Harvest Moon

"A simulation of... life"

Well, this kind of game may be very common with the series of Sim City, Sim Ant, Sim Farm, Theme Park, etc. But Harvest Moon proposes a simulation with a RPG background.

Firstly, you don't know really what to do. Your parents let you go to your grand father's farm to train yourself at farming. You're next to a village where you can buy some seeds, then some cuccows and cows. Well, what's original in this, it isn't more than a simulation…? Actually, you discover that there's no purpose in this game : you don't have to kill ennemies, to free the princess, you don't have any life meter… What I like in this game is that you can do whatever you like. If you don't want to work, you don't work ! The RPG part consists in the relations you have with the inhabitants of the village. Here you can try to make a girl in love with you by offering her presents, talking with her, etc. You don't have to do this either ! (I don't know why you'd continue to play the game then…). You may get married, have children (perhaps), live in a big house with a dog and a big color-TV. Isn't that everybody's dream ?

I like to say it's a simulation of life, as it doesn't look like any video-games. You take your time. You may go to the church on Sunday, or work only 3 days a week and go fishing the other days… I know everybody won't love this game as I do, and some might hate it and go back to their Mortal Kombat games. But if you like RPGs and alternate games, try this out !

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 01/07/00, Updated 01/07/00