstand hurricanes and droughts. You are armed with a multitude of weapons from sickles, hammers (for those pesky rocks), and a watering can. From sunrise to sunset you are busy with the daily routine of maintaining your farm, but why not go into town.
The game features a small town filled with shops, bars, bakeries, seasonal. The game is so multi-faceted that it will keep gamers entertained for weeks. There is quite an oddity
that so many can take pleasure in spending their time "working" a farm for entertainment, but that's really the beauty of it. You will take so much satisfaction from watching your farm, as well as your character, grow and flourish. Create a farming paradise and raise a family, or let your farm go to waste, it's all up to you. Do you want to implement a crop rotation, ask yourself what vegetable will be the most profitable for your time, and always improve your livestock?
Cows will generate bigger and more profitable milks if they are loved, sheep will grow finer coats, and chickens will lay eggs, and always remember to grow grass outside to keep your horse happy and your livestock properly fed. Overall, this game provides infinite replay value to all players, but it helps if you're interested in simulation/strategy games to begin with. If you like action packed games then you might want to steer clear of this one. For those with patience and enjoy reaping the benefits of your labors, then think about Harvest Moon.
