The world can be terrifying, full of noise, pollution, and fear. At the end of a long tiring day, sometimes it’s just nice to escape and be greeted into a charming town with an equally charming lifestyle. Well, with the casual, farming Sim, Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town, you most certainly can! Developed by Marvelous Inc. and published by XSEED Games and Marvelous USA, this is a great game to help you unwind from a chaotic day. There are no time limits, pressures to be the best, or penalties resulting in death or loss of XP. The only goal that matters is for you to have fun and enjoy a simpler, but wholesome moment in your time.
Right off the bat, Story Of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town is quite similar to other games already on the market. This is a Harvest Moon game, just under a new name with a new publisher. Like other farming/crafting Sims, it follows the same formula as other games such as Stardew Valley and My Time at Portia. The game begins with a protagonist venturing to a quaint little town where their grandparent has left them a sizable portion of land. The land the protagonist has inherited is in disrepair, but it holds great promise and with the support of the helpful, and at times quirky townsfolk, the hero can restore the glory that the place once was. Despite it being similar to other games, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that and it still maintains a great gameplay experience.
The journey does start off slow and the protagonist doesn’t even get a house to live in, as they must resort to living out of a tent. Luckily, with some helpful tips from the mayor and plenty of items to scavenge from the nature around, money can still be made and get you closer to living in an actual house. Clearing the land, farming, mining, fishing, and all-around homesteading are part of the experience. You can focus on one area of expertise or try to do them all. It’s really up to you and how you want to grow your new life. If your main focus is to find a new love to share your experience with, then look no further as Olive Town is filled with lovely bachelors and bachelorettes. If somehow none of these citizens tickle your fancy, then maybe you will have better luck at places like Twilight Isle of Windswept Falls.
This is certainly not a game to expect any outrageous or adrenaline filled cut scenes as this farming simulator is all about taking it slow and routine. However, this means, that sometimes certain aspects are too slow as scenes cannot be skipped and activities such as watering and harvesting can be quite time-consuming. Couple this with the repetitive and at times flat dialogue from the characters, the days can really feel as if it’s dragging on as nothing really changes. There does not seem to a final ending to this game and the story is a continuous cycle of seasons and homesteading.
As your farm and relationships grow, so does your involvement with Olive Town as the town will also flourish with you. Certainly not a game for those who are looking for excitement or the next thrilling adventure, but instead is one for those who are looking for structure, tranquility, and the joys of a productive harvest. It can be a lovely break away from the hard-edges of reality as Story Of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town welcomes all with warm acceptance and promises.
PROS: Adorable, peaceful, fun for all ages, and can marry any gender.
CONS: Can become very time-consuming, unable to skip cutscenes, and repetitive dialogue.
SCORE: 7/10
Check Out the Story Of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town Trailer:
Story Of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town is available for PC via Steam.
Steam Review
Video games have always been a huge influence in my life and have definitely shaped me to who I am today . Some of my best memories growing up were the many adventures and stories I was able to experience and become immersed in. If my hands aren't either covered in clay, typing, editing, creating, or helping shoving food in my mouth, they would either be gripped to a controller, tapping away at the screen of my phone, or clicking away on my PC. I am always up for trying something new because why live just one life when you can live many.
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