It’s hard to believe that it has almost been 10 years sinceStardew Valleyfirst burst onto the scene.
In its almost ten-year lifespan,Stardew Valleyhas gone on to lead the charge in the farming simulator genre with others failing to match its longevity and impact.
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It is worth delving even further back in history toHarvest Moonwhich is widely considered as the birth of farming sims.
Victor Interactive Software
In recent years, titles such asFae Farm, My Time at PortiaandWylde Flowershave showcased the farming simulator genre and have each received positive reviews.
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However, when it is stripped down to the bare bones, each one follows the same blueprint asStardewi.e, the main character heads to a brand new place where they expand and improve the village and get to know and romance its locals.
Sure, the settings are different.Fae Farmis set on an enchanted island where magic is abundant,My Time at Portiatakes place in a post-apocalyptic land andWylde Flowershas quite a similar setting toStardewbut with the inclusion of magic, witches and covens.
It is worth praisingWylde Flowersfor focusing on diversity, with the title normalising pronouns, sexualities and gender identities but since its release in 2022, it has failed to achieve the longevity ofStardew.
So what is it that makes players return toStardew Valleyafter all this time?
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At its core, it requires the player to grind for long periods of time and doesn’t necessarily task them with many objectives. The pixel art style is simple yet effective and it can be argued that once you have played once, you have explored the majority of what the title has to offer.
However, according to its fans, it’sStardew’s monotony that lends itself to escapism and doing chores or befriending the locals is not challenging and that’s the way they like it.
ConcernedApe
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That is why it is worth looking at some upcoming farming simulators to see if they will have what it takes to finally knockStardew Valleyoff its pedestal.
(Disclaimer: it does not need to be knocked off its pedestal and more than one good game can exist but this is just a bit of fun).
Released earlier this week in early access,Fields of Mistriais the latest entry in the farming sim library and much likeStardew,it offers romance and adventure but with an emphasis on nostalgia.
Presented in an old-school pixelated style with nods toSailor Moon, Fields of Mistriadevelopers NPC Studio have already released aroadmapfor the future of the game.
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With plans for more villagers and romance, mines and dungeons, skills and perks and customisation and cosmetics, this title sounds pretty similar toStardew,at least on paper.
However, according to one positive review on Steam, one userwrote:
“This is what I wanted fromStardew Valley-like games that got out. Heck, this is what I wanted fromStardew Valley- to some extent.”
NPC Studio
They attribute this to multiple features; memorable NPCs, the ability to level up, customisation being available at any time, excellent menu UI and much more.
As a result, althoughFields of Mistriaappears to be quite similar toStardew,it has apparently taken all the minor issues with the ConcernedApe title and improved on them dramatically.
Players will take on the role of a vampire who is determined to prove to their father, Count Dracula, that they can live a life full of compassion, even if they are undead.
In the town of Moonlight Peaks, players will be able to befriend and romance both the supernatural and human NPCs as well as unlock ancient powers, develop vampiric abilities such as shapeshifting and enhanced senses, brew potions and even cast spells.
With an aesthetic similar to that ofAnimal Crossing: New Horizonsif it just so happened to have a purple filter,Moonlight Peaksdoes promise a lot more than the standard farming sim.
As well as the standard features of nurturing crops and looking for a life partner, you will also be able to decorate your house to fit your macabre aesthetic, master the art of witchcraft and even take part in mini-games such as the bartending event.
Little Chicken
AlthoughStardew’ssimple game cycle appears to be an award-winning formula, games likeMoonlight Peaksmay pave the way for more content and features in the otherwise easy-going genre.
Arriving some time in the next few years,Tales of the Shire: ALord of the RingsGameis not only perfect for fans of J.R.R. Tolkien’s world but also fans of farming simulators in general.
Allowing players to take on the role of the cozy life of a Hobbit, you will live out your days in the comfort of the Shire.
It is hard to say what makes this entry to the genre different as it has not yet received a release date but having such a big name attached to it will definitely help.
Wētā Workshop
Last but not least, combining the gameplay ofStardew Valleywith a serial killer murder mystery,Grave Seasonsis also set to make a splash when it releases some time in the future.
Much like the other titles, you play as the new farmer in town and alongside harvesting crops, fishing and mining, meeting and romancing the townsfolk and building a community, you will also have another job.
Stopping the murders.
As a result, you could even find yourself accidentally romancing the killer.
If you’re anything like me, you will already be hooked.
Not to mention that this is unlike any farming sim we have seen before and the unique twist has fans excited to learn more.
Perfect Garbage
It also goes to show that although the tried and tested method may be a winner, there is nothing wrong with trying something a bit different.
There is no denying thatStardew Valleyhas the longevity that many other titles in the farming simulation genre have lacked.
Whether that is due to its simple, unchallenging gameplay or something else entirely remains to be seen but I, for one, would be excited to see another entry at least offer it a bit of competition in upcoming years.
Topics:Stardew Valley,Indie Games,PlayStation,Xbox,PC,Features,Animal Crossing
