Introduction to the series
This will be the first post in a new series I'm going try out. I've been toying with the idea of recommendations for a while now and it's something I really want to get on the blog in some way. So here we are!
RPG Spotlight will be highlighting some of my favourite RPG's and giving them a bit of time in the sun. Every game I talk about is one I consider worth getting so consider them personal recommendations. I'd like to do more with recommendation systems in future, but this is what you're getting for now. Don't complain, it's free. We like free things.
Anyway, the point of the series is as much to discuss games I like in a shorter format than a full review as much as it is about recommending them. They are games I feel deserve attention and even if I don't have the time to review them all thoroughly, this will still let me talk about them a bit.
UPDATE: As a disclaimer to make sure everyone is aware, I will be using affiliate links in this series where I feel they are relevant/deserved. I want to spend my working life making content like this and affiliate marketing is a good step in that direction. I will only use links for products I genuinely feel are worth buying; this is not a money grab. However, if you do like the sound of a game I recommend, I would get a small commission if you buy it from one of my affiliate links. It would be massively appreciated and it would be another small push towards getting myself into the games industry with this blog. Thank you!
I'm going to start off with one game a week and see how things pan out. I might play with the format a little but it should hold steady for the near future at least. With that being said, on to the series! This first entry talks about the magnificent Stardew Valley in recognition of its much anticipated multiplayer update, which released this week.
What is Stardew Valley?
Stardew Valley is a 2D life sim/farming sim/RPG/mining-crafting-treecutting-fishing game. Anyone familiar with the Harvest Moon series will feel right at home here as the inspiration is very clear. The singular developer took the soul of Harvest Moon, took it to PC for the first time and refined the formula for the modern age.
The interesting and varied characters that live in the valley can become close friends over the course of a few in game years, including the option to romance and marry some. Both the romantic and platonic relationships come with charming and interesting cutscenes that make the setting unforgettable.
With a plethora of different features and mechanics, Stardew can seem a little daunting if you aren't familiar with this type of game. However, the relaxed vibe sinks through into the pacing of the game and allows the player to take things at their leisure. There are hundreds of hours of meaningful gameplay to enjoy here, entirely at your own pace.
Why should I buy it?
This game is a genuine indie darling. It was made with love, dedication and aimed to both revitalise a dearly beloved genre and improve on it, whilst bringing it to PC for the first time. It's a superbly executed experience from the music and art all the way through to the mechanics and storytelling.
The NPC's are charming with their own engaging side stories and they all add the to comfortable homey feeling that Pelican Town evokes in the player. Your farm is your own to do with as you like. There is dungeoneering, mining, fishing, farming, animal care; each of them can be fulfilling in their own right but the option of doing them all means there is a wealth of content.
Stardew Valley is an emotional game for me. The message it carries is to step back from modern life and appreciate what is important outside of the daily grind. For me, this came at a time when what I needed to take me out of the stress of present-day society was a relaxing and heartfelt game. It provided that and so much more besides.
The multiplayer component is a welcome addition as well. Sharing your own farm with up to 3 friends (each of which can have their own relationships with townsfolk and their own small cabin) expands the possibilities hugely. Combined with the mod support that PC gaming allows in the modern era, all these elements create one of the very best life sim RPG's in recent memory.
If you haven't tried Stardew Valley yet, this week's update is a great excuse to dive in with some friends. I hope some of you will pick it up and have a fantastic time with it!
The nitty-gritty
Stardew Valley, published by Chucklefish and developed by ConcernedApe, was released in February 2016. It's available on PC (including Steam, GOG and other major outlets), Playstation 4, Xbox One, Playstation Vita and Nintendo Switch. You can expect to pay around £11-£18 (or regional equivalent) depending on platform and version, if there aren't any sales on. The affiliate link I have below is for the collectors edition on Amazon which includes the full soundtrack, a mini game guide and a physical map and costs £17.29. Find out more about the game on their official website here.