While I can't say this game was a new discovery for me this year, I can say that I have
found new inspiration for returning to Stardew Valley during the current pandemic climate. And once again, I have fallen in love.
There is just so much to love about this game. So. Much. For those who focus on cutting edge graphics, I'm sure it is probably not even on their radars. But then, they would be missing out on a game that captures that quaint, almost nostalgic feel of a peace farming community from yesteryear--One that is on the cusp of moving into a more modern era, or eschewing those modern values for one more community
centered. Inevitably, I almost always choice to pursue the latter and to restore the community center to all its glory. Almost always.
At present, I have three farms going: my original farm (Gondolin Farm) of three years ago; my new community centered farm (Nevrast Farm); and my new age farm (Bobville). I probably play the most of Nevrast, but Bobville is slowly taking shape as well. And during the present time, even life on Bobville is so completely relaxing and peaceful, that a couple hours of life on the farm before work is just what I need to prepare myself for the projects ahead.
The game is reminiscent of Harvest Moon games, restoring the farm, dating (or not) people from town, fishing, cooking, but the game is far less sugary and more palatable. The people in town have their own problems, from drinking problems to depression, dealing with old age, the mom and pop general store own struggling against the larger corporation moving in. All these things lend a charm to the game that does not exists in Harvest Moon (don't get me wrong, I have enjoyed Harvest Moon in the past; I just prefer the Stardew Valley community). And the game feels much more enjoyable to me than Animal Crossing (which I also enjoy from time to time) because it feels less cutesy and a bit more gritty, and to be honest, the atmosphere is just a bit more enjoyable to me than Animal Crossing.
To me, Stardew Valley has just enough of the RPG elements to scratch that itch, while remaining peace, soothing, and calming on so many other levels. I tend to gravitate
towards story in games, and there is certainly no lack in that area. The many storylines through the game are fun and intriguing, and keep me interested enough to pursue the many tasks that pop up. And even when I'm more in the mood for focusing on my farm, there is more than enough to keep me doing something different every day.
It has the beautiful free structure of Animal Crossing and Harvest Moon, while maintaining enough challenge in fighting monsters in the mine, or pursuing the museum collection or catching all the fish to remain a pleasure no matter what mood I am in. For those interested in decorating and fashion, there is certainly more than enough there, between two different catalogs you can purchase for fashion or furnishings (though to be honest, I often neglect this area more than I should).
But all this being said, the game improves my state of mind, it refreshes my spirit, and it starts my day off with a much needed meditative calm that I do not get from any other game. This isn't to say I don't enjoy many other video games. I have spent my fair share of time playing games like Skyrim and Pillars of Eternity, or even games like Civilization. All of these games have their own draw and charms that keep me coming back to them. But for all their draw, Stardew Valley remains, for me, something truly unique that no other video game currently can has. It is why you will continue to find me, morning after morning in the early hour or two before dawn, sitting comfortably at my couch and luxuriating in the peaceful glow that is Stardew Valley.
It would be great if you included a video about this game in your article. You can use recorders for Mac. If you have never recorded your screen, please PM me and I can help you.