Echoes of the Plum Grove

About

In "Echoes of the Plum Grove" , start a new life on Honeywood island and build a lasting farm, shaping the town and island through your decisions. Survive harsh winters by growing crops, fishing, crafting, and foraging to ensure your lineage's survival and uncover the island's secrets. Engage with festivals and relationships in this charming, casual farm simulator.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

92%

Audience ScoreBased on 2,370 reviews

graphics202 positive mentions

grinding764 negative mentions

The game features a charming art style reminiscent of Paper Mario, creating a visually appealing experience.
The generational gameplay allows players to continue their legacy through their children, adding depth and replayability.
The ability to customize gameplay settings, such as toggling off hunger, aging, and tool durability, enhances the overall experience.

The NPC interactions can feel shallow and repetitive, lacking depth and unique personalities.
Some gameplay mechanics, like the fishing mini-game and resource gathering, can be tedious and time-consuming.
The game may feel incomplete or underdeveloped in certain areas, leading to a lack of engaging content as players progress.

grinding
766 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The reviews for "grinding" in the game highlight a mixed reception, with many players noting that while some grind is expected in farming sims, this game can feel excessively tedious and slow-paced. Players appreciate the unique mechanics and customization options that allow them to adjust the difficulty, but frustrations arise from limitations like watering only one crop at a time and the lack of meaningful upgrades, which can detract from the overall enjoyment. Despite these issues, some players find the grind rewarding and engaging, particularly in the context of the game's generational and survival elements.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “This game is very slow and grindy, I still don't even have much unlocked with almost 17 hours.”
- “Farming in Echoes of the Plum Grove is nothing but tedious and slow, which could be fitting to the survival aspect of the game and its harsh approach on realism, death and 'the old times', but considering it also wanting to be a storytelling farming simulator, these concepts just do not sit well together.”
- “The amount of resources you need for certain things is absurd, farming doesn't really scrape together enough money, fishing isn't that profitable, and you are very limited in what you can mine daily so that's not a huge source of income.”
graphics
436 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
46%
53%
1%
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their charming and unique art style, heavily inspired by the aesthetics of Paper Mario, which evokes a sense of nostalgia among players. Many reviewers highlight the delightful animations, vibrant colors, and attention to detail that enhance the overall immersive experience, although some note performance issues like lag and battery drain. Overall, the visuals contribute significantly to the game's appeal, making it a standout in the farming sim genre.
- “The art style is utterly charming and it has some really neat lighting and artistic effects that are literally so pretty that I sometimes stop to watch (which is not a great thing to do in a game where time matters).”
- “The graphics are unique compared to other farming games along with other unique aspects with plot and aging.”
- “The art style is gorgeous, the season changes are beautiful and distinct, the music made me put headphones on just to give it a listen to, and there are amazing little events that happen in game (no spoilers) that complement the seasons.”
- “I am afraid I found the graphic design of this game simply unbearable.”
- “The only difference from other similar games is the art style, which while cute (and was what initially caught my eye), it's not enough to recommend this game when you can get far more from other games for the same price.”
- “I think my only complaint that isn't just nitpicking is that it definitely lags on my computer, no matter what graphics I have it on.”
gameplay
434 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
28%
69%
3%
The gameplay of "Echoes of the Plum Grove" is characterized by its customizable mechanics, allowing players to tailor their experience by adjusting settings related to hunger, aging, and other survival elements. While the generational gameplay and charming art style are praised, some players find the mechanics can become repetitive and the social interactions lack depth. Overall, the game offers a cozy, engaging experience for fans of farming sims, though it may require some patience to fully appreciate its unique features.
- “The gameplay loop is engaging and rewarding; I especially love how you're encouraged to rely on your community in the early days, it's very fitting for the game's setting!”
- “I love the style, the mechanics, the consequences of your actions, and the fact that you can turn on and off certain things like disease, sleep, food, etc. It makes it so much more enjoyable to choose if and when I want the game to be challenging.”
- “The ability to play as different generations of characters and explore the world's changing environments adds a unique and engaging element to the gameplay.”
- “It's like they knew their game didn't have a lot of substance, so they made sure that everything you did was incredibly time-consuming, so you wouldn't realize that your hours of gameplay were being taken up with things like fetching another lost toy, or planting one singular crop at a time.”
