World 1-26: Harvest Moon

Harvest Moon
~SNES

Wow, Harvest Moon is such an awesome game. Let's start with the main objective: your grandfather is going on a trip, and you have to help his farm flourish over the course of 3 years. It's a pretty original idea, and it was executed well. The only drawback to Harvest Moon is the intense grind/monotonous feel to the game, as you go through three sets of seasons which are virtually the same each time around. It takes about 12 hours to complete the game, which is a long time to be picking tomatoes!

There are several options on how to raise your farm: You can raise farm animals, such as cows and chickens, and even harvest milk and eggs from them to sell off for decent money. You can also grow crops, which are seasonal - turnips and potatoes in the spring, tomatoes and corn in the summer - you can't grow any crops in the fall, but you can run to the mountain nearby and ship out some mushrooms for a wicked payload. Winter is the most laid back season as you can't even grow any grass, but I find it the most hypnotic. The music is so beautiful, and the scenery is just astounding. Each season has new music, and they fit the seasons very well.

However, one of the most memorable features of Harvest Moon is the fact that you can pick a girl and get married! You can even go on to have a few children. And guess how you woo your wife? By giving her lots of food. Yup, apparently when women get pregnant there's no baby in that belly, it's just fat. But hey, the 90s were a simpler time, when things like pregnancy didn't need to be explained in a video game.

Overall, I'd say Harvest Moon is an excellent game that should be at least tried by everyone. Happy Farming!

My final score:

Money: 175990G
Stamina: 200 

Cow's best affection rate: Bub♥ 255

Ann's love: 999

Happiness rate: 999

Ranch developing rate: 39%

Ranch master rate: 420

(Then it says "Come on,you are so close!")