Stardew Valley can truly be considered an iconic video game, and for good reason. Created by a single developer, the internet darling ConcernedApe, Stardew shines partially because of its beloved cast of characters. Through dialogue and special heart events, players can grow closer to these bachelors and bachelorettes, romancing and marrying them if all goes well. However, as great as these characters are, at its heart, Stardew Valley works so well due to its deep and addictive farming mechanics. Without that, it wouldn’t have been able to connect just as well with casual gamers as it does with RPG fans. And with not everyone having ConcernedApe’s skill at character work, it makes sense that Steam games seeking to follow in Stardew’s footsteps hone in on the gameplay.
This is exactly what the Steam title Hillshade Farm strives to do, with NORTHSTAR Games foregoing character dynamics in favor of giving players full control over each and every aspect of their farm. And while the lack of characters to interact may put off some Stardew Valley fans who see relationships as a crucial element of the indie game, Hillshade Farm may actually appeal to some Stardew Valley fencesitters due to its art style. While many love the pixel art of Stardew Valley and find it charming, there are some modern gamers who may struggle to connect with games that don’t embrace realism. Thankfully, for those that can’t bring themselves to appreciate certain games if they look “dated,” Hillshade Farm is a looker.
Steam Users Can Grab This 10/10 Masterpiece for Free on May 27 and Keep It Forever
Steam users will have the opportunity to add a 10/10 masterpiece to their gaming libraries completely free of charge on May 27.
Hillshade Farm Features at a Glance
- PLANT up to 30 species of crops wherever and whenever you desire.
- RAISE over 20 kinds of animals, all of which have distinct personalities to help them feel unique.
- DESIGN your farm using nearly 100 decorations, 50+ interactable items, and 20 pre-made structures.
- EXPERIENCE a dynamic weather system that introduces new benefits and challenges to your farm work.
- CUSTOMIZE the appearance of your farmer.
- CRAFT, COOK, SMELT, and more.
You’ve got land, time, and a whole lot to figure out. Start small, work hard, earn what you need, and build the kind of farm you’d never want to leave.
Hillshade Farm is As Immersive as Farming Sims Can Get
Hillshade Farm is visually stunning, with some truly beautiful lighting and intricate texture work making every building, animal, and piece of vegetation look true-to-life. This realism extends beyond the graphics, too, as there’s a day/night cycle and seasonal weather shifts just like Stardew Valley. Snow, thunderstorms, and more will be encountered, introducing new elements that have a “proper role” within the experience. Players will have to plan ahead to succeed, utilizing all the game’s mechanics to thrive as a farmer.
GameRant Quiz
Easy (15s)Medium (10s)Hard (5s)
Hillshade Farm will feature over 20 types of animals for players to take care of, with these creatures providing resources that can be sold at the Animal Market (critters can be traded here as well). These animals have distinct personalities, which should give players not just a greater sense of immersion, but a chance to find favorites and least favorites to work with. Obviously, like any good farming sim, players will also have plenty of crops to work with, with those being useful in the farmer’s market. Players will be able to travel between all these aspects of their farm quickly thanks to vehicles like tractors and ATVs, speeding up production.
While the actual farm work looks like it’ll be varied and plenty of fun, farming fans know that it’s only a piece of the puzzle. Fortunately, players hoping to make a farm that looks the part are in luck, as there will be a ton of different decorations and pre-made structures to work with. Many of these are interactable, too, making the items more exciting to work with. These design pieces, along with six different crafting tables that allow for smelting, cooking, and so on, should keep Hillshade Farm engaging for hours on end. And, like other farming sims on Steam, this title will be the gift that keeps on giving.
Hillshade Farm Will Only Get Better With Age
Hillshade Farm is confirmed to be part of Steam’s early access program, and it will stay in this state for around a year. As the months go on, practically every aspect of the game will be expanded. More farm tools and vehicles, more decorations, better physics, and terrain deformation are all planned for the game. And fortunately, Hillshade Farm’s price is not expected to increase once the game leaves early access, so those who already have a lot to play are safe to wait until later to pick it up for the same price. Still, with suggestions having a real chance to make their way into the game, and polls planned that will let all players make their voices heard, this game’s early access process could be a lot of fun to participate in. If you’re seeking a first-person farming sim that looks like the real thing, instead of a colorful, top-down experience like what’s offered in Stardew Valley, Hillshade Farm seems to be exactly what you’re looking for.
