Summary
- Release Year: 2001
- Genres: Role-playing game (RPG), Simulator, Strategy
- Platforms: PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4
- Developers: Victor Interactive Software
- Publishers: Natsume Inc.
Harvest Moon: Save the Homeland (2001)
Harvest Moon: Save the Homeland is a farming simulation video game developed by Victor Interactive Software and published by Natsume for the PlayStation 2. It was released in Japan in 2001 and in North America and Europe in 2002. It is the first Harvest Moon game to be released on a home video game console in 3D.
The game follows the story of a young farmer who moves to a new town called Mineral Town. The town is in danger of being turned into a resort, and the player must work to save it by befriending the townspeople and completing various tasks.
Gameplay
Harvest Moon: Save the Homeland is a farming simulation game in which the player must manage a farm and interact with the townspeople. The game features a variety of farming activities, such as planting crops, raising animals, and fishing. The player can also explore the town and interact with the townspeople, who have their own unique personalities and stories.
The game’s unique feature is its focus on relationships. The player can build relationships with the townspeople by talking to them, giving them gifts, and helping them with tasks. As the player’s relationships with the townspeople grow, they will become more willing to help the player save the town.
Reception
Harvest Moon: Save the Homeland received generally positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its charming characters, heartwarming story, and addictive gameplay. However, some critics found the game to be too repetitive and slow-paced.
Legacy
Harvest Moon: Save the Homeland is considered to be one of the best games in the Harvest Moon series. It was followed by several sequels and spin-offs, including Harvest Moon: A Wonderful Life (2003) and Harvest Moon: Another Wonderful Life (2004). The game has also been ported to other platforms, including the PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch.
Impact
Harvest Moon: Save the Homeland had a significant impact on the farming simulation genre. The game’s focus on relationships and community building set it apart from other farming games at the time. The game also helped to popularize the genre on home video game consoles.
Personal Opinion
I have been a fan of the Harvest Moon series for many years, and Harvest Moon: Save the Homeland is one of my favorite games in the series. I love the game’s charming characters, heartwarming story, and addictive gameplay. I also appreciate the game’s focus on relationships and community building.
I highly recommend Harvest Moon: Save the Homeland to fans of the Harvest Moon series and to anyone who enjoys farming simulation games. The game is a classic for a reason, and it is still one of the best games in the genre.
10 Things You Didn’t Know About Harvest Moon: Save the Homeland
- The game was originally going to be called Harvest Moon: The Next Generation.
- The game was developed using a new 3D engine that was specifically designed for the PlayStation 2.
- The game features over 50 different characters, each with their own unique personality and story.
- The game’s soundtrack was composed by Nobuo Uematsu, who is best known for his work on the Final Fantasy series.
- The game was a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.
- The game was followed by several sequels and spin-offs, including Harvest Moon: A Wonderful Life (2003) and Harvest Moon: Another Wonderful Life (2004).
- The game has been ported to other platforms, including the PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch.
- The game is considered to be one of the best games in the Harvest Moon series.
- The game’s focus on relationships and community building set it apart from other farming games at the time.
- The game helped to popularize the farming simulation genre on home video game consoles.
Review Score
7/10