It’s Time for Stardew Valley Fans to Play the 30-Year-Old Series that Inspired It

by

Farming simulation games have become incredibly popular over the last ten years, and much of that is thanks to Stardew Valley, created by Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone. While Stardew Valley will celebrate its tenth anniversary this February, the Story of Seasons series (previously known as Harvest Moon in Western countries) really established what a farming simulator could be long before ConcernedApe’s game.

The creator of Stardew Valley, ConcernedApe, has said he made the game because he was disappointed with the direction the Story of Seasons series had taken. Despite Stardew Valley‘s success and its impact on the farming simulation genre, Story of Seasons remains popular and is worth a look, especially as the series celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.

The Story of Seasons series is a well-established and popular farming simulator, second only to The Sims in recognition. Each game typically starts with the player inheriting a neglected farm and working to restore it through planting and harvesting. As they rebuild their life, players will also get to know the local townsfolk and even develop romantic relationships with some of them.

Image via Marvelous Inc.

Each game in the series offers a unique experience, and some have experimented with features like rivalries, multiple endings, and even character aging. However, not all of these additions were successful. Many long-time fans of the Story of Seasons series appreciated that this game prioritized solid gameplay over flashy new features. Some felt previous installments tried too hard to be different instead of improving what already worked well. That said, the Story of Seasons series has consistently delivered enjoyable games.

Story of Seasons’ Worlds Feel Like They Keep Moving

I think what really made Story of Seasons special was how it took something that could be really boring – all the work of running a farm – and turned it into something I actually wanted to do. It wasn’t just about making a ton of money each day, though that was fun too! What kept me coming back was seeing the world change around me as I played. Whether I was growing a ton of crops or just patiently waiting for the next season, my little town would actually evolve. New characters would move in, I’d unlock new areas, and there would always be fresh ways to improve my farm. These weren’t just small changes either – they were big and really made a difference in the game.

I love how Stardew Valley handles unlocking stuff. It’s different from other farming sims because it doesn’t really gate content. Like, the desert area is separate, but everything important is available from the start. Unlocks aren’t about getting access to new things, they’re about making the game smoother and more convenient – stuff like getting a cart for fast travel or expanding the Skull Cavern. It’s awesome because you can jump right into the core gameplay without a ton of waiting. Honestly, sometimes it can feel a little overwhelming with all the freedom you have right away. If you prefer a slower pace and a more guided experience, you might find Story of Seasons a bit easier to get into, but I think Stardew’s freedom is one of its best features.

Image via Marvelous Inc.

Compared to Stardew Valley, the characters in Story of Seasons feel more dynamic and less predictable, largely because they have more developed storylines. A key example is the rival marriage system, where if you didn’t propose to someone quickly enough, another character might! These potential couples weren’t just afterthoughts; they had their own events that showed their relationship growing, making the town feel more alive and less focused on the player. Some games even let these couples have children, further adding to that sense of a living world.

Many players wish Stardew Valley had a system where marrying one character would create romantic competition with others. Currently, once you marry someone, the other potential partners don’t receive further development. While some dislike the idea of ‘rival marriages’ – the last game to include this feature was Harvest Moon: Animal Parade in 2008 – those games offered a more lively and evolving town community.

Drama is Delicious, But Deadly in Large Doses

Image via ConcernedApe

The characters in Stardew Valley might not change much outwardly, but that doesn’t make them poorly developed. Similarly, just because Story of Seasons characters often show more obvious growth doesn’t automatically mean they’re well-written. Stardew Valley actually tackles more mature themes, like alcoholism, infidelity, and abuse, which many adult players appreciated—even if they weren’t familiar with the games that inspired it. While Story of Seasons has touched on difficult subjects before, it generally maintains a very optimistic tone, and most characters don’t have significant trauma. This can sometimes feel a bit naive, but it also contributes to the series’ famously cozy and relaxing atmosphere.

It’s annoying to see Lewis hide his relationship with Marnie, or to watch Clint constantly dwell on his unreturned feelings for Emily. And dealing with Pierre’s questionable business dealings is also a hassle if you sell him your goods. As of the latest version of Stardew Valley (1.16.15), these characters haven’t changed at all, so their problems continue to linger. It’s not that every villager needs a big moment of self-reflection, but these three aren’t the only ones with issues. After playing for a while and getting to know everyone, all the drama can feel overwhelming.

Image via ConcernedApe

The Story of Seasons series doesn’t always feature a large or deeply developed cast of characters, and many games don’t focus much on character growth. In fact, even key figures like the Harvest Goddess in Harvest Moon: Friends of Mineral Town are known for being quite silent, even after you marry them. But sometimes, simply relaxing, caring for animals, and watching characters build relationships based on shared hobbies—rather than dramatic events—is exactly what you need to unwind after a stressful day.

Stardew Valley really boosted the popularity of farming simulators, and many players enjoy it even more than the games that inspired it. However, Story of Seasons is also a great choice, offering a similar, enjoyable experience. Both games are worth playing to see how the genre has developed, and they’re both fun in their own way. With the series celebrating its 30th anniversary, now is the perfect time to explore them.

If you enjoy farming simulations but want something a little more sophisticated without losing the fun of earning money, Stardew Valley is a great choice. However, it’s important to remember that Story of Seasons came first and really paved the way for the relaxing, cozy game genre we know and love today.

Read More

2026-01-22 19:05