After a Year in Stardew Valley – A Review

To say Stardew Valley is akin to the likes of Animal Crossing and Harvest Moon would be both accurate and do the game a massive disservice. Not because it was developed by one person or sold over 400,000 copies in its first two weeks, but because Stardew Valley is so finely tuned and detailed that it puts both AAA franchises to shame.

Unlike Undertale, last year’s standout indie hit that was also created by a single dev, Stardew Valley doesn’t try to do anything new or groundbreaking. Instead of building on top of established systems, the game simplifies them, making it easy to pick up and play without the need for hand-holding tutorials. Dig a plot, plant a seed, water it and wait. Keep the fish in the green bar until you reel it in. Hit enemies with your sword until they die.