Innocent Life: A Futuristic Harvest Moon

"A big step in the right direction!"

Poor Innocent Life. The first Harvest Moon game created specifically for the PSP has certainly met with mixed feelings. Yes, it is different from the Harvest Moon games that have come before it. Some of those differences are bad, but most of them are very, very good. Innocent Life brings a long-due update to the series and provides the PSP with a HM experience that is not only lovely to look at but accessible to a much wider audience.

STORY
Innocent Life features a completely new plot from previous HM games. You are a robot. Yes, a robot. Your job is to revive a piece of once-fertile land and save an island... and also to learn what it means to be human. No, you aren't going to get married in this game, which has been a disappointment to many. However, I liked this change of pace and I found this story just as touching and involving, if not more so.

GRAPHICS
Absolutely stunning. This is one of the best looking games on the PSP. Everything is detailed and brightly colored. Characters move smoothly and fluidly. Environments are huge, for a portable HM game, and the game runs smoothly with no real load time.

GAMEPLAY
Overall, Innocent Life could be described as a Simplified Harvest Moon. What you do with your time, what crops you plant, who you interact with is largely up to you, though the game does provide you with most structure than many previous installments. Daily farming tasks have been simplified and streamlined as well thanks to the addition of a helper robot for your character. Personally, I like this feature as it means I have to spend less time watering the same crops over and over again everyday. Also, items like baskets for gathering crops are more plentiful to make things run along smoothly on your farm. You have more time to shop, mine for treasure, cook, and chat with people... and I think that's a good thing.

As in all HM games, you will grow crops and raise livestock. Fishing and mining are here too. Unfortunately, money is very easy to come by and there isn't much to spend it on. Seeds, items, and animals are cheap compared to your profits. Your house never needs upgrading either, which does take something away from the game.

Sadly, those storms that would damage your farm... expect them to be MUCH more destructive this time around.

CONTROLS
Fluid is the only word to describe them. Menu design is slick and easy to navigate as well. You can control your character using either the control pad or analog stick. It is pretty much impossible to accidentally lose or destroy valuable things like it has been in some previous HM games.

SOUND
This is some of the best music I've heard in the series. It's peaceful and not annoying, all you can ask for.

REPLAY VALUE
Alas, there is not as much to do here as in previous games and only about half the challenge. As such, it is a good introduction to the series but probably not one you will be playing for as long as the others. On the other hand, it's one you might actually finish.

OVERALL
Though I miss some of the customization options from other Harvest Moon games and find the townsfolk far less interactive, I have to say that Innocent Life is simply one of the best games in the series. It was time that HM modernized a bit, mixed up those old mechanics, and made running a farm a little less repetitive. The game is set in the future so why should you struggle along by yourself with a shovel?

This is a great game, a gorgeous game, and a step in the right direction. If you like Harvest Moon and are willing to try something a little different, pick this one up and see if it's your thing. If you're new to the series or curious about it, this is a great place to start.

Here's hoping for a sequel with a bit more challenge and character interaction!

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 08/03/07