Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life has been remade and was originally released way back on the Nintendo GameCube. This classic farming sim has earned its place in the hearts of gamers for good reason, but has the genre evolved past what this remake can offer? Let’s find out.
Set in the idyllic Forget-Me-Not Valley, the game begins with your character inheriting a run-down farm from their late father, which is par for the course really. From this humble beginning, you’ll embark on a journey of farming, friendship, and personal growth that spans multiple in-game years. This single idea is the one thing that makes this game unique in a sea of farming/life sims. The beauty of A Wonderful Life lies not just in harvests or livestock, but in the bonds you form with the valley’s quirky residents and seeing your family grow as you literally grow older. It’s a concept I’m surprised other games haven’t explored since.
The first thing that struck me is the game’s art style. While the cel-shaded graphics may appear dated by today’s standards, they have a timeless appeal. In my opinion they still hold up today alongside games like The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. The pastoral landscapes, changing seasons, and charming character designs combine to create a world you want to explore and live in. It’s a world that feels like a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
Farming itself is both simple and satisfying. Tilling soil, planting seeds, and tending to crops becomes a meditative routine and watching your hard work pay off as your crops grow and your livestock multiply is rewarding. The game’s real-time clock and changing seasons add an element of strategy as you plan your farming activities and adapt to the demands of each season.
What truly sets A Wonderful Life apart is its emphasis on relationships. Interacting with the valley’s inhabitants is just as important as tending to your farm. Over time, you’ll form deep connections with the characters, and your actions can lead to lasting friendships or even romance. The game’s “life sim” aspect is expertly woven into the farming gameplay, making each day in Forget-Me-Not Valley feel meaningful in ways other farming sims since can’t match.
Like I stated above, A Wonderful Life incorporates an intriguing generational mechanic where your character ages, will eventually marry and have a child. That child then grows up to carry on the family legacy and you can help guide them and shape their interests. This unique feature adds depth and longevity to the game, as your choices affect not only your character but also the future of the farm. If this game didn’t have this mechanic, I’d be writing a very different review.
The passage of time in the game is bittersweet. Seasons change, characters come and go, and you witness the cyclical nature of life. This poignant aspect of A Wonderful Life reminds me of the importance of making the most of every moment, both in the game and in reality. This is especially topical for me personally as my wife and I are preparing to welcome our first baby girl into the world.
While the game does show its age in terms of graphics and some gameplay mechanics, its timeless charm and generational storytelling more than make up for some of the shortcomings. A Wonderful Life remains a delightful journey into the world of farming, relationships, and personal growth. If you’re a fan of life simulation games or simply looking for a heartwarming and nostalgic experience, this title is an absolute must-play. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of classic video games that continue to bring joy to players, even years after their initial release.
