All posts tagged in Stardew Valley
Sep 28, 2019
Finally! The Stardew Valley Multiplayer Update for PlayStation 4 is here! While Nintendo Switch and PC players were already farming with friends for some time now, PlayStation 4 fans of the game can now do the same. Xbox One players will have to wait a little longer.
ConcernedApe had updated us on the status of the multiplayer mode for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One last week. In his tweet he said that “the update was put back into certification late last week after failing certain MP-specific platform requirements, like needing a way to access player profiles from in-game. I am praying that it passes this time which could mean a release later this week.”
Luckily the process is now completed for PlayStation 4 and you can update your game on the console now to download the multiplayer update. The patch will let you play in a co-op mode and have your friends place a house on your farm. You can then do all the fun activities like farming, mining, fishing and more with friends. Even seasonal events can finally be played with friends now. Everything is better together!
Xbox One will also receive the multiplayer update at a later point. ConcernedApe mentioned that he is working hard to get the update through Microsofts verification process. I will be sure to update this article once it becomes available on Xbox as well!
Stardew Valley will also be getting a major content update soon with fish ponds heading to the game in the near future! If you have been playing the game for many years like me, then you might want to take a look at this Stardew Valley mod, that promises to deliver a whole new day one like experience!
- Sep 26, 2019
There’s something really appealing about pixel art games. Their simplistic art-style induces nostalgic childhood memories of times when 8/16-bit games were the norm. From highly regarded releases such as Undertale and Stardew Valley, to the influx of upcoming pixel-art games in the making, such as Ikenfell and Eastward, it is evident that retro graphics are still highly in demand, and that pixel art is most certainly not dead. And so here’s our 8 favourite modern-day pixel-art games:
Littlewood
Littlewood is a new RPG where you play the role of a hero who has completed their quest of defeating the evil wizard, saved the world of Solemn, and is now trying to rebuild the town of Littlewood. Being developed by the indie developer Sean Young, Littlewood brings an interesting spin to the usual town building simulator by melding together aspects of familiar games like Minecraft and Animal Crossing. Littlewood is out on Steam for $14.99 and will soon be available on Nintendo Switch as well.
Peaceful Days
Peaceful days is an upcoming indie farming RPG game that aims to please fans of the cutsie, yet so engaging simulation game genre. In Peaceful Days you will meet new characters as you stroll through this beautifully crafted town, make new friends or catch up with lifelong buddies – the choice is always yours. Head over here for some more info on the upcoming Peaceful Days game.
Stardew Valley
Originally released for Windows, Stardew Valley was highly regarded for features such as complex characters, diversity in character customisation and dating, and the game’s enigmas and secrets. Its overwhelming success leads to its release on other platforms including Mac, Linux, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PS Vita. The popular farming sim is also available for Android and iOS. With Multiplayer now available on Steam and Nintendo Switch – soon PS4 and Xbox One, you can also enjoy farming with your friends.
Celeste
Celeste is a narrative-driven adventure platformer featuring pixel graphics. The aim of the game is to help Madeline survive her inner demons on her journey to the top of Celeste Mountain. with over 700 screens of platforming challenges and secrets, and over 2 hours of original music featuring live piano and catchy synth beats, it’s no surprise that the game was given a 92% rating by Metacritic upon its release for Switch back in January. At just $14.99, the game undoubtedly offers good value for money.
Terraria
Terraria is an indie 2D Action-Adventure game developed by Re-Logic. The game was initiall released for Windows in 2011, but has since been released on various other consoles and devices. Often compared to Minecraft, features of the game include exploration, crafting, building, and combat with a myriad of different creatures. The game has ‘overwhelmingly positive’ reviews on Steam, and as of September 2019, has sold 25 million copies across all platforms. At only $9.99 on Steam, the game is affordable and offers pretty good value for money.
Undertale
Undertale is a story-rich RPG by tobyfox with ‘Overwhelmingly Positive’ reviews. Described as ‘The RPG where you don’t have to destroy anyone’, Undertale is story-rich due to your character’s journey, and also due to player choices affecting the game. You play as a human child who has fallen underground into the realm of monsters and thus, tries to find their way home. You encounter both good monsters and bad along the way, which you can choose to spare or fight. There are a variety of puzzles to complete in order to progress, and a variety of interesting areas to explore.
