Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life Reviews
Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life is a farm sim that just doesn't feel like it's breaking too much new ground.
Twenty years since Harvest Moon: A Wonderful Life first released on the GameCube, it’s disappointing that this modern reimagining is such a half-baked effort that’s considerably grind-inducing and disappointingly lacking in meaningful social interactions. Yes, A Wonderful Life has a beautiful and welcoming heart and presence, and the remake does do a serviceable job of updating a two-decade-old game for modern standards, and it can be a worthwhile and relaxing time if you aren’t so demanding for change. But there’s so much tedium to endure it’s hard to remain interested, especially when there are far more inviting alternatives out there.
Ultimately, however, this latest entry in the franchise is simply not exceptional. It’s easy to get sunk in and lose huge chunks of time tending crops and animals or befriending villagers. But, overall, Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life is a steady middle-of-the-road offering with nothing to recommend over anything else currently available in the genre. Almost every aspect of the game is good but not great.
There's nothing particularly bad about Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life, but compared to modern farming games it's just a bit dull.
Story of Seasons: A Wonderful life is an adequate remake, but its lack of modern trimmings makes for a game even former fans might find empty and antiquated.
After the recent success of the Story of Seasons Friends of Mineral Town remake back in 2019, it made nothing but sense to see Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life receive the same treatment. It’s a well-revered entry in the Harvest Moon franchise from the PS2 and GameCube days, and expectation has been high ever since its announcement.
Returning to A Wonderful Life after 19 years is a comforting, warmly nostalgic experience. The colorful characters and climactic moments in Forgotten Valley stand the test of time, even if the mechanics and gameplay possibilities compare unfavorably to modern takes on the farming/life simulation model.
Hardcore fans of the original game may find some fun here, but those who have played more comprehensive farming sims from recent years, like Stardew, don’t expect it to keep your attention for too long.
However, if you’re more used to modern farming sims and want one that will give you more to do on a daily basis, AWL might be too simplistic for you. There’s just not a lot happening in Forgotten Valley. Regardless of your preference, the in-game marriage being pushed within the very first chapter felt way too rushed and forced. If you were hoping to have fun, interesting characters to spend your in-game life with, you’ll again likely be disappointed.
This meter is somewhat emblematic of my overall experience of this game. Ideas that were once novel are outdated or uninteresting by today’s standards. While Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life is a welcome update to a classic farm sim, stripping away nostalgic fondness leaves you with an experience that feels lacking in the genre's modern landscape.
Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life is an admirably updated remake, but those improvements can only do so much when the heart of it feels as dated as it does.
Compared to newer farming games Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life is somewhat slow. This can lead to some frustrations, yet at the same time it gives you a sense of peace, something which is very welcome in today’s often rushed society. If A Wonderful Life had added more things to do, this slowness would’ve probably been a lot less noticeable. The characters, who are the heart and soul of the game, are the saving grace. They make you want to keep returning to Forgotten Valley.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
I think it's a very good production because it has a basic goal of starting a family and owning your farm to manage this family. However, if we look at today's alternative games, it doesn't offer a different perspective and innovation. Especially for gamers who are sick of the genre, it is a production that can get bored quickly because they will not see innovation after a while.
Review in Turkish | Read full review
While it will delight fans of the genre, Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life can be a somewhat slow experience despite all the virtues that accompany the title.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Ultimately, STORY OF SEASONS: A Wonderful Life wasn’t as charming as I had hoped and imagined it would be. It did get some more charm added in when I got to the second chapter and started my family. Still, I don’t think this Bokujō Monogatari game aged as well as some others, it ended up being super average. It’s not at all a bad game, I enjoyed my time with it. Nonetheless, I think this is mainly one for fans who have that nostalgia for it and will be going back to an old fave. If you’re new to it like me and really want to try it out, I’d suggest waiting for at least a small sale.
Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life likely deserves the praise it received back in 2004, but in 2023, bad decisions prevent history from repeating. Fortunately, a patch or two can address the bulk of my qualms. While I’m bewildered by the price increase, I reckon putting it on par with its former edition will bring the fun factor to its former self.
Story of Seasons is a good game for relaxing. There's plenty to do and discover, but given the length of the game, these various tasks can become monotonous and repetitive. The game has an addictive feel to it, and the hours spent playing are hard to miss. Still, I would have preferred more events and interactions to develop relationships with the inhabitants. If you like games like Harvest Moon, Stardew Valley or even FarmVille, you'll have a great time in Forgotten Valley.
Review in French | Read full review
If you can take the time to pace yourself and slowly enjoy everything the game has to offer from charming neighbors to home-cooked meals, then there is a whole lot to enjoy about Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life.
Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life is worth a play if you’re a fan of the previous Harvest Moon or Story of Seasons titles, a fan of wholesome life sims, or just need a moment to relax.
Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life retains the charm and the pleasant tedium of the original while bringing enough features up-to-date that it's not a total chore to play. Fans of later farming/life-sims might find it too slow and too dull, but we encourage you to embrace the slow-and-dullness to find a surprisingly fulfilling and earnest game underneath. After all, this game is the granddaddy of Stardew Valley, and it's not too hard to see the family resemblance.Just, uh, use a guide. Trust us.