Harvest Moon

The Good
So you felt like you've blasted enough demons to kingdom come and pulled off more hurricane kicks than you'd like to? Well, if you want a major change, you've come to the right place, my friend.

Although the idea of raising a farm never seems so enthralling, great gameplay and the non-linear storyline will pull you into the world of Harvest Moon. After you enter your name, you'll never know how your life will change next! What a game!

Now, now, although I'm a tad late, I'm gonna write this from the view of this being the only HM game out.

From a graphical standpoint, they are very clear, and a good pallet of colors was worked with to prevent any eye strain. There's some great detail, especially with buildings and textures. And of course, you can discern every ounce of drunkeness in the town drunk's face! Pretty impressive for the SNES.

The music is really fitting, although some tracks are a little short and get monotonous after eight hours of farming or so. The winter music is nice and depressing, while the summer music is rather upligting and relaxing. Sounds are pretty good too, especially the cowbell and other similar sounds.

Gameplay is really tight, with a low learning curve. It's almost becomes instinct after playing the whole day (trust me, you will). Easy access to tools, and the gameplay becomes easier with the upgraded tools.

Now, onto the best part, the traditional Harvest Moon non-linear storyline. 5 girls to marry, or perhaps you'd prefer being the reclusive anti-social farmer (then pick up HM GBC) . Either way, you'll have a whole lotta fun customizing the farm, being naughty or nice, monogynous or an all-out playboy. Beat the game... and then start again! Replay value up the wazoo!

The Bad
I know it can't be helped by the initial programmers, but the English translation was rushed and sloppy. Just what the heck is "Confirm the origin of fire. Everything is alright!"

On a tangent, after you get married, your wife becomes bland, generic, thinking her place is the kitchen, and it gets a little nerve-racking considering the Cult of Domesticity has been put to waste a looooong time ago. But then again, that's a HUGE tangent. I guess that goes under character development or whatnot.

Sometimes, gameplay doesn't go so smoothly when cows block your way (you can be trapped for ten minutes, and it gets annoying!)

The Bottom Line
HM might a cult fave, but if you can get your hands on this rare treasure, go for it, and confirm the origin of fire!