Harvestella Reviews
Harvestella is a basic JRPG and Farming Sim that just never seems to stick the landing on any of its mechanics or narrative. It starts out fun and then eventually becomes a chore with unskippable cutscenes.
Our test of Harvestella took place on Nintendo Switch, but the JRPG is also available on PC. With a playful soul constantly poised between Action RPG and life-simulator, the JRPG alternates real-time clashes, cultivation of the fields and socialization activities with its traveling companions.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Harvestella isn't going to remove Rune Factory from existence, but it has a lot of potential as a strong competitor. This first (and hopefully not only) outing has an extremely strong basis and manages to hit a lot of the high marks of JRPG-style farming simulation, while having enough of its own personality to avoid feeling like a clone. Only the overly stiff combat and general simplicity of the game hold it back from being as good as its obvious inspirations. It's so close to being great that it's easy to imagine a sequel hitting all of the marks. There's a lot to like here if you can get past the slow start, and by the time I finished the game, I felt almost as satisfied as I was with Rune Factory 5. Harvestella is absolutely worth a look if you're a fan of the Rune Factory franchise and want to see a different developer's take on the concept.
In lesser hands, Harvestella's balance of JRPG and farming sim could've ended up as a bland mishmash. Instead, Live Wire and Square Enix have created a solid blend. Its effective gameplay loop and engaging story push you down surprising paths that are fun to travel.
This is a game with a lot of heart that I kept wanting to explore even with its messier aspects. If you're looking for a farm sim mixed with a JRPG or a JRPG mixed with a farm sim, this is perfect for you. And if you go into it with the right mindset, you'll enjoy the relaxing stroll of this world and its gameplay.
Harvestella cultivates its characters and story, but other mechanics aren't quite as ripe.
In a vibrant and colorful world, as a player you will grow your crops, befriend the townspeople, overcome threats, discover the origins of the world and the truth behind the Quietus disaster. This is a period of death that comes at the beginning of a new season. At first, Harvestella feels like all the other farm sims, but Haverstella has found a way to make the most simplicity work. The simple combat mechanics are nothing to rave about. Everything else, like agriculture, is excellent. As a player you can explore different cities and dungeons of the world. The length of the days feel perfect. You can do whatever you want and still have some wiggle room to run around and talk to townspeople, fish, explore, or even look for NPCs.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
Harvestella is the secret best game you probably haven't played yet.
Harvestella somehow manages to pull off some highly ambitious storytelling, accompanying with it a highly satisfying gameplay loop that is hard to put down. The game has a much stronger and widespread appeal than many may have been lead to believe heading into its release, and is an easy recommendation.
Harvestella is far from being the most impressive and innovative mixture between a farming simulator and an action RPG, but it’s far from being outright bad or worthy of being ignored, either. It’s got some neat redeeming factors, namely its phenomenal soundtrack and relaxing farming vibes, while suffering from an uninspired combat system, and some really poor pacing problems.
Harvestella is Square Enix's endearing first attempt at a farming sim RPG, only slightly held back by its budget.