- “I wanted to like this game so badly... the graphics are amazing, the ambiance is really nice, I love the fact that it takes place in this period of history, but I got so bored after a year of gameplay I couldn't bring myself to start another spring.”
- “The legacy system falls flat, offering little impact on gameplay.”
story
396 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
19%
78%
3%
The game's story is characterized by a mix of engaging elements and notable shortcomings, with many players appreciating its charming art style and generational gameplay. However, the narrative often feels shallow, relying heavily on fetch quests with limited character development and lore, leading to a sense of repetitiveness and lack of depth. While some players find enjoyment in the creative aspects of storytelling within the game, others express a desire for a more substantial and varied narrative experience.
- “I love how simple this game is yet there is a good amount of depth to it with the premise and story.”
- “There is lore, generations, sickness, you can plot against your neighbors, truly endless fun.”
- “The generational play, the high stakes, the gorgeous art style, immersive storyline, the mesmerizing music - every aspect of this game shows the incredible thought, time, and attention that the developers poured into creating it.”
- “The story is really short.”
- “I was so surprised when what I thought was finishing a step of the story prompted the credits to roll (after playing for less than a game year).”
- “That being said, there really isn't much content as far as story elements go.”
music
104 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
48%
48%
4%
The music in the game is widely praised for its beauty and ability to create a cozy atmosphere, with many players considering it one of the best soundtracks in the life simulation genre. While the seasonal variations in music enhance the experience, some users noted a lack of variety, leading to occasional monotony. Overall, the soundtrack complements the game's charming visuals and engaging gameplay, making it a standout feature for fans of cozy games.
- “The atmosphere and music are very cozy and comforting.”
- “In my opinion, this game's music is the best in the entire life sim genre, and definitely within my top 10 video game OSTs.”
- “The art style is gorgeous, the season changes are beautiful and distinct, the music made me put headphones on just to give it a listen, and there are amazing little events that happen in-game that complement the seasons.”
- “Boring music”
- “I also wanted to note that the music is boring for even cozy game standards.”
- “The only issue I have, however, is just the frequency of the same music; there needs to be more variety in my opinion.”
humor
34 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is widely praised for its dark and creative elements, with players enjoying the comedic interactions between characters and the absurdity of certain situations, such as the smirking at a hated character's funeral. The dialogue is noted for being witty and engaging, while the generational system adds layers of humor through character traits and unexpected behaviors. Overall, the game successfully blends humor with its farming sim mechanics, making for a fun and entertaining experience.
- “The story is really interesting to follow and talking to villagers is always a good laugh as each character has a different personality and can come out with some funny lines.”
- “The dialogue is funny and creative.”
- “This is a fun, fabulous, and funny game (dark humor is humor too!).”
atmosphere
24 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
58%
29%
13%
The game's atmosphere is consistently praised for its gorgeous art style and cozy, comforting vibe, making it ideal for casual players seeking a relaxing experience. Reviewers highlight the adorable aesthetic and soothing music, which together create an immersive environment reminiscent of the 1700s. Overall, the atmosphere is a standout feature, enhancing the enjoyment of gameplay, despite some critiques regarding clarity in instructions and quest design.
- “The atmosphere and music are very cozy and comforting.”
- “With its calming atmosphere and low-stress gameplay, it's a great game to unwind with after a long day.”
- “The game has a beautiful atmosphere, from the style of the world to the soundtrack.”
- “Tldr: I enjoy a lot about this game like the relationships and atmosphere, but it loses points for me with unclear instructions and some of the larger quests feeling tedious.”
- “The game gives me a vibe similar to Sim Medieval, albeit lacking the farming, yet it maintains a familiar atmosphere.”
- “The art style is also very cute and the entire atmosphere makes it really feel like I am in the 1700s.”
stability
22 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
9%
91%
The game's stability is mixed, with some players experiencing significant bugs, such as freezing during saves and glitches when interacting with the environment, particularly on the Steam Deck. However, others report smooth controls and minimal issues, attributing the problems to its early access status. Overall, while there are notable stability concerns, many players still find the gameplay enjoyable despite these setbacks.
- “Runs great on Steam Deck with community layout, but official controller support is coming soon if you prefer that.”
