Harvest Moon: Light of Hope SE Complete
- September 18, 2020
- Appci Inc. / Natsume Inc.
- 5h median play time
"Harvest Moon: Light of Hope SE Complete" is a Kids Role Playing game that can be played by 1-2 players in single-player, multi-player, or co-op mode. The objective is to rebuild a deserted harbor town and its lighthouse after a storm by growing crops, tending livestock, and completing villager requests. The Complete Version includes all DLC, such as new marriage candidates, decorations, outfits, and requests.
Reviews
- The game is fun and easy to play, with streamlined mechanics for farming and interacting with villagers.
- It features cute characters and a lighthearted storyline, making it enjoyable for fans of the genre.
- The game offers a nostalgic experience for long-time Harvest Moon fans, despite some differences from earlier titles.
- The graphics and presentation are subpar, feeling outdated compared to modern gaming standards.
- Loading times are excessively long, which detracts from the overall gameplay experience.
- The storyline is lackluster and short, leaving players wanting more depth and content.
- story27 mentions
- 11 % positive mentions
- 70 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The story in the game is generally perceived as short, simplistic, and lacking depth, with many reviewers finding it unengaging and reminiscent of previous titles in the series. While some players appreciate the cute characters and lighthearted nature of the narrative, others criticize its pacing and overall execution, suggesting that it detracts from the gameplay experience. Overall, the storyline seems to serve more as a backdrop for farming and social activities rather than a compelling narrative.
“I simply love it