Stardew Valley : A Virtual Home Away From Home

 You probably have heard of this game more then once, whether it is a live streamer, a friend or advertisements for updates, this game is huge. But why is that? Why do so many people love a game where you have to run a farm, give gifts to those who dwell in town to win their love, and so much more? Other games have offered the same things and even on bigger scales sometimes, so what makes Stardew Valley stand out? Almost too much that sometimes it may seem hard to form a plan or stick with it. Holidays, events, and special cutscenes for befriending the large cast of characters. Stardew almost has too much to do, and that is why it is so fantastic. 

This game has an unyielding, undeniable charm for starters, from the warm and cozy music, to the people you meet this area immerses the player into a small but welcoming town. There are plenty of characters to meet all with their own stories, personalities, and dreams. The town feels like it has life in it from the second you step in it, and as you get to know the residents you feel more cozy with this place you moved to.

In terms of stuff to do there are so many options, but no right or wrong answers making you want to do all of them at once but focus on what suits your mood. You could fill out the community center, go fishing, mining, or renovate your plot of land, and that is just the tip of the iceberg there is way more to do. Each one feeling worth your time and helping you level up, progress, and unlock awesome perks, but none being necessary. An item you may need to fish a bit for to unlock might just end up being available at an event shop. The holidays feel like legitimate celebrations and minigames that add another layer of life and charm to the town, making it come to life even more. 

And much like how you want to make money or spend your day, the relationships are also optional, but if you invest into them you learn more about the people you share a town with and add even more life and charm to this game. This game has a ton to offer but is so relaxed and welcoming about it that lets players choose their destiny and never tries to point them in specific way. There is no wrong way to play Stardew Valley, whether it is who you romance, how you make your money, or how you spend your time. The game gives you choices and lets you enjoy them.

The music and graphics also have a wonderful, charming style with enough retro pixel art to harken back to the farming sims that came before it, but with enough expression to form it's own identity. The music is fun, catchy, and fits every location and season perfectly. The game runs on its own time for gaming sessions, welcoming short and long play sessions alike, and also is very fun to play with friends. The game has so much to do, but is so relaxing that it settles you into this small, charming world that can be fun for a few minutes or a couple hours. 

This game is fantastic, and a must for any fans of the life simulation genre or someone who wants a game that is very relaxing. The game is on many platforms and the asking price is not a large one at all, giving way more content then the asking price. The game also finds itself on sale a fair number of times for those looking for a ton of content on a low price, but even at the base price, this game is worth it. 

This game is a nice cozy visit, to a town full of people with stories worth pursuing, mysteries to solve, a in game timer that makes days feel like the perfect length, and so many options to forge your own path. This game gives the player a bit of everything while never pointing them where to go, whether to relax to after a long day or make large sums of virtual cash with friends, this indie game is a delight time and time again. 

Score 5/5

(I am moving away from scores slowly over time, so they will be taken out slowly over time, as I find my writing style that suits me best)