Hey Enthusiacs,

In my never-ending quest to find a game (or TV show, or book, or movie) to occupy my mind until No Man’s Sky comes out I finally settled on Stardew Valley, and boy am I glad I did. After watching Markiplier play it on YouTube I knew I had to pick it up on the Steam summer sale, but after that I didn’t really play it very much. I was so wrapped up in trying Deus Ex, Mirror’s Edge, and Dishonored. While I played, finished, and adored the latter, the two former titles couldn’t hold my attention for long. I’m impatient at the moment, so it really struck me when this small, cute, apparently simple farm sim, grabbed my attention and wouldn’t let go. After playing Stardew Valley for a few hours tonight, I still had to tear myself away.

This is because the game is so much more than a farming sim. This is no FarmVille, friends, and the more I peel back the layers of Stardew Valley, the more I realize just how deep this game is. You get to create your character (hair style, clothing, preferences, etc.) and even choose whether you prefer dogs or cats; you will be gifted one of whichever you chose as a pet later on. When the game starts you are stuck in a dead end job in a tiny cubicle. And so, after inheriting a farm from your Grandfather, you decide to slow down and head to the country for a more peaceful life. But this game has so much in store for you that you’ll quickly realize this is anything but retirement.

You can head deep into mines to gather rare minerals and other resources. But beware the monsters. Yes, there are creepy mutants lurking deep below the surface of this pleasant little world. When venturing in, don’t forget your sword. You can go fishing down by the docks, and I swear, as someone who is highly phobic of all insects, this is the closest I will ever get to fishing in my life. It is such a relaxing, yet engaging experience. Fishing in Stardew Valley is a bit of a mini game, and it takes some getting used to, but it’s oh so addicting and I just love listening to the water lap against the shore. It brings me back to my Southern California roots.. So calming. You can go to the general store in town and buy some seeds, plant them in your farm, and reap the rewards later. Farming is fairly simple, yet fun and rewarding. I have to say I love that it’s optional. Maybe you love the idea of fishing? Do that all day! But I highly recommend you get into farming anyway. Give it a shot and before you know it, you’ll be hooked. But take note: seeds are seasonal, and everything needs to be planted within the right season!

You can visit one of the many shops to buy seeds, animals, additions to your farm, and more!

More of an animal person? You can raise and take care of livestock as a way to earn both money and resources. You just need to visit the local carpenter to build the necessary buildings first. These little animals are so adorable! There are many different ways to earn money in Stardew Valley, and they are all enjoyable in their own ways. This variety is what keeps the game from getting old. It’s also worth noting that the townsfolk are fun to chat with, and you can even build relationships with them over time. Don’t forget to check your mailbox, as well as the general store’s notice board out front, as there are always fun little side quests that you can choose to accept to help your neighbors. Know what else? There’s a wizard around these parts, and a suspiciously abandoned old community center. There may also be a special group you can join… If you show you have the skills.

It’s a river of slime!

I mentioned a little while ago that Stardew Valley has seasons. You can check the calendar at any time at the general store to see what fun events are coming up in town. From birthdays to special seasonal events, you will never get tired of this world. I may have engaged in a bit of an Easter egg hunt. I lost, but it was still so fun. Honestly this game reminds me of what I hoped I would feel with Animal Crossing New Leaf. I loved that game at first, but after a bit of time it began to feel a bit cheesy and immature. This feels like the predecessor I didn’t know I was missing. Many compare Stardew Valley to Harvest Moon, and while I have never played that before, I’ve heard enough to know that’s a great thing.

Regardless of what you compare it to, Stardew Valley is a fantastic, relaxing, unassuming game that will keep you entertained for a very long time.

xoxo,
Dark Princess