Farming simulation games have become a popular sub-genre for many gamers looking for a more relaxed experience. Franchises like Harvest Moon and Story of Seasons have become mainstays in the industry, and modern games like Stardew Valley continue to be critically acclaimed.
However, the classic genre has recently seen more games looking to break the mold of the traditional formula, with series like Rune Factory bringing a fantasy twist. During today’s Nintendo Direct, Square Enix has revealed that Harvestella is a farming simulator infused with the recognizable JRPG style.
Nintendo’s recent event brought with it several major reveals of upcoming titles. Staple games like Portal and Nier Automata were officially announced for the console, confirming long-standing rumors that the Persona franchise would finally make the jump to Switch.
However, Nintendo’s biggest reveal was just part of a huge list of titles shown, and Harvestellaof Square Enixseems to bring a uniquely inspired spin to farming sims.
The presentation of Harvestella introduces players to the picturesque town of Lethe and the trailer introduces the life simulation aspects of the game. In addition to farming, Harvestella includes cooking and crafting mechanics, and players can also venture outside of the village to fight monsters and gather materials.
Where the game deviates from most casual farming sims is in the “station of death”, called Quietus, which brings death to the crops and threatens the lives of the villagers. The conclusion of the trailer revealed the game’s release date, as Harvestella is due out on November 4.