Review

Stardew Valley is an idyllic first-person simulation role-playing game set in a rural village of the same name. Developed by Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone, the game puts you in the role of a character who has just inherited a run-down farm from their deceased grandfather. Tasked with restoring the farm back to its former glory and developing...

Stardew Valley

  • Isla MacDonald

Stardew Valley is an idyllic first-person simulation role-playing game set in a rural village of the same name. Developed by Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone, the game puts you in the role of a character who has just inherited a run-down farm from their deceased grandfather. Tasked with restoring the farm back to its former glory and developing the surrounding community, it presents a unique experience for players and is one of the most popular games of its kind. 

Exploring the Graphical Beauty

The vibrant richness of the pixel art graphics is one of the major draws of Stardew Valley. Every environment and character interacts with the player and their customizable surroundings, providing a believable and immersive world. The art style is reminiscent of the Harvest Moon games, with a variety of environments, characters, and activities to explore. Bright colors and detailed animations capture the rural charm of the game, creating a stunning and unique experience.

Playing Through the Story

Stardew Valley begins with a simple quest - to restore your grandfather's dilapidated farm, build relationships with the townsfolk, and find a way to seek your own fortune. You can keep livestock, farm crops, mine for ores, and complete various tasks for the townsfolk. Money earned from these activities can be used to upgrade your farm and purchase new items.

Features and Mechanics

The open-mindedness of Stardew Valley allows for a flexible approach when it comes to completing objectives. Quests offer a structured way of progressing through the story, while the ability to raise animals, grow crops, and explore mysterious dungeons provide additional sources of income. The game also features a day-night cycle, where time passes and NPCs go about their daily lives. 

Taking on Stardew Valley’s Multiplayer Fun

Stardew Valley features a competitive multiplayer mode in which you can join up to three of your friends and embark on the journey together. The player can manage their farms, complete tasks, and even engage in friendly competitive events. Players can also compete with each other in festivals, gaining rewards and ultimately developing the best farm in Stardew Valley.

Bottom Line

Stardew Valley is a delightful game that offers hours of exploration and fun. With an enticing story, vibrant graphics, and a variety of activities to enjoy, the game is a great way to understand the beauty of the rural village. The game is a great time spender with friends and provides a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Creative freedom makes it easy to forget the time and become immersed in the game.

Pros:
  • Vibrant graphics and animations
  • Interesting story to progress through
  • Variety of activities to explore
  • Creative freedom in customization
  • Comprehensive multiplayer mode.
Cons:
  • Repetitive at times
  • Can be a slow progression
  • No real end goal.
90%
80%
80%
80%