“Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town” is a complete remake of the 2003 GBA platform “Harvest Moon: Friends of Mineral Town” and “Harvest Moon: More Friends of Mineral Town”. As a classic farm management game, this original game is a childhood memory of many players, so what changes in the remake version will be explained here.
Gameplay
Although the character was remade in 3D, the image quality and soundtrack have also been updated. However, the game retains the traditional perspective of God, restoring Mineral Town and allowing players to review their childhood along each path. The whole story of the game is about the protagonist inheriting his grandfather’s farm and knowing the villagers in Mineral Town.
Players will choose to play male or female at the beginning of the game. Although the gameplay is the same, the opposite sex of different genders will be different. Players must manage their ranch every day, such as planting and watering, harvesting farm products or mining in caves, in order to complete the harvest of the day before 5 pm and transport it to the transport box to make money.
Players must also take time to visit the town to buy seeds, animal feed or upgrade some equipment to ensure that their ranch resources are sufficient to complete their mission. Players can also talk to some residents and give gifts to improve their mutual affection. In addition, the game also hides 7 elves. If the player has a strong relationship with them, they can let them help manage the ranch and reduce the burden.
In the original version, in addition to displaying the game screen, there are also date, time, season and item used. If the player wants to change items, they must change the screen. However, adjustments have been made in the remake. Now the game displays the contents of the backpack and quickly changes the props, which makes the game easier.
In addition, in the remake version, players can check their physical strength. Before the player’s stamina is exhausted, he can replenish his stamina by eating or bathing in hot springs. If the player continues to work after the energy is exhausted, not only will the fatigue value increase, but also may pass out. In the original version, players can only feel, to guess how much energy is left.
Activities in Mineral Town
The mining system of the game is a unique part and the most time-consuming gameplay. When the player enters the mine, time will stop. Players can smash the ore with a hammer or hit the ground with a hoe to find the next ladder. Because these actions must consume physical strength, a sufficient number of supplements must be prepared before entering the arena to supplement physical strength. Once the player leaves, it will be reset.
Different programs are launched every year, such as cockfighting, horse racing or cooking, so that players can participate in each event and win awards. However, if they fail or skip the festival, players have to wait a year to participate in the event. In addition, players can also fish on the beach and sell the harvest.
Not as exciting as original
Although the game is restored at that time, the simplification of some functions has a peculiar impact on childhood. Just like the physical strength mechanism discussed earlier, it is easy for players to subconsciously quit work before their physical strength drops to zero.
In order to play more smoothly, some players will also choose to watch the strategy online, and at the same time use Save-Load method to ensure that their progress is not slowed down. This also takes away the fun and meaning of exploring Mineral Town.
“Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town” has done a good job in both the gameplay and the remaster. Whether the player is an old fan of this game series or a novice player, players can try this game.