Rakuen
Rakuen is a beautiful adventure game that features a hospitalised boy, who travels to the fantasy world of Rakuen with his mother. Upon its release on 10th May of last year, Rakuen was a firm favorite here at MPG, despite flying under the radar a little. Since then, however, it has obtained a well-deserved overwhelmingly positive review score on Steam, and captured the hearts of many. Priced at $4.99, the game offers very good value for money. A mini TV series entitled ‘The Farmer In The Sky’, which is based on the world of Rakuen, is currently in development.
Moon Hunters
Moon Hunters is an indie action RPG game developed and published by Kitfox Games. The game was initially released for Windows, Mac and Linux through Steam on March 10th 2016. It has since been released for PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. Described as a 1-4 player co-operative personality test, players can create their very own legend. Explore a mysterious Mesopotamian-inspired world which changes every time you play. The Steam version of the game (which is a reasonably-priced $9.99) contains a free expansion pack entitled Eternal Echoes.
Owlboy
Owlboy is a story-driven platform adventure game for Windows, PS4, Switch, Linux, Mac, and Xbox One. Notorious for its long development cycle, Owlboy was started in 2007 and completed in 2016. Playing as Otus, who is part owl and part human, players can fly and explore an exciting world above the clouds. Gather Otus’ friends to join you on your journey as you explore the open skies. Eliminate enemies and overcome obstacles in a game deemed “worth the wait” by Destructoid. The game was first released on Steam on November 1st 2016, where it can be currently purchased for $24.99.
Crossing Souls
Crossing Souls is an indie pixel art action-adventure game set in 1986 (retro vibesss!). After a group of friends discover an unusual pink stone which allows them to travel between two worlds, they become involved in a government conspiracy. Control five kids with special skills on summer vacation whilst fighting and solving puzzles in order to save the world. Released on 13th February 2018, the game which costs $9.99 on Steam has received ‘very positive’ reviews.
Golf Story
Golf Story is an interesting take on an RPG. It is a pixel based RPG that revolves around the sport of Golf. It is from a new developer called SideBar Games. Besides a really fun and easy to learn Golf play, the game also features a story mode with tons of fun characters to meet. For the green thumb people, there is also some gardening aspect to the game. For only $14.99 this game offers many hours of fun, especially thanks to the multiplayer portion, the game has great deployability.
Hearthstead
Hearthstead is an upcoming farming and life RPG game with all the elements needed to make for an engaging experience. Games like Stardew Valley and Harvest Moon have redefined the farming and lime simulation genre, with marriage relationships, seasonal events and just so much more to do. The fantasy setting allows the game to take different paths with very little to no creative restrictions. I am thinking fairies, mermaids and garden gnomes who can help with chores! Head over here for some more info on Hearthstead.
.Age ( Yes, dotAge )
In .Age, you are the village elder in a town that has cursed with an apocalyptic curse. This causes all kinds of trouble for you and the villagers that you must protect while growing your village. You will need to gather resources and do research as your town grows, which will aid in the health and wealth of your citizens. If you are as excited as me, check out the latest on .Age here.
This list is by no means exhaustive as there are loads of other great Pixel-Art-Stylised games out there. Let us know in the comments what your favourite pixel art game is!?
- Sep 22, 2019
Hearthstead is an upcoming farming and life RPG game with all the elements needed to make for an engaging experience. Games like Stardew Valley and Harvest Moon have redefined the farming and lime simulation genre, with marriage relationships, seasonal events and just so much more to do.
Hearthstead aims to capture the hearts of the above named games by retaining beloved features as well as adding new gameplay mechanics to the popular video game genre. The game is set in a fantasy like world while still being relatable to our current environment. However, the fantasy setting allows the game to take different paths with very little to no creative restrictions. I am thinking fairies, mermaids and garden gnomes who can help with chores!
