Please note that the introductory story is included in this article. It does not contain plot spoilers, but if you wish to fully experience the game’s story first-hand, skip past the second image.
Stardew Valley is a fantastically executed simulation role-playing game that is available on PC, Nintento Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and more. Developed by Eric Barone (ConcernedApe), this charming and addicting time-sink relates to many people with its story and loose objectives.
The game opens with scenes of your character plugging away at a corporate cubicle job where corporate watches closely over the employees via security cameras. What a dreary scene! Your grandfather passes away and you inherit his cabin/farm. The game has you select what type of farm (sort of like a biome) you want, and then name and design your character.
Your starting farm house is shabby, and your land is barren. Through the instruction and assistance of the lovely town members, you can get started on your farm. The game itself is not particularly difficult. Many have said that it is easy to learn, but hard to master.
Perhaps my favorite aspect of the game is that you can mindlessly gather, mine, fish, explore, and expand, or you can take a more active approach and complete the quests offered by the townsfolk. The game can really be what you want it to be. You can even build a relationship and get married later in the game.
The graphics are 2d, top-down in the pixel style and absolutely gorgeous. Music is appropriately matched, quite pleasant, and catchy.
You can create multiple characters/farms, and load your progress from those games. Co-op functionality was also recently implemented.
Beyond a fantastic game, ConcernedApe is perhaps one of the most community-oriented and responsive developers I have ever witnessed. His support and care for his game and players is unmatched.
Last week I spent 16 hours playing on PC, and another 4 on Switch. And that is a bit low by comparison to when I really play the game. But it is easily a game where you can play as much or as little as you like.
Stardew Valley is truly a jewel of a game, and at $14.99, you really can’t go wrong with this fantastic adventure.
Have you played Stardew Valley? What do you like about it? What do you dislike? Let me know in the comments! We’ll see each other next time.
Happy farming,
~ Griff
griffethbarker.tech 