A beginner’s guide to Bokujou Monogatari: the best Harvest Moon and Story of Seasons games to play

By Jenni Lada // 7.17.172.25.19

The Story of Seasons series has reached quite a hallmark in regions outside of Japan this year. It has celebrated its 20th birthday! With the Bokujou Monogatari split happening in 2014, with Marvelous deciding to have XSEED work on localizations of future entries while Natsume retained the “Harvest Moon” name and began using it on a line of original games, it may be difficult to follow the course of the series. We’re here to help you figure out which farming simulations might be right for you.

3DS

Story of Seasons: Trio of Towns offers more realistic relationships

By Jenni Lada // 3.13.173.22.17

The Bokujou Monogatari games have allowed us to interact and build relationships with townsfolk, eventually forming a lasting relationship with one special man or woman. Story of Seasons: Trio of Towns is no exception. In fact, it might just be the entry with the most realistic depiction of a romantic partnership in the series.

3DS Review

Review: The days are just packed in Story of Seasons: Trio of Towns

By Jenni Lada // 2.28.179.2.19

Spring is coming. It’s the perfect time of year to begin planning what we’ll plan, sow and reap over the months to come. Which is to say, Story of Seasons: Trio of Towns is arriving at the perfect time. Nintendo 3DS owners have a stretch ahead of them with few games in sight; something as substantial as this is much appreciated.

3DS Preview

Preview: Story of Seasons: Trio of Towns offers multiple fast travel options

By Jenni Lada // 2.22.172.18.17

When it comes to map sizes, Story of Seasons: Trio of Towns gives us quite a bit of space to work with. Each of the three towns is made up of two areas. There’s a crossroads section to traverse. Your farm is even quite substantial. Getting from point A to point B takes quite a bit of time. Especially if you’re trying to make it to certain stores on time. Fortunately, there are means of quickly getting around beyond just using your feet or eventually hopping on a horse.

3DS Preview

Preview: Story of Seasons: Trio of Towns fosters a sense of community

By Jenni Lada // 2.6.173.1.17

The Story of Seasons and Bokujo Monogatari series have always placed a very strong emphasis on ensuring the player feels like he or she is part of the community. As a farmer, your actions matter. From participation in festivals to befriending people to see special events, the goal has been to make sure there’s no “us” and “them.” It attempts to create the illusion that you are all in this together. With Story of Seasons: Trio of Towns, this has never been more evident.

3DS GC PC

Seeking solace in Japanese life sims

By Jenni Lada // 11.22.1611.20.16

You can’t escape the real world forever. It isn’t possible; it isn’t healthy. But, now more than ever, seeking solace in a safe virtual space is a welcome retreat for those needing to grieve or heal. Japan has excelled in providing us these simple spaces where we can feel heard, accepted, loved and in control. With games like Tomodachi Life, Harvest Moon/Story of Seasons, Princess Maker 2 and Animal Crossing, we can find a moment of peace.

3DS DS Guide PS3 PSP Vita

Otome games that don’t leave you reading a novel

By Jenni Lada // 4.11.165.27.16

Otome games are great, but many of the titles getting localized are visual novels. While reading is also pretty amazing, sometimes you don’t want to spend your time reading thousands of words on route to romancing a digital dude. Sometimes, you want a little more stimulation while searching for the (virtual) one.