Hearthstead features an unseen level of customizations
The developers behind Hearthstead are making a big push for customizations and allowing the player to enjoy the game the way they want to. In example on the official Heartstead website the creators say “Customize, customize, customize: Build and personalize your farm, your home and your character to your heart’s content. Hundreds of customization options await you!”
This is especially exciting for farming and life simulation games as they are to be played for a long period of time and creating your own world is a big part of the joy. The developers further explain that customization options don’t stop here, players will be able to adjust pretty much anything to their liking.
Change how fast time goes by
Some players find the time restrictions in games like Stardew Valley or Story of Seasons to be somewhat of a burden. Hearthstead tackles this issue by allowing players to adjust any of these things “Find fishing too hard? Toggle easy fishing! Time goes by too fast? Tweak the timescale!” This level of customization is something I personally am very excited about!
Hearthstead is currently in development for PC with no release date yet. The developers are not ruling out a release for Nintendo Switch and other consoles later on! You can follow the developers on Twitter for up to date information on the games progress of course I will be keeping an eye on this little gem myself as well!
For more farming related news, Chucklefish is working on the Stardew Valley of Magic.
A new Story of Seasons for Nintendo Switch has also been confirmed and is well underway!
Hearthstead Features
Enjoy your fantasy life in the town of Hearthstead. You own a piece of the land and it’s up to you to decide how to engage with the game world.
Farming, crafting, fishing, foraging, town events, holidays and more! Activities and tasks are abundant and ready for you to engage with.
A colorful and varied cast of characters for you to meet: Dozens or interesting individuals make life in Hearthstead and its surrounding area. Uncover interesting stories and take part in the life in town.
Customize, customize, customize: Build and personalize your farm, your home and your character to your heart’s content. Hundreds of customization options await you!
Player options and accessibility are key: The game features many options to fine tune the mechanics to your own style of play. Find fishing too hard? Toggle easy fishing! Time goes by too fast? Tweak the timescale! You’ll be able to play and enjoy Hearthstead your way!
Want a little bit of Animal Crossing New Horizons in your home? Check out this adorable gardening kit!
- Sep 14, 2019
Stardew Valley is one of many beloved indie games that are currently available to play. Eric Barone also known as ConcernedApe is the sole developer of the game and has now spoken out to clarify some misunderstandings among the community in regards to his relationship with publisher Chucklefish.
Chucklefish is a British company that used to publish Stardew Valley, and is now working on Witchbrook which is considered the Stardew Valley of magic. Eric has since parted ways with them and taken over self publishing once again. Eric states in his latest blog post “Throughout the 4.5 years of development, I was the only person to work on Stardew Valley. Neither Chucklefish nor any contributors working with Chucklefish were involved in creating the game, in any capacity.”
Making clear once again that Chucklefish had no impact on Stardew Valleys 4.5 years of development, other than writing the net code for the multiplayer update that was released for the PC and Nintendo Switch console last year.
Chucklefish has recently been accused of underpaying their employees, a sensitive topic that is very important to Eric who recently formed a small team to help him focus on future development for Stardew Valley. Eric said “I can also say that, both personally and in my capacity as the recent founder of a small team, I believe in compensating developers for their contributions in working on games.”
You can check out his full statement on the official Stardew Valley Development Blog. Eric also recently teased fans with Fish ponds that will be coming to Stardew Valley with the next major update. The long awaited multiplayer update for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One are also only weeks away from release according to Eric.
- Sep 5, 2019
ConcernedApe is hard at work enhancing Stardew Valley by adding more features to the game. Today Eric (also known as ConcernedApe), developer behind Stardew Valley teased fans with a sneak peak at the next major Update.
According to a recent tweet by ConcernedApe, we will be getting fish ponds in the next major Stardew Valley patch! The new farm building that you can add to your ever growing farm will allow you to raise fish and collect eggs and other products from it.
The much anticipated 1.4 update will be released sometime this year with not much detail about the content of the patch. Eric however mentioned earlier this year that he has many ideas that he would like to add to the game. We are excited to see what is coming to Stardew Valley next! Take a looksie at the cute new fish ponds below.
