E3: Harvest Moon: Back to Nature impresssions

[05.19.00] » Hands-on impressions from the game's showing at E3.

   Having established its own niche, the Harvest Moon series seeks to expand with Harvest Moon: Back to Nature for the PlayStation. As has always been the case with the series, Back to Nature is a unique mixture of an RPG, a dating game, and a farming simulation rolled into one eccentric title. While the focus may remain unchanged, and although there are certain similarities that may lead onlookers to believe otherwise upon initial glance, the upcoming PlayStation title Harvest Moon: Back to Nature is not a simple port of the relatively recent Harvest Moon 64. In fact, just as Harvest Moon 64 built and expanded upon the strangely addictive formula outlined in the original Super Nintendo title, what was shown of Back to Nature was an improvement over that found in its N64 cousin in every respect.

   The aspect that has likely caused the most confusion with Back to Nature is the character design. The majority of the characters found in Back to Nature will be instantly familiar to those who've played HM64, so it would be simple to assume the game a PlayStation port. However, while the designs themselves are recycled, the personas are different--new people in recycled shells. Conversely, the various likes and dislikes of each character have also been changed. Combine that with a few new faces for good measure, and the RPG-style interaction with the various villagers, which has always been one of the greater components in the Harvest Moon mix, is an entirely new experience, even for seasoned farming fans. And just to help you to get to know your neighbors, there are plenty of town festivals to participate in, several of which are new to the series including the town tomato fight and chicken sumo wrestling.

   However, that component of the game is hardly the only category to receive attention. The game world that serves as the setting has also been reworked -- the surrounding environment is much larger than previously seen, allowing for more exploration in search of hidden items, as well as plenty of assorted flora that can be taken back to the farm and sold. The farming itself is livened up with new crops are available for growth, and you can even befriend small sprites who will help you in your day-to-day chores in return for your kindness. In town, shops offer previously unseen items for sale, such as an upgraded backpack with greater capacity. And in a bit of a reversal from the norm, despite being developed for the PlayStation, Back to Nature's graphics are quite a bit cleaner and less buggy than those found in its N64 relative.

   For those who are already acquainted with the series, Back to Nature offers plenty of new features while keeping careful not to alter the things that attracted fans in the first place. For everyone else, the game is the most well-rounded and refined entry in the series thus far. PlayStation owners looking for something a little out-of-the-ordinary will certainly have a title offering such upon Back to Nature's release in late summer.