The recent Nintendo Direct offered a lot new farming and life sims, but that shouldn't be as surprising as some may think. From the cozy Story of Seasons to RPG hybrids like Harvestella, farming sims were one of the big topics of the day. Nintendo seems to be putting a lot of stock into the genre for the near future, and there are some good reasons to do so.
Farming and life sims do not often get as much attention as other releases. While fast-paced action games and sprawling RPGs draw a lot of eyes, life sims are usually more on the quiet side. There have been a few that have seen significant success, such as Nintendo's Animal Crossing and the indie hit Stardew Valley, though there are plenty of smaller and up-and-coming titles as well. With the new games revealed at the Direct combined with Stardew's creator's new project, Haunted Chocolatier, it's clear that the genre is in a comfortable place.
A life simulation game, even a fantastical one, can seem like an odd choice for a video game. Such games can impact a player in ways that few other genres can hope to copy, and that is one of the keys to their success. It makes sense for Nintendo to put focus on them during the direct, because life sims have a few unique advantages for aspiring players.
Farming Sims Test Players In Ways That Most Games Do Not
A lot of games have challenges that come through similar formulas. Action games usually rely on the player's reflexes, testing their ability to react to what the game throws at them. Meanwhile, turn-based RPGs challenge the player's ability to plan out their moves in advance and learn the enemy's weaknesses while protecting their own. On the other hand, for those who don't want to fight Elden Ring's hardest boss, farming sims have their own types of challenges.
Farming sims are a bit similar to RPGs, which makes sense as the two genres have a tendency to overlap. The player needs to learn the best way to keep their farm running smoothly. It takes some trial and error to learn how to perform the necessary chores for maintenance, as well as their preferred ways to grow crops, make money, and do whatever else keeps things moving along. Many of these games also task the player with managing their relationships with townspeople. It may not be urgent, but the player always has something to do on the farm.
Farming sims may not give the player a lot of fighting or dangerous platforming to handle, but there is plenty to keep them busy regardless, such as earning Stardew Valley's Statue of Endless Fortune. It's very easy to get invested in the day-to-day work of keeping the farm running, especially as the player begins to design their farm to their preference.The tasks of a farming sim can prove surprisingly entertaining and addictive for many players.
The Personal Touches Of Farming Sims Can Be Comfortable
Farming sims have a different kind of mood to them than almost any game on the market. They don't require the player to travel far or constantly be on the move. Instead, they let the player create their own environment and familiarize themselves with it. In addition to making their own farm, building up their character's life can also be a pleasant experience.
Relationships and romances are a common element of farming sims, and they do a lot to create the genre's cozy atmosphere. A lot of farming sims give the player neighbors and acquaintances that they can bond with. Getting married in Rune Factory 5 and other farming sims, as well as befriending the characters in said games not only gives the player something to do outside of the farm, but it also lets them experience these characters' stories. Having a selection of friendly neighbors to visit helps the game feel a lot more comfortable, especially considering that some games will even allow the player's character to marry certain characters.
There is a lot to be said about the value of personal interaction, and the same holds true in gaming. The ability to talk to people, make friends, and get married all sounds very simple, but it does wonders for a farming sim's mood. It makes the game a comfortable place for the player, and a great way to unwind at the end of the day. For a lot of players, whether they choose a sim like Fae Farm or Harvestella, a farming sim is their way to relax.
A Farming Sim's Laid-Back Pace Is Appealing To Many People
Some farming sims, such as the Harvestella, have a serious plot and combat system. In general though, farming sims are distinguished by their more slow-paced, low-stress gameplay. Not all players are looking for the next Grand Theft Auto or Halo when considering a gaming experience for themselves. Some people would rather have a more easygoing experience, and they find the charm they are looking for in a farming sim.
In a farming sim, the player is not often rushed unless they are trying to meet a deadline for a task, or make sure that a harvest gets done on time. While farming sims can have elements of difficulty, such as the soon to be rereleased A Wonderful Life, the genre generally gives players the opportunity to move at their own pace and build their farm however they would like. They can try to optimize everything to get the most profit possible. On the other hand, they can also take it easy, focusing on their preferred crops and leisurely going about their day. That's one thing about farming sims that give them their appeal. The player doesn't need a goal when they start playing. They can just when they want to spend a little time with their farm, and the goals will likely come as they learn more about the game.
Farming sims are a perfect choice for people who like to enjoy a low-stress gaming session. The freedom to play around with one's farm and relax, whether it's just for a few minutes or several hours, can be an enjoyable way to the time. A farming sim such as future Game title Coral Island is the perfect game for players looking for this sort of experience.
Farming sims may not be the biggest genre on the market, but they have carved out a comfortable niche for themselves. With many new titles on the way, the genre has a chance to grow even more. September's Nintendo Direct did a service by shining a light on the system's farming sims, and hopefully more players will come to appreciate them.