Stardew Valley – First look at the new fish pond He recently started to form a team to help him free up some time, to allow him to focus on developing new features for our beloved farming sim.
If you are looking for some more farming games, we recommend taking a look at Fields of Mistria, a farming and life simulation game. For a more spooky time, check out the latest on Witchbrook from Chucklefish the previous publisher of Stardew Valley.
Stardew Valley is available for PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and mobile devices. The multiplayer update already available for PC and Nintendo Switch will come to PS4 and Xbox one within a couple of weeks from now according to Eric.
- Sep 4, 2019
Farming games like Stardew Valley, Harvest Moon and beloved Story of Seasons are more popular than ever. They often feature relaxed, and laid back gameplay with adorable visuals. Orange Season is no exception. The Farm-Life RPG has everything you would come to expect from a farming and life sim game.
Orange Season offers the traditional farming elements, grow crops, care for animals and befriend the many villagers, You will of course be able to grow and sell all the yummy vegetables you have been working so hard to grow. Besides the busy farm life you can also customize and repair your farm on your path to own the most beautiful and biggest farm in the town.
But where Orange Season sets itself apart is the huge world. Orange Season invites the player to explore more than 100 hand drawn areas. You can explore mountains, forests, caves, lakes, deserts and much more. And with the latest update even more features and enhancements have been added to the already rich game.
Update 0.5.1 has changed the entire beach layout and not only made it prettier to look at, but the overall layout of the beach has changed as well – making for a more atmospheric and inviting location to hang out with your friends. There is now also an empty area just ahead of the beach which is reserved for an upcoming petting zoo! We are excited!
Orange Season New Beach The developer also re-worked the mines and improved the overall layout, according to the update notes “There are also new kinds of rocks to be found on the mines and on the mountains, each one requiring a different hammer level to break.” Mining is a big part of Orange Season and requires certain tools to obtain the materials needed for the in-depth crafting system the game offers!
You can check out the full patch notes for the latest update on the official Orange Season website. There are plenty more enhancements coming to the game in the future such as the long awaited dating system! Orange Season is currently available on Steam!
For more farming games check out the adorable Fields of Mistria an upcoming farming and life-sim indie game. Story of Seasons is also set to release on Nintendo Switch this fall!
- Aug 11, 2019
Those who are already addicted to mobile gaming need no urging to try all the great games available on their smartphone or tablet. Those of us who find it physically awkward, or who don’t like the format, might need a little encouragement. But games of every type, from casual card or arcade games to story-rich adventures and RPGs, are all available on mobile. And mobile gaming can be adjusted to your comfort, too. Did you know that mobile controllers exist?
Mobile gaming, YOUR way
You can make any mobile device feel like a dedicated gaming device. There are many different controllers designed to fit to your mobile device (phone or tablet), giving it a comfortable grip and buttons and control sticks to take charge of the action. Have you tried a mobile controller like this?
Most Popular Mobile Games
As for games, the selection is nearly endless. There are so many farming games available on mobile that it’s hard to sort through them all. FarmVille, Family Farm, Hay Day, oh my. But to start you off with a familiar face, don’t forget that Stardew Valley is available on mobile!
You can even get a farming or gardening theme in game genres you might not expect. Gardenscapes is a surprisingly tricky and addictive match-3 game. It allows you to repair and rebuild a mansion’s beautiful garden in whichever style you choose. You can even go back later and change the fountains, paving, shrubs, flowerbeds…anything in any area you have unlocked.
If you like to build and have even more control over design, Minecraft is also very popular on mobile! You can get the Pocket Edition on both iOS and Android.
More interested in games that feel a little more social? Why not try the mobile game that took the world by storm in 2016? Pokemon Go is still popular and still alive with players and content.
If Pokemon is not your thing, then how about Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp? New features are always being added to the mobile extension of our beloved Animal Crossing. The animals are still all their lovable (or annoying!) selves, whether you meet them on your 3DS, your Switch, or your smartphone.
