Summary
Though it’s inspired countless other farming-sim and so-called “cozy” games, there’s no experience quite likeStardew Valley. Several key factors make the game unique and seemingly ever-relevant, but its overall tone, relentless charm, and quaint, comfortable atmosphere are perhaps chief among them. Indeed, despiteStardew Valley’s regular updatesover the years, it still clings to its singular and well-balanced world-building elements.
These days, it can feel like farming or business simulation games are a dime a dozen. Naturally, some of these titles are more well-received than others, but many of them seem to chase one core element: a strong, comforting world for players to settle into. Interestingly enough, many of these games try to strike a balance between the fairly monotonous and repetitive practice of farming or maintaining property and more fantastical elements such as magic, monsters, or anthropomorphized, speaking animals. But while many of these games lean into high-fantasy or urban fantasy,Stardew Valleytakes an approach that is slightly different, but far more impactful.
Stardew Valley Expertly Blends Modern Fantasy with Small-Town Living
Stardew Valley Offers Flights of Fancy On Top of Rural Charm
Stardew Valleyfeatures many classic fantasystaples, such as pointy-hatted wizards and sword-wielding adventurers, implemented with a refreshing sense of sincerity. At no point does the game attempt to make fun of the fact that Pelican Town has, for example, a medieval-style blacksmith, an Adventurer’s Guild, or the fairy-like Junimo creatures that aid the player in their mission to improve their community. This earnest tone isn’t exclusive toStardew Valleyby any means, but it’s definitely something to take note of, especially when so many other games, cozy and otherwise, try to put a more modern or unique twist on these more conventional fantasy tropes.
A lot of this is aided by the game’s setting.Stardew Valley’s rural sandboxisn’t entirely disconnected from modernity—the game makes it clear that modern conventions like TV, the internet, and mega-corporations like Joja Corp still exist in its world—but the game’s removal from urban environments allows for a more seamless blend of verisimilitude and unironic high-fantasy staples. Even if other modern fantasy games do attempt to lean into tropes like wizards, magic, and ghosts, without alteration or subversion, this can sometimes feel jarring due to genre and tonal expectations.Stardew Valleymanages to pull this combination off uniquely and charmingly.
None of this is to say that other modern fantasy games get their tone or setting wrong, just thatStardew Valley’s approach to fantasy is unique and specific to its identity.
Stardew Valley’s Fantasy Approach May Be Evolved In Haunted Chocolatier
It may still be some time beforeplayers get their hands onHaunted Chocolatier, but ConcernedApe’s next game and the ostensible spiritual successortoStardew Valleylooks to be iterating on much of what makes the latter so unique. One of the most clear differences between the two games, however, is how they handle their more fantastical elements.
It seems likeHaunted Chocolatierwill be much more focused on the supernatural, weaving spirits, portals, and alternate dimensions into its narrative and core gameplay loop. At the same time, the game also seems to be drawing on the campy terror of classic cinema and Gothic horror, once again unironically leaning into tried-and-true tropes and presenting them alongside more grounded worldbuilding elements.
Haunted Chocolatier’s supernatural elementsmay be more front-and-center thanStardew Valley’s, but all signs point to them being just as unique and memorable as those of its predecessor. Ideally, the upcoming game’s fantasy worldbuilding will be distinct fromStardew Valley’s, offering a similar level of inventiveness without retreading old ground.
Stardew Valley
WHERE TO PLAY
You’ve inherited your grandfather’s old farm plot in Stardew Valley. Armed with hand-me-down tools and a few coins, you set out to begin your new life. Can you learn to live off the land and turn these overgrown fields into a thriving home? It won’t be easy. Ever since Joja Corporation came to town, the old ways of life have all but disappeared. The community center, once the town’s most vibrant hub of activity, now lies in shambles. But the valley seems full of opportunity. With a little dedication, you might just be the one to restore Stardew Valley to greatness!