- “Another issue that I have noticed is when you've been playing for a few hours and 2-3 times saving, there is a chance when trying to save again that the game freezes. The character can still move around sometimes or be stuck, but you can't do anything else or interact with inventory, map, etc. You can't save the game, and you have to force quit, losing progress and going back into the game for it to work again.”
- “But I have some problems and issues with glitches, and not the fun infinite item kinds of glitches. I'm talking about invisible barriers that aren't always there and pop up out of nowhere, which spoils the fun and makes the game almost unplayable.”
- “Very buggy overall with Steam Deck default layout options.”
replayability
16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
56%
19%
The game's replayability is a mixed bag among users; while some praise its depth, randomized elements, and generational gameplay that enhance longevity and replay value, others find it lacking in variety and motivation, leading to boredom before completing the first year. Overall, the potential for replayability is acknowledged, but experiences vary significantly.
- “It plays smoothly and has enough content to feel like a complete game, with any additional content in the future just adding to its replayability and longevity.”
- “There is no replayability for me - I was so bored before even the end of year one that trying to make my way through year two was a real slog.”
- “The randomized villagers and marriages is such an amazing touch that it makes the game feel very real, and it is extremely replayable even though you can just continue as your kids and play on and on without having to start a new save!”
- “It's fun, there's mystery in the plot, and you can pass your farm on to many generations, giving this game a load of replay value.”
emotional
16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players find the game emotionally engaging due to its beautiful art, heartfelt music, and strong character development, which fosters deep connections with the villagers. The experience is often described as wholesome and comforting, akin to enjoying a cozy evening with a good book, and the emotional weight of events, such as character losses, resonates strongly with players. Additionally, the supportive community and active developers enhance the overall emotional experience, making players feel valued and connected.
- “The music, the paper-like cutout of characters juxtaposed with the 3D world around them, the gorgeous art, the drama, the heartwarming conversations, etc. It just has a good feel and feels like sitting with a nice cup of cocoa on a snowy evening at home with a good book.”
- “It is about the stories you develop and the emotional attachment you get with the other villagers.”
- “There is so much to do in the game, and when people pass away, you really get emotional because you truly get to know them.”
optimization
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
34%
33%
Overall, the game's optimization is praised for high-quality textures that do not hinder performance; however, players report stuttering issues, particularly as the game progresses, even on high-end machines. Despite its solid optimization, some feel that the game lacks depth and feels rushed.
- “All the textures are really high quality without bogging down performance.”
- “The game runs smoothly.”
- “But other than that, everything else runs smoothly.”
- “Echoes of the Plum Grove is one of the few games on the market I really regret knowing it isn't in early access, because despite its remarkable optimization, it unfortunately feels rushed and lifeless behind the package.”
- “I admittedly am not playing on a high-powered machine, but even watching streams from players with very high-end computers will experience stuttering as well.”
- “The stuttering the further in the years you get to...”
character development
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
17%
33%
50%
While the character design is praised for its quality, reviewers express disappointment in the depth of character development, suggesting that it falls short compared to classic titles like Harvest Moon. There is a call for improved storytelling, emphasizing the need for a skilled writer to create more intricate and engaging narratives that enhance the overall gameplay experience.
- “They do so many things well, but they could improve it substantially by getting a writer in who knows how to create long-term and intricate stories that still allow players to play the game they want to play.”
- “They do so many things well, but they could improve it substantially by getting a writer in (I'm available for long-term character development if you're interested, devs) who knows how to create long-term and intricate stories that still allow players to play the game they want to play.”
- “As an old-timer of the farm/life sim genre, I know you rarely get novel-level character development, but this was so much less than even what Harvest Moon had on the SNES.”
- “Your expectations are high because the character design is so well done.”
monetization
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The monetization aspect of the game is not explicitly addressed in the provided text, but it suggests a focus on realism and character development, which may imply that players are engaged enough to invest in the game. However, without specific details on monetization strategies, it's difficult to assess its impact on the overall experience.

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13h Median play time

18h Average play time

9-20h Spent by most gamers

*Based on 28 analyzed playthroughs

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