On this side of TGON, we love everything virtual farming! These titles include growing crops, raising animals, and starting a family. Harvest Moon was the pioneer of these games. However, with the split of Natsume and Marvelous in 2014, the series has taken a strange turn. Now players have a choice between Story of Seasons and Harvest Moon. I personally have enjoyed elements of both titles since the split, but this is not everyone’s experience. In this article, I will highlight the news of both games thus far.
Harvest Moon News
Natsume released information on social media on December 14, 2022. Harvest Moon: The Winds of Anthos (HM: TWoA) will be released in the summer of 2023. Details about this title have yet to be released, but it has been noted that players will encounter new features.
The Plot
The Harvest Goddess and her Sprites have always had a home at Anthos. But, unfortunately, 20 years ago, Anthos’ volcano erupted, forcing the Harvest Goddess and her Sprites to deplete their magic to save the villagers. While the people were safe, villages were cut off from one another. Hoping that these towns would be reunited, the Goddess sent a message in a bottle only containing a letter and a key. After sending the bottle out into the ocean, she fell into a deep slumber. Farmers will find the bottle and aid Anthos the only way they know how!
Story of Seasons News
Marvelous has shared more news on their upcoming remake, Story of Seasons: Another Wonderful Life (SOS: AWL). Farmers in North America can now preorder the title with a release in summer 2023.
The Plot
Players return to the small community of Forgotten Valley. They take over their father’s farm with their family friend Takakura. As time passes, they fall in love, raise a child, and watch them grow up. This story is about relationships and watching the community bloom as time passes.
Thoughts
On the one hand, I cannot form an opinion without more news about HM: TWoA. I am excited to see these new features, but I have no idea what to expect. On the other hand, the changes added to SOS: AWL has me intrigued. First, players will have more customization options when creating a character. Secondly, players can choose to be male, female, or non-binary, which is a step in the right direction. Finally, there are said to be over 70 new events. In the end, HM: AWL was my favorite title in the series, and I am excited to see it get the makeover it deserves.
