Greetings, friends, and welcome everyone to Mobile Game Monday, where we chat about games you can play on the go. If you like to game on a phone or tablet, this is the place for you. Join us every week as we go on all sorts of adventures.
Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is a role-playing game that simulates farm life in a cozy town. The game was developed by ConcernedApe and released in 2018 for iOS. An Android version was later released in 2019. At this point, Stardew Valley is available on pretty much every platform out there. If you are a fan of the cozy game genre, you more than likely have heard of it. This charming little game frequently falls in the greatest of all-time category for many. Whether you are new to the game or just curious about the mobile port, we will build this farm together.
On his deathbed, your grandfather leaves you his run-down farm as an escape from the hustle and bustle of modern-day living. You inherit a small home on an overgrown plot of land nestled in Stardew Valley. Choose from seven different types of farms, each with its own pros and cons. I spent way longer than I would like to admit on character creation and deciding on my farm type.
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Your farm may not look like much at first, but therein lies the fun. Have you got a green thumb? Clear weeds, break rocks and prepare the land for crops. Grow just about anything if you have the patience. Like in real life, each crop must be planted in the proper season and watered and fertilized regularly. Make delicious recipes with your harvest or give them to locals as gifts. Selling the crops you grow is also a great way to make money, so get to work. Of course, you can also raise your own precious pixelated livestock. The cuteness level of the animals in this game is unmatched.
Are you the adventurous type? Stardew Valley has got you covered. Mines in the valley hold valuable building materials like stone and ore, but retrieving these resources will not be easy. All sorts of dangerous critters live in these mines, so you must fight for your life. Monsters like ghosts and mummies have holed up in Skull Cavern. Grab your sword and smash them all to 16 bits.
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If you are more of a social butterfly, visit Pelican Town, the nearby town filled with shops and interesting locals. Get to know over 40 villagers, each with a story and personality. My favorite is Pam, the local lush who just wants to nurse her hangover in peace. Build these relationships by visiting your friends often and offering them gifts. If someone in particular catches your eye, romance them. Make the right moves, get married and make adorable little pixel children. Yes, you can even find the love of your life and start a family in Stardew Valley.
As expansive as this game is, I think it is important to point out that Stardew Valley was created entirely by one person. Eric (ConcernedApe) Barone independently created the entire game’s music, art, programming and design. Considering the quality of this adventure, this is a huge feat. Kudos and thanks to the creator for making our days a little brighter.
Our Adventure Ends Here
Between farming, socializing and adventuring, Stardew Valley is such a well-rounded game, and there is always something to do. Everything I mentioned is just the tip of the iceberg; there is still more to discover. The adorable graphics and soothing soundtrack completely immerse you in this little world of relaxation. The pixel versions of plants and animals make some weird, cute, aggression thing happen in my brain. Do not even get me started on the little pixel babies.
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It is easy to see why Stardew Valley is so beloved in the cozy and sim game community. As soon as the game started, I wanted to snuggle up in a ball and play forever. Exploring the pixelated town definitely gave me flashbacks to playing Pokémon on the Gameboy Color back in the day. This is a great mobile adaptation of the much-loved franchise. I just hope some of this crop knowledge I have gained carries over to my real life so I can keep my actual plants alive.
Stardew Valley is $4.99 in the Google Play Store and App Store.
Do you prefer Stardew Valley or Animal Crossing? Why? Let us know in the comments below.
Take it easy and play it safe, gamers.
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