RPGs and Adventure
If there’s anyone left still sitting there, looking bored…how about some RPGs? Mobile gaming has those, too! There’s Nintendo’s own Dragalia Lost. It’s set in a world where the royal family has the ability to transform into dragons, if they have a pact with them. You begin the story as the seventh prince, who has yet to make a pact with any dragon, but must set out to do so immediately when the protection around his city begins to fail.
Another Eden: The Cat Beyond Time and Space is also a popular, large-scale RPG available on mobile. The story was written by Masato Kato (who also wrote Xenogears and Chrono Trigger). If that’s not enough, the game’s beautiful soundtrack is by Yasunori Mitsuda, who also worked on Xenogears and Chrono Trigger. That’s some good stuff! Another Eden has 26 main story chapters focusing on the protagonist, Aldo, and his sister, Fienne, and involves time-travelling through both the past and the future, as well as dealing with the present.
If you want something cute, colourful, and inspired by a classic, how about Egglia: Legend of the Redcap? Strongly influenced by Legend of Mana, you must revive your world by finding precious eggs. Each has had a part of the world sealed into it, and can be restored by hatching it on the map. Explore and gather resources with movement based on a roll of the dice, like a cross between a board game and a strategy RPG.
Story-driven games
But maybe what you like are story-driven games, which the mobile platform is often criticized for not having. But the market is growing all the time, and if you have a look, you’ll find some very special story-driven games waiting for you on your phone and tablet. Like the beautiful GRIS, which will be coming to iOS this month! A game about dealing with grief using light platforming and puzzles, it’s hard to know if this is a game, a storybook or a piece of art.
GRIS – iOS coming August 22! Forgotton Anne is also an iOS exclusive, and takes place in a world of “Forgotlings”. Personified socks and toys and scraps of paper…items that have been lost or forgotten in our own world. With hand-painted backgrounds, Forgotton Anne has a charm reminiscent of a Ghibli movie. It’s a game by Square Enix. We had to look it up to make sure Miyazaki really had nothing to do with it!
Forgotton Anne – iOS And lastly…only because soon this list will be too long…is To the Moon. An emotional tale of an old man’s dying wish to go to the moon. This is another game that, like Gris, feels like it may be as much ‘artistic expression’ as ‘game’. It was born of Canadian game-designer Kan Gao’s response to his grandfather’s struggle with his failing health. You must explore old Johnny’s memories to understand his life’s dream, and help him see it come true.
Still not convinced to make mobile gaming your own? As always, we want you to enjoy games in your own way. Especially if you are here for farming games in particular, please check out our list of farming games on console.
- Jul 28, 2019
ConcernedApe, creator of Stardew Valley has revealed that the long awaited multiplayer mode is finally coming to PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. This news comes after the mode has been available for Nintendo Switch and PC players for quite some time now.
Nintendo Switch and PC owners of the game have been enjoying the Co-Op mode for a few months now. In the Stardew Valley multiplayer mode, players can invite friends to their game and even provide them with their own little cabin. The Co-Op mode quickly became a fans favorite way to enjoy the much popular farming-sim.
ConcernedApe has updated us on the status of the multiplayer mode for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. He says that “the update was put back into certification late last week after failing certain MP-specific platform requirements, like needing a way to access player profiles from in-game. I am praying that it passes this time which could mean a release later this week.”
Unfortunately some more work and fixes need to be completed before it can finally be approved. However, once an update reaches the certification state, it is only a matter of time when it will be available for everyone to enjoy. Erik (ConcernedApe) mentioned ” I’ll keep you updated as soon as I know anything further. Thanks for your patience everyone.”
It is likely that the Stardew Valley Console Multiplayer Mode will be released sometime this week after the changes request by Sony and Microsoft have been implemented.
The developer also teased its fans with a future update coming to Stardew Valley. The 1.4 Update will include new content for both single player and multiplayer. Erik promised to share more details about the upcoming content update once the Co-Op mode for the remaining consoles has been released.
If you want to play Stardew Valley with friends you can already do so on PC and Nintendo Switch. PlayStation 4 and Xbox One are to follow in the very near future!
If you have been a long time Stardew Valley fan and seeking a new adventure, the Stardew Valley Expanded mod promises to make the game feel like new again!
