A Nintendo Direct recently revealed information about the games Fae Farm and Harvestella, which share a number of similarities, though are still different enough for players to consider which simulation is more appropriate for them. Both games are farming simulations with a twist, featuring their own versions of magic and surprises, though the styles and gameplay designs for each game will undoubtedly appeal to different players.
Life and farm simulation games have been around for decades, offering players the opportunity to escape from the pressures of the current world into the daily routines of another, virtual one. Stardew Valley (which deserves a true sequel), the Animal Crossing series, and the recent release Disney Dreamlight Valley are some of the most popular examples. These life simulation games are perfect for a general audience of all ages, though some sim games offer more mature content through suggestive themes or violence. A quick search through the Nintendo Switch store reveals absolutely no lack of farm and life sim games already part of the catalog. Adding two more games might seem simply like more grist for the mill (though Harvestella will appear on Windows PCs as well), but both games are much more than simple simulations.
There are a number of Animal Crossing-like games to play if bored with ACNH, and it seems as if Nintendo is going to keep the farm and life simulation games coming. The new trailer for Fae Farm released during the latest Nintendo Direct revealed a magical, fairytale like adventure. Gameplay includes gathering resources, tending crops, collecting items to customize homes in the enchanted realm of Azoria. The seasons will change within the game, prompting the unlocking of new surprises. The trailer of Fae Farm suggests that the main goal of the game is to forge lasting friendships to aid in the growth of crops, the learning of magic, and the battling foes, making it a classic farm/life simulation game. However, Nintendo also revealed more information on another sim game, Harvestella, during the direct.
Deciding Between Fae Farm or Harvestella
Where Disney Dreamlight Valley works toward happily ever after, upcoming Harvestella, from developer and publisher Square Enix, has so much more at stake. In Harvestella, players will try to cultivate a peaceful farm life in the village of Lethe, while also combating the season of Quietus, prompting the player to search for the cure to overcome the season of death. The tasks of Harvestella are very similar to those in Fae Farm, but the themes are much darker, as evidenced by the difference in character and world design. Additionally, Fae Farm offers the chance of a multiplayer experience through online and local wireless connections, while Harvestella is strictly single-player. The action and adventure of Harvestella will likely be much more pronounced than the cozy atmosphere of Fae Farm’s atmosphere.
Harvestella’s Final Fantasy inspirations may revolutionize farming sims as they’re currently known, making it a notable title, while Fae Farm also offers a magical twist on the genre. Fae Farm will launch exclusively on the Nintendo Switch sometime in Spring 2023, though preorders are not currently available. Harvestella will be released on the Nintendo Switch and Windows on November 4, 2022. Preorders for Harvestella are currently available, as well as a gameplay demo for the opening days of the farm’s first season. Save data will be able to transfer to the full game upon purchase.
Source: Nintendo Direct/Youtube