On paper, Stardew Valley isn't unique; its core gameplay, story themes, and relationship mechanics all appear in other games. However, like most works of art, Stardew Valley is more than the sum of its parts. The foundations laid by other games were reshaped for an experience that keeps players returning to Pelican Town well past Stardew's 2016 released.
Stardew Valley began life as a Harvest Moon clone that its sole creator, Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone, used to learn more about game development. It wasn't until partway through development that he realized he was making something special. Barone took what he loved about Harvest Moon and expanded upon it using his own gameplay preferences, offering a level of care seen in every facet of Stardew Valley that can't be replicated by just tracing its core elements. In order to make a successful game, developers should follow Barone's lead by using their inspirations as a foundation.
Stardew Valley has Soul
Stardew Valley has a soul that many games have tried to replicate, though they often fall short in one way or another. This has little to do with anything lacking in the mechanics, but a misunderstanding of why they work. The key to Stardew Valley's success lies in its core message: the simple things in life matter.
The player can rush to get where they're going if they like, and that's a perfectly valid way to play, but it isn't until they slow down that the true heart of Stardew Valley reveals itself. There is an easygoing rhythm present throughout all aspects of the game, including its serene, ethereal music that complements the environments and changing seasons. Characters go about their lives in a steady schedule that feels like it began before the player inherited the farm and will continue long after they stop playing. This charming, unique feeling keeps players coming back to Stardew Valley.
Stardew Valley is a Relentlessly Positive Experience
Stardew Valley has plenty to do, making it a peak example of its genre. Working the farm is a balance of relaxing and working against the clock, and when players are done working for the day there's exploration, mysteries, and little adventures to keep the gameplay fresh. Pelican Town perfectly captures the feeling of a small, rural town that the outside world is threatening to change. Stardew Valley also puts an emphasis on building relationships, meaning Pelican Town's characters feel like more than simple NPCs. While the romantic interests are a significant part of that, just about every character has been given a level of depth. Whether looking at Linus' struggle to live as he wishes, or Sebastian's conflict with his stepdad, players from all walks of life might find something to relate to.
In a world where the next big thing is always on the horizon, Stardew Valley quietly reminds players that the small things matter just as much. While the game hints at the wider world around Pelican Town, it stays grounded by focusing on a smaller scale. It matters that Penny is having a hard time with her mother's alcoholism, that Evelyn stays positive despite her husband's struggles with his disability, and that a big corporation is threatening to take over the town. Stardew Valley is relentlessly positive, and it makes the player feel like they matter too. There may never be another game like Stardew Valley, but players can look forward to more of ConcernedApe's signature style with his upcoming game, The Haunted Chocolatier.
Stardew Valley is abailable now for Mobile, PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.