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.
