Innocent Life: A Future Harvest Moon Review

By TCLCloud

The first Harvest Moon game was released in 1997 for the SNES. Ten years later, the series has spawned more than 20 games and spin-offs on nearly every console. Now, ten years after its original release a new spin-off game is coming to the PSP. Now, after playing the game I can see why it is considered a spin-off but any die hard harvest Moon fan will know, the core of the game is the same as it has been for years, run a farm as effectively and efficiently as you can to make the most profit and achieve the games set goals, whether it be getting married, making a certain amount of money or in this one, save the island from destruction.

However, there are distinct differences between this game and its predecessors. Firstly, the farm you gain possession of is not from a recently deceased relative. In fact the farm is on the roof of some ruins! Secondly, you’re not just a teenager who randomly gets given a farm; you’re a robot, built to man the farm. It sounds strange and that’s because it is. Traditionally the series has been about running a farm for the sake of the game and making a lot of money. This time your character is built to run the farm and solve the islands mysteries in an attempt to save the island and its inhabitants from an active volcano.

These differences may seem odd for the type of game this is, a farming simulator but the fact that it expands on an already successful formula could swing it either way for gamers. Those who have played previous games could enjoy this more, with a more interesting story and much more to do than just farming, but at the same time it could be enjoyed less by those die hard fans who love the series as it is and who were hoping for a simple port with graphical updates, because this isn’t that.

In terms of gameplay you can expect the game to be pretty farm orientated, with crops and animals being available to grow and raise on the farm. Sticking to simple farming is an option but adventure is another, but having to farm and adventure requires good management of your time. Swanning off to the other side of the island will require you to wake up early and performing farm duties such as watering, harvesting and feeding before you leave. Adventuring will allow you to access better items and coloured jewels that affect your fields in positive ways, such as better retention of water or faster growth. These jewels also allow more of the ruins you live in to be unlocked and explored. As you progress you will gain access to new crops throughout the seasons, different animals and even a quad bike!

Graphics are good, better than any other portable Harvest Moon game to date and probably better than a few of the console versions too. I say that they are good, not great for a couple of reasons. Firstly, there are no amazing cutscenes to watch and secondly, the game is not about graphics, I mean, how good could the graphics really be on a farm-sim?

The music is also good. The BGM on your farm is pleasant and forgettable, which is exactly what you want from a song when you’re going to be hearing it so much. The sound affects in the game are also decent, many adding to the immersion of the game.

Scoring:

Graphics: 7/10

Nice solid looking game, no glitches so far. Some impressive views but mostly a decent looking game throughout.

Sounds: 7/10

Again, nothing amazing but certainly nothing bad.

Controls: 8/10

Nice and easy to pick up and learn.

Portability: 10/10

You can save at the end of each day, which can last between 3 minutes or half an hour. So you can for as long or as short as you like.

Gameplay: 9/10

Highly addictive, super gaming for all ages with its adventure/RPG/Farming hybrid style.

Total: 41/50 = 82%

A must own for all previous player of the series and a good introduction to the series for all first time farmers.