Golly, I would have never thought at the age of twenty-three that I would be so enticed by a virtual farming videogame. I remember seeing a post online praising Stardew Valley and was informed that the featured title was on sale at that time.
I recall generation X playing a Facebook farming simulator and frowning as I deleted the invite notifications. If my then teen-self could see herself now, spending hours playing a moderately similar game she’d give up gaming altogether!
Perhaps, the night I purchased the game from Steam I was being guided by an old Nebraskan Farmer’s spirit. Bobby (the ghostly farmer) probably whispered “C’mon Red, you’ve been a native Nebraskan all your life and never shucked corn!” Or logically, I couldn’t pass up a chance to purchase something on sale.
Like most simulators, Stardew opens with character customization and gives you a few options on your farmlands format. Once completed, you’re taken on a short journey, the graphics display Joja’s headquarters. Staff are busily working or comically sleeping in this undesirable setting. The screen stops moving once it lands on your avatar.
A letter briefs you that your beloved Grandpa has gone up to heaven and left you his farm. The town’s Mayor welcomes you into Stardew and shares tips on how to earn a living. Lastly, he advises you to meet all the towns folk. After, he runs off to perform his duties; standing in town square, visiting the towns shops, gardening in his front yard, leaving his “lucky” purple underwear in Marnie’s bedroom, and having a drink at the saloon each night.
The game’s main objective is to turn this farm into a booming business and by this point you’ve already realized that the farm is in shambles. This means some TLC is much needed and you’ll want to keep an eye on your energy level. The energy bar will be displayed on the righthand side of your screen. The energy bar can drop significantly low without causing damage. However, t’s unwise to drain the bar completely. If your farmer is overworked they’ll pass out. One of the townspeople will come to your “rescue” when the reality is they’ve just pickpocketed you. Eventually what used to be a wasteland is a newly lucrative business!
Aside from the farming aspect there’s plenty more to be done; build relationships, fish, mine, and collect rare items.
Not only will you be growing crops you’ll also grow friendships! Much like real life every member in Stardew Valley is unique. All thirty-three members have complete stories that are enticing. As seasons progress the day to day schedules of most of the community changes. This aspect of the game keeps you on your toes as you track down a member whether it’s to give an item from a quest, grant them with a gift, or simply chat. Twelve of the characters are romanceable and all are LGBT friendly! I suggest courting whomever sings your hearts song. If that proves to be difficult you can date all the characters at once… if you can manage the guilt. Once married you’ll have a helping hand on the farm! Here's an image of myself cosplaying as Abigail!
Fishing is my least favorite aspect of the game. Personally, I’m still confused on how to reel em in. There’s fresh water fishing and sea fishing. A resident of Stardew runs a bait shop. The fish are edible and will restore health just like wild fruit and home cooked meals.
Mining and collecting rare items go hand in hand! With a sword and an axe, you’ll brave the mines! Filled with all sorts of battles and treasures. Collect everything that your inventory will let you hold and stay mindful of your health bar and energy bar. When you get a rare item, I suggest donating it to the towns library and recreation center. After so many donations you’ll be rewarded with grand prizes. No fretting, there’s always duplicates you can collect in the mines!
Eric Barone created the concept and graphics all on his own and was rewarded by Stardew Valley winning the BAFTA best game award. Barone is rumored to be creating a similar title taking place in a wizardry world. I will most certainly be on the lookout for it and with that… I think I’ve got some farming to do!
