If you're like me, then you probably grew up playing games like Harvest Moon on the Nintendo or Farmville on Facebook. There's just something satisfying about starting with a small plot of land and building it up into a thriving farm. But now, with the rise of mobile gaming, there are countless farm games available to play online. So, which ones are worth your time? In this review, we'll take a look at some of the best farm games online and what makes them stand out.
Before we dive into the specific games, let's talk about what makes a good farm game. First and foremost, it should be fun and engaging. You should feel a sense of accomplishment as you progress and see your farm grow. Second, it should have a good balance of challenge and reward. If everything is too easy, it can get boring quickly. But if it's too difficult, it can become frustrating and discouraging. And finally, it should have good graphics and sound design. While this may not be the most important aspect of the game, it does add to the overall experience and immerses you in the world of the game.
1. Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is a farming simulation game that was released in 2016 and quickly gained a following. You start off as a character who inherits a run-down farm from your grandfather. You then have to work to restore the farm to its former glory, while also building relationships with the other characters in the game. What sets Stardew Valley apart is its attention to detail and depth. There are countless tasks to complete, from planting and harvesting crops to mining for resources and even fighting monsters in the mines. The game also has a day and night cycle, so you have to manage your time wisely to get everything done. The graphics are charming and the soundtrack is relaxing, making it easy to get lost in the world of Stardew Valley.
The Gameplay
The gameplay in Stardew Valley is a mix of farming simulation and RPG elements. You start off with a small plot of land and have to clear it of debris before you can start planting crops. The game has a variety of crops to choose from, each with different growth times and sell prices. You also have to take care of animals, like chickens and cows, by feeding them and collecting their eggs and milk. As you progress, you can upgrade your farm and even build relationships with the other characters in the game. The game also has a variety of quests and events to keep things interesting.
The Pros and Cons
One of the biggest pros of Stardew Valley is its depth. There are so many tasks to complete and things to discover that you can easily sink hours into the game without getting bored. The characters in the game are also well-written and have their own personalities and stories. On the downside, some players may find the game too slow-paced or repetitive. It can also be overwhelming at first, with all the different tasks and mechanics to learn.
2. Hay Day
Hay Day is a mobile farming game that was released in 2012. It's one of the most popular farm games online, with over 100 million downloads. The game has a simple premise: you start off with a small farm and have to build it up by planting crops, taking care of animals, and selling your goods. What sets Hay Day apart is its social features. You can connect with other players and join a neighborhood, where you can trade goods and help each other out. The game also has regular events and challenges to keep things interesting.
The Gameplay
The gameplay in Hay Day is straightforward and easy to pick up. You start off with a small plot of land and have to plant crops, like wheat and corn, and take care of animals, like cows and pigs. You can then sell your goods at a roadside shop or to other players in your neighborhood. As you progress, you can upgrade your farm and unlock new crops and animals. The game also has a variety of events and challenges, like fishing and boat races, that can earn you special rewards.
The Pros and Cons
One of the biggest pros of Hay Day is its social features. Joining a neighborhood and trading goods with other players adds an extra layer of depth to the game. The game is also easy to pick up and play, making it great for casual gamers. On the downside, some players may find the game too simplistic or repetitive. The game also has a strong emphasis on in-app purchases, which can be frustrating for some players.
3. Farming Simulator 19
Farming Simulator 19 is a more realistic take on the farming simulation genre. It was released in 2018 and is available on PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4. The game aims to simulate the experience of running a modern farm, with realistic graphics and physics. You start off with a small farm and have to manage every aspect of it, from planting and harvesting crops to breeding and taking care of animals. The game also has a variety of vehicles and equipment to use, like tractors and combines.
The Gameplay
The gameplay in Farming Simulator 19 is focused on realism and attention to detail. You start off with a small farm and have to manage every aspect of it, from planting and harvesting crops to breeding and taking care of animals. The game has a variety of vehicles and equipment to use, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. As you progress, you can upgrade your farm and unlock new equipment. The game also has a multiplayer mode, where you can work with other players to manage a farm together.
The Pros and Cons
One of the biggest pros of Farming Simulator 19 is its attention to detail. The game aims to simulate the experience of running a real farm, and it does a great job of it. The game also has a multiplayer mode, which adds an extra layer of depth and teamwork. On the downside, some players may find the game too slow-paced or tedious. The game also has a steep learning curve, with many different mechanics and controls to learn.
4. My Time at Portia
My Time at Portia is a farming simulation game with a post-apocalyptic twist. It was released in 2019 and is available on PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4. The game takes place in a world where civilization has collapsed, and you play as a character who moves to a small town called Portia. Your goal is to rebuild the town and restore it to its former glory. What sets My Time at Portia apart is its focus on crafting and building. You can gather resources and use them to build new structures and upgrade your equipment.
The Gameplay
The gameplay in My Time at Portia is a mix of farming simulation and crafting elements. You start off with a small workshop and have to gather resources to craft new items and upgrade your equipment. The game also has a variety of crops to plant and animals to take care of. As you progress, you can upgrade your workshop and build relationships with the other characters in the game. The game also has a day and night cycle, so you have to manage your time wisely to get everything done.
The Pros and Cons
One of the biggest pros of My Time at Portia is its focus on crafting and building. The game gives you a lot of freedom to create and customize your farm and workshop. The game also has a variety of characters to interact with, each with their own personalities and stories. On the downside, some players may find the game too slow-paced or grindy. The game also has some performance issues, especially on consoles.
5. Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town
Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town is a remake of the classic Game Boy Advance game, Harvest Moon: Friends of Mineral Town. It was released in 2020 and is available on Nintendo Switch and PC. The game follows the same premise as the original: you play as a character who inherits a farm and has to build it up into a thriving business. What sets Friends of Mineral Town apart is its updated graphics and new features, like same-sex marriage and more diverse character designs.
The Gameplay
The gameplay in Friends of Mineral Town is similar to the original Harvest Moon game. You start off with a small farm and have to plant crops, take care of animals, and build relationships with the other characters in the game. The game has a variety of crops to choose from, each with different growth times and sell prices. You can also participate in festivals and events to earn rewards. As you progress, you can upgrade your farm and even get married and start a family.
The Pros and Cons
One of the biggest pros of Friends of Mineral Town is its nostalgia factor. Fans of the original game will love the updated graphics and new features. The game is also very charming and relaxing to play. On the downside, some players may find the game too simplistic or easy. The game also has some performance issues on the Nintendo Switch.
Farm games online are a great way to relax and unwind. Whether you're a fan of realistic farming simulators or more casual mobile games, there's something for everyone. In this review, we looked at some of the best farm games online and what makes them stand out. From the depth of Stardew