Highlights
Japanese Rural Life is an upcoming indie farming simulation game that offers a charming experience inspired by life in the Japanese countryside, perfect for fans of the genre.
Players can engage in various activities such as farming, animal rearing, fishing, and interacting with villagers in this game. Additionally, they can customize their cottages and appreciate the charming pixel art graphics. Mirthwood, on the other hand, provides a distinctive experience within the farming sim genre by offering a medieval setting with elements of war and exploration, setting it apart from the traditional Japanese rural life concept.
Japanese Rural Life, an upcoming game similar to Stardew Valley, offers players a unique farming experience set in Japan. It is expected to be released this year and has already caught the attention of many farming game enthusiasts.
The farming simulation genre gained significant popularity after the release of Stardew Valley. Although games like Harvest Moon had existed since the 90s, it was not until the last decade that the genre truly took off. As the creator of Stardew Valley takes a break to work on Haunted Chocolatier, indie developers have stepped in to provide fans of the farming genre with various options to explore.
Japanese Rural Life is a captivating indie farming simulation game that draws inspiration from the serene atmosphere of the Japanese countryside, as well as beloved titles like Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing. As players embark on their journey, they will find themselves in the heart of the countryside, equipped with a cozy cottage and a fertile plot of land awaiting their green thumb. The game is currently being developed by Game Start LLC, a dedicated indie Japanese developer, with an expected release date of 2023 for Android and iOS. Furthermore, should a publisher be secured, it may also grace the platforms of Switch and PC.
This delightful game effortlessly captures the essence of beloved titles such as Stardew Valley, encompassing activities like tending to the farm, nurturing animals, fishing, and engaging with the charming locals of the nearby village to develop deep connections. There lies boundless potential for personalization as players take pleasure in customizing their own cottage, while also having the delightful company of a lovable Shiba Inu dog, whom they can shower with affection and care. Embracing the passage of time, Japanese Rural Life features the enchanting cycle of four distinct seasons that will significantly influence gameplay in an array of fascinating ways. To complete the immersive experience, the game employs a visually appealing pixel art style, skillfully capturing the breathtaking beauty of the Japanese countryside.
For gamers seeking a fresh twist on the Stardew Valley concept, the forthcoming game Mirthwood may pique their interest. Set in a medieval farming simulation, players tend to livestock and cultivate crops, while navigating a war-torn land and engaging in battles across diverse regions. Contrasting the idyllic charm of Japanese Rural Life, which solely emphasizes the cozy facets of farming, Mirthwood offers a truly unique experience. Currently, in progress for mobile, with future plans for PC and Switch adaptations.
Source: myPotatoGames, GamesRadar