Harvest Moon: A Wonderful Life Review
In this next installment Harvest Moon: A Wonderful Life continues it's, what I like to call, underground hit. At first glance, the game is very misleading. People tend to fall under the stereotypical, nonsecular belief that Harvest Moon is a child's game. In all actuality, the game simply provides one of the best, and most addictive, gaming experiences anyone could enjoy.
To be honest, the game doesn't improve upon much, but that was expected. For years now Harvest Moon has been releasing game after game, without many changes or adds any new elements, which jump out at the players right away. It's as they say, "If it's not broke, don't fix it."
Harvest Moon delivers a great story. You play as a young boy who's left to maintain the farm by his father. The story is told and narrated by an old man who helps you keep the farm alive and growing the way the boy's father had intended him to. This leads to the amazing gameplay that makes Harvest Moon what it is.
Classed as a Role-Playing Game, it doesn't play like most RPGs out there, if any. Instead of building your character, you're building the farm. Who knew living the life of a farmer, especially through video games, had any excitement to it? Now, if you still aren't convinced that you would enjoy maintaining a farm, look at it this way; At least you get paid, so you may enjoy some of the finer things the game has to offer. Soon you'll stay on your grind, cropping, milking and nesting. Don't get too caught up, though. I can attest to the fact this game is very addictive. Hours will fly by unnoticed. You'll play by day, and before you know it, you'll be playing by night.
Farming isn't everything, however, on the land of Forget-Me-Not. There are many other things to keep you occupied. Go fishing, try selective breeding animals, hell - cross breed the crops. Cook, why don't you? You are on a farm. Did you seriously think you wouldn't have to know the culinary arts? You don't have to be near the farm all day, either. Go have a drink with the guys. Yes, Harvest Moon lets you do all of this, and much more. You may interact with many other inhabitants, and when you feel you've been in Forget-Me-Not a little too long, hook up Mineral Town from your GBA. It's an amazing way to let you interact with others, and an amazing aspect of this game.
As said before, you are living out the life of a farmer. That's more than just taking care of your farm, though. It's finding a wife, creating a child, and continuing to watch over your farm.
Visually speaking, the game is stunning. There is a tremendous amount of detail, and the characters all have that "chibi" look (anime's rendition of dwarf characters). This style was, no doubt, inspired by games early in the Harvest Moon series. The lighting was all done perfectly, adding an ambience to the game's setting. Also setting the game's tone very well is the music played through out the game. You may even enjoy it.
Overall, Harvest Moon: A Wonderful Life is an amazing game. The game in and of itself is truly an experience, and one to remember. Games such as this go under appreciated, but you'll find yourself very proud to be one of its fans, seeing as the game plays a low profile in the industry.