Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley

A cute farming game with lots to do.

Overview

At first glance, Stardew Valley is a farming simulator but once you get into it there is much more. You get to learn the personalities of everyone in the town. There is an interesting plot that is slowly revealed. Besides farming, there are other activities like fishing, mining, crafting, combat, and all sorts of collecting. There is a lot of depth to it.

The Good

There are lots of things to do and you can pick whatever style you prefer to focus on. Every type of sub-game has a fair amount to do, so there are many avenues of progression. Collection is a big part of the game.

The Bad

Like other farming games, there is no real challenge. There is some enjoyment in finding optimal ways to achieve your goals, but at the core the game is little more than grinding. Watching the story unfold is enjoyable but it is slow.

The Neutral

I'm not a fan of the retro art style and game interface. However, it is done well so if you are a fan you will likely enjoy it. The inhabitants of the town have extensive scripts, but ultimately I did not care much about them.

Conclusion

Stardew Valley is very good for a relaxing way to pass time. If you enjoy farming simulators or simple RPGs, you will certainly enjoy this game.