Does Harvestella reap the benefits of its ambition ?
The land sim and JRPG genres combine in Square Enix ’s Harvestella . On paper , the blending of the two seems like a fantastic idea — but it always had the potential to deliver a half - baked experience on both front end , as there are numerous mechanics to equilibrise between the two . Unfortunately , whileHarvestelladoes strike in certain areas , its military posture just are n’t brilliant enough to outshine the fistful of shortcomings .
Customization
Customization is n’t on the dot a necessary feature of speech , but compared to standardised titles in the genre — such as Stardew Valley , Coral Island , and Dinkum — Harvestella ’s come out lack . Including non - binary as a selection is a intimation of unused air , but it is a shortsighted breath as the customization options seemingly finish there . There is no selection to change facial features or coiffure , just the color of your skin and hair . While having interchangeable outfit would fill up in some of the gaps in customization , turnout are only tied to the job you equip .
Many players , let in myself , like to roleplay in this musical style , so having circumscribed customization pick hinders this approach to Harvestella , progress to it almost impossible to recreate as anything other than the voiceless protagonist of a JRPG .
Score : 3/5 Stars
World
Harvestella ’s world is simply beautiful . I often found myself getting lose and immersed while explore the world ’s many biomes and surroundings . While the story is nothing to get mad about , it does allow ample excuse to move the domain and meet its residents across the sprawling townspeople . Each town has its own theme and is affected by the four Seaslights , which are giant crystals that regulate the seasons .
These Seaslights and Quietus , the time of year of decease , primarily make up the story . So , in typical JRPG fashion , this leave your amnesiac character and their amnesic companion on a quest to save the cosmos , stopping to farm along the way . fortuitously , the story serves as nothing more than a framing element that lets the reality of Harvestella truly glint and invite you in .
Score : 4/5 Stars
Screenshot by Pro Game Guides
Related : All elementary attributes and weaknesses in Harvestella
Farming
Farming is one of Harvestella ’s main pillars , but it does n’t go further than the control surface car-mechanic . This make water what could have been an exciting activity feel like little more than busy study meant to draw out the gameplay grummet and patronise the JRPG elements . The intimate 30 - twenty-four hours bicycle and constantly mark off clock are present , but Harvestella does n’t guard your hand past that . Much is left for the player to reckon out through trial and wrongdoing , leave me with the sentiment that some timbre - of - life alteration , such as seeing sell price and advance way of life being less obtuse , would be welcome .
As you get on , you unlock the power to keep stock on your farm and upgrade that make agriculture easier . As you might expect , farming select meter out of your day and stamina , which is offset by its benefits in other expression of the secret plan . This tie in nicely with Harvestella ’s combat , providing bonus , buffs , and healing . Overall , husbandry is enjoyable , but it lacks the depth that one would hope to see in a farming title , specially when considering Square Enix ’s origin and scope .
Combat
Harvestella ’s JRPG heritage is largely reflected in its fight — real - time hack - and - cut . You learn various jobs throughout the story , each with singular attainment . you could fit up to three at once , and you could even switch between these on the fly . While most boil down to button comminute and just striking the enemy , the sort in classes , along with the primary system , make the combat generally fun and engaging .
However , one major drawback of Harvestella ’s combat is the deficiency of justificative and evasive power . you could frighten away and dodge — and that ’s about it . scrap often comes down to vote out enemies before they can hit you and then healing yourself when they strike you . Party members do provide some assist and depth in combat , acting as backing while you do most of the work , but like the agriculture aspect , Harvestella ’s combat just feels like it ’s missing something . I need to love it , but it teeters too intimately on the verge of being shallow .
musical score : 3.5/5 Stars
Image via Square Enix
Verdict – A decent JRPG with light farming elements
Harvestella is by no means a bad plot , in fact , it is quite enjoyable , but the $ 60 price rag is gamey considering the so - so blending of land and combat . Its highest points are the Earth you may explore , but even this is arrest back by a lustreless story and Nonproliferation Center that merit to be properly flesh out . at long last , Harvestella is a imposing idea , and perhaps throw more time , a braggy budget , or a better execution , it could have really shaken up the land and JRPG genres . But instead , it lands with a satisfying , if shallow , experience .
For more information on Harvestella , check outBest Harvestella Combat TipsandBest crops to grow in each season in Harvestellaon Pro Game Guides .
