You pretty much can’t go wrong with Harvest Moon if you enjoy the simulation genre. However as of the last few years you have to be careful when purchasing HM games. The series called Bokujō Monogatari in Japan has undergone some localization changes. While it still retains it’s original name in Japan, that’s not the case overseas. Harvest Moon is the name that the initial publisher Natsume used. Now that the Bokujō Monogatari series has a new publisher, Xseed, the series localization name has been changed to “Story of Seasons” since Natsume did not want to give up the name they invented. Natsume has started publishing their own produced HM games now, however these titles are subpar at best. The last Harvest Moon title they localized that's part of the orignal Bokujō Monogatari series produces in Japan is called Harvest Moon 3D: A New Beginning for 3DS.

Story of Seasons (3DS)

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As stated above Story of Seasons refers to the Bokujō Monogatari series made in Japan, not Natsume’s self made versions of “Harvest Moon”. So far the two latest titles (”Story of Seasons” and “Story of Seasons: Trio of Towns”) have been released for the 3DS, there are rumors that the new entry will be released for the Switch though.

Stardew Valley (PC / PS4 / XBOX ONE / Switch / Vita)

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Another farming simulator with it’s own twists and ideas for the genre. In my opinion a more mature version of HM due to it’s themes and characters. A very charming and fun experience, if you’ve enjoyed Harvest Moon you’ll definitely love Stardew Valley as well.

Rune Factory 4 (3DS / Coming to Switch later this year)

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This series is usually described as fantasy Harvest Moon. It combines the farming, taking care of animals etc. mechanics with RPG elements. As you can tell this is the fourth entry. I’ve decided to focus on this title since it’s the first one that allows you to play as a female from the start. Two previous games let you play as a female eventually (RF2 and RF: Oceans) while the other entries have a male protagonist only. In some aspects I even like RF a little more than HM since the farming etc. eventually becomes a little boring for me. So if you love RPG’s and simulation games then this one’s a must-buy!

My Time at Portia (PC / Coming to consoles this Spring)

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Mass Effect Trilogy (PC / PS4 & 3 / XBOX ONE & 360)

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Not only do you get to play as a female in the Mass Effect series, she’s also one of the best Protagonists we have. You step into the shoes of Commander Shepard who’s on a mission to save the galaxy from a powerful threat. In this Trilogy you’ll meet a lot of different people, some of them romance options. What’s very nice and unique about this series is that it’s possible to see how the relationships change and develope over time since it’s possible to keep the romances going from game to game. Though again relationships in general make up a good part of the story. I’m really not a fan of shooters (aka I suck at them) but the great story and Characters made me want to play this game and I’m very glad I did.

Dragon Age Series (PC / PS4 & 3 / XBOX ONE & 360)

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Just like Mass Effect these games were also made by Bioware so there's a few similarities. Some of the biggest differences are the setting which is medieval as opposed to the futuristic one of ME and that you play as a different Protagonist in each game. Ranging from a “silent” Protagonist to voiced ones the Dragon Age series has been a little more adventurous in that regard. What I really enjoy about this series is it’s lore and world. Since you play as a new Protagonist each time you’ll also see the story from different sides and meet a wide range of Characters, some of them you can romantically get involved with. Out of the three games released so far Origins (the first one) is still my favorite, but all of them are enjoyable and among my must-have games. The fourth entry is currently being developed.

Avalon Code (Nintendo DS)

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This game is a secret gem that was ahead of it’s time. I recently replayed it and once again realized what a shame it is that Avalon Code did not get the attention it deserves. You play as a female or male Protagonist who has been bestowed upon the Book of Prophecy which will bring reincarantion to the world at the brink of collapsing. As you progress from Chapter to Chapter you’ll meet lots of Characters, through Quests and Cutscenes you’ll be able to get closer to them and develope a (romantic) relationship. For this one of the core mechanics of the game plays a big role. With the Book of Prophecy you scan different parts of the World to collect Codes, and with those you can craft items or even help people suffering from certain conditions. If this game were to come out today I’m sure it would be a hit, but I guess we should be glad it exists at all. If you still have a working DS or somehow have a chance to experience this game you absolutely should.

Fire Emblem Series (Most recently 3DS / Upcoming for SWITCH)

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