Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life
(牧場物語 Welcome!ワンダフルライフ) Release date (Steam, Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X|S)
Japanese: January 26th, 2023
English: June 27th, 2023 “Your new life begins in Forgotten Valley, a tranquil community where your father and his friend Takakura once dreamed of running a farm. As you befriend the valley’s residents and fulfil your father’s legacy, you’ll live a carefree life on the farm growing crops and raising animals. As the seasons go by, you’ll find your lifelong partner, raise a child together, and watch them grow up before your very eyes. After each day’s work on the farm is done, you can go fishing, hunt for ancient treasures at the local dig site, or chat with your friends in town to build precious memories. And when the years have passed, your child will be old enough to choose a career for themselves…. Will they inherit the farm? Or will they find their calling somewhere else? Only time will tell. This remake of a beloved classic features plenty of new events, enhanced festivals, more recipes to cook, and a cornucopia of never-before-seen crops. Looking for more to do around the farm? Take pictures of your family with the new camera feature, dress up in your favourite outfits, or help your fellow residents with their requests. Whether this is your first STORY OF SEASONS adventure or you’re returning to Forgotten Valley, a wonderful life awaits you.” This is a commercial farming sim with romance elements, and a remake of Harvest Moon: A Wonderful Life! You can buy the physical version here, or the digital version here.
Rune Factory 5
(ルーンファクトリー5) Release dates (Nintendo Switch)
Japanese: May 20th, 2021
English: March 22nd, 2022 “In the sleepy border town of Rigbarth, mysterious events are unfolding, affecting the runes that govern the balance between humanity and nature…
As the newest ranger for the peacekeeping organization, SEED, protect the frontier town by rounding up rowdy monsters with your official SEED-issued spell seal. When not on a mission, work with the people of Rigbarth to help the town flourish through farming, festivals, and friendships!
As the balance of peace begins to shift, however, it comes time to prove yourself. Team up with townsfolk and embark on a grand adventure to unravel the mystery befalling the land, embracing your inner-power to halt the descent into chaos.
Fast-paced action RPG combat
Venture into the vast, vibrant wilderness with friends from Rigbarth by your side to unlock powerful and stylish link attacks that encourage teamwork and strategy.
Fantasy farming taken to new heights
Tame monsters to serve as your helpful farmhands as you grow a wide variety of crops on the backs of dragons!
Relax in your new home
Take time out of your adventure to enjoy the gentler pace of town life. Compete in cooking, crafting, and fishing contests or invite your sweetheart to join you for stargazing during one of Rigbarth’s many seasonal festivals.
Find your special someone
Forge friendships and get to know the eligible marriage candidates of Rigbarth by completing their unique storyline. Fall in love, pop the question and even start a family!“
This is the fifth installment in the Rune Factory series, released nine years after the fourth! It is an rpg / farming sim with romance elements, and the first in the series to allow for gay marriage. You can buy it from Amazon.com here (standard or special edition), or digitally from the Nintendo store.
Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town
(牧場物語 オリーブタウンと希望の大地) Release dates (Nintendo Switch, PS4, Steam)
Japanese: February 25th, 2021
English: March 23rd, 2021 “Inspired by tales of their grandfather’s pioneering days, the protagonist decides to pack their bags and leave the hustle and bustle of big city life for the frontier in Olive Town. When they arrive, they run into Victor, the town’s mayor and their grandfather’s old friend. He brings them to the old farm, which has been reclaimed by nature over the years. Determined to breathe life back into their grandfather’s dream and follow in his footsteps, the protagonist rolls up their sleeves and gets to work. Olive Town—which is just a stone’s throw away from the farm—is a port town built on the tip of a peninsula. It might be a quiet little town, but it is home to a whole host of unique characters. And while the townsfolk get by well enough in this picturesque seaside locale, a little more tourism never hurt anyone…” This is a commercial farming sim with romance elements! You can buy the physical version here, or the digital version here.
Story of Seasons: Trio of Towns
(牧場物語 3つの里の大切な友だち)
Release dates (3DS)
Japanese: June 23rd, 2016
English: February 28th, 2017
“Since you were little, your family’s never lived in one place for very long, always moving to wherever your father’s job has taken you. Wherever you went, you always enjoyed trips out to the country, where you’d pet the animals, taste fresh-grown food, and dream of a slow, steady life.
Now that you’re old enough, and as your family’s about to move again, you’ve just announced to them that you’re striking out on your own, determined to become the farmer you’ve always wanted to be. Your father has his doubts, to say the least, but he’s willing to let you try.
Your journey brings you to a unique spot in the countryside, where three different towns with three very different cultures converge as friends and neighbors. Westown, with its cows and corrals, has everything the classic frontier settler needs. Right next door is Tsuyukusa, which serves as the very model of a traditional Far Eastern village. Rounding out the neighborhood is Lulukoko: a warm, friendly paradise to rival any tropical island.
Situated at the crossroads of these diverse places, it’s up to you to learn the ropes, tend your own farm, care for your crops and animals, navigate the complexities of different cultures, prove yourself to your family, and just maybe raise one of your own while you’re at it. What new story will you write in this trio of towns?”
This is the newest game in the Bokujou Monogatari series (formerly known as Harvest Moon)!
You can buy it from Amazon.com for USD$39.99. 
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