Natsume Inc., well-known publisher for family-oriented games, has leaked a new screenshot for the up-coming Harvest Moon: The Lost Valley from Twitter. Unlike previous titles, this farming simulation game enables players to experience a three-dimensional setting for the first time. Though players should expect to see things in a unique perspective, the environment seen in this latest shot appears “blocky”.
Blocks of Cliff
The Harvest Moon franchise basically centralizes around the peace and serenity of the farm life; raising livestock, watering plants, and harvesting crops are just serene activities that players can enjoy, while quickly adopting new routines and decisions. Though the most predominate hours are spent on the farm, this game also includes other leisure activities: collecting materials, cooking, and fishing.
To see cliffs as sharp as these edges, Natsume shares a disappointing fishing spot and poorly done graphics; the repeated tiles and a grid layout damper our 3D expectation. However, the main character’s sprite appears quite polish along with the animation for the water splash. Why implement these contrasting images?
Mine-craft the Environment
Believe it or not, the block setup serves as available landscaping. What? Instead of providing a farm area, the developers provide a massive environment for plowing crops, building mountains, expanding streams, etc. Like a miniature mine-craft, the land becomes an open canvas for any future modification. For those who are curious about how these transformations occur, familiar tools like the shovel allow the user to remove a land block. This innovative feature basically inserts more freedom for fans to shape their own surroundings.
Additionally, Harvest Moon villagers and energetic sprites will always aid a troubled farmer by providing live tutorials and instructions. Socializing with these charming characters will also reveal interesting stories and secrets. Sometimes, special cut scenes will unlock when a friendship has increased. So what does this step up mean?
Risk for Change
This tremendous risk for downsizing smooth and render landscapes for more creativity has really vamp this franchise. However, will this modding technique and the change of artistic aesthetics be enough? Similar to this, the latest Advance War title remove its colorful content to appeal to Eastern audiences to set a darker atmosphere. Many approve the drastic change, which really sets the latest title apart from its previous sequels.
Because this 3D project remains in production, one wonders what Natsume Inc. plans to accomplish with this said feature. Though developers have not scheduled a release date, this game should arrive later this year.
