Game news For the 8th anniversary of Stardew Valley and its colossal update, a look back at the success of this title, as captivating as it is relaxing

Game news For the 8th anniversary of Stardew Valley and its colossal update, a look back at the success of this title, as captivating as it is relaxing

It’s been over eight years since Stardew Valley first appeared. It very quickly gained notoriety as its creator Eric Barone worked tirelessly and with passion to create the best possible title. Inspired by the Harvest Moon game series, he improved the RPG – farming simulator formula that he loves so much, to offer his own vision of the genre.

Over time, this Stardew Valley has become a must-have. This is why its creator wanted to mark the occasion with a surprise. Very close to his community, he decided to release an update with lots of new content, as a gift to thank them for their unwavering support over these eight years. However, there are a lot of games like this… So how did Stardew Valley stand out so much? Its success is such that some consider it a masterpiece, even a pillar of video games. Is this an exaggerated way to view this title? Between its simple but effective principle, its unique atmosphere and its surprising depth, we offer you a look back at this title which brings joy to millions of players around the world.

Stardew Valley is truly relaxing

Action games where you eliminate a plethora of ferocious enemies in locations as dangerous as they are hostile are certainly entertaining, but much calmer titles can be just as entertaining. This is obviously the case with Stardew Valley which lets the player do what they want with the farm they have just inherited. You find yourself in the countryside, after spending a good part of your time in the city, with a stressful job. There are therefore no crucial issues where we must save Humanity from a vile evil. Here you are on your farm doing what you want, when you want. A slow, stress-free lifestyle is emphasized in this haven of peace that is Stardew Valley.

From the outside, those accustomed to action may hastily conclude that a video game featuring a calmer pace is necessarily boring. However, you have so much to do in this relaxing world that you no longer know where to turn. Plant seeds, water, cultivate, buy animals, take care of them, fish, mine, make tools, decorate, set up your farm, cook, talk to locals, take part in parties… It’s hard to get bored with all this activities ! It is you who manage your daily life and your activities according to your desires, within this particularly vibrant colorful world. Faced with an abundance of action games, Stardew Valley serves as a breath of fresh air thanks to its simple, but terribly effective, principle. However, to be considered a must-have, it is not the only element that contributed to its success. Its ambiance also contributes to relaxation, but also to its unique identity.

The unique atmosphere of Stardew Valley

One of Stardew Valley’s many strengths is its unforgettable atmosphere. Its pixelart style is very neat, to the point that you forget the presence of pixels as you become immersed in the game. Each landscape benefits from meticulous work, whether in terms of colors or details.. The players’ farm, every corner of the map, the sky at the end of each hard day’s work, the celebrations of Pelican Town, every aspect benefits from a splendid aesthetic with bright colors that adapt perfectly to the seasons. Indeed, each season immerses the player in a completely different environment, whether surrounded by snow in winter, or in the middle of the dodge during a dry summer, each moment of the year is fully felt.

Music also has a lot to do with this unique atmosphere. Soft and adapting to all moments of the characters’ lives, it accompanies players in this captivating colorful universe. Ethereal in winter, more sparkling in summer, the soundtrack perfectly complements the unfolding of the seasons, creating an atmosphere of impressive immersion.

Who says Stardew Valley, also says the inhabitants and the relationships that the players have with them. Next to your farm, many colorful characters live with very distinct personalities. Like you, their daily life is punctuated by specific activities, whether going to work or taking a short stroll in bucolic places to relax. Watching them live, meeting them and seeing them interact in Pélican Ville makes this little world particularly alive. However, these characters are much more than simple NPCs, but have a deep dimension that is surprising.

The surprising depth of Stardew Valley

Certainly, it is possible to befriend and court NPCs in order to develop a romantic relationship, as is the case in a myriad of video games. However, Stardew Valley features much deeper characters than they seem. Trauma, Suffering linked to addiction, Feelings of abandonment, Questioning one’s own existence… It’s incredible how the inhabitants are much more than little colorful pixel characters. Their lines, their ways of being and their personality are so worked, that they manage to be deeper than a large number of worked fictional characters. Quickly, the player wants to know them, help them, or even start a family with some of them.

Abigail often argues with her mother because of her style of dress and her particular lifestyle linked to the occult, Penny is very lonely and seems to suffer from her suffocating daily life in a tiny caravan, Shane is an alcoholic and depressed, despite the appearances, Alex seems to have difficulty filling the void left by the disappearance of his parents… In short, it’s hard to say that the characters’ slices of life aren’t fascinating.. This depth is also reflected in the themes addressed, notably the preservation of nature or the fight against the Joja Corporation.

Where to play Stardew Valley?

With the dazzling success of this title, it is available on many platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox and mobile (iOS and Android). With its many qualities that make it a unique title, we can only advise you to embark on this peaceful adventure. Stardew Valley reminds players that everyday life is made up of small, magnificent things that it would be a shame to ignore, such as the approach of new seasons or the joy of seeing a plantation reach maturity. Even if Haunted Chocolatier is Eric Barone’s next title, nothing will be like this title where you play a farmer in a bucolic environment full of life.

The latest update offers a wide variety of new features, including a new celebration, lines of dialogue and even added secrets, fans have plenty to do eight years after the game’s release! For the moment, only PC players can benefit from it, others will have to wait a little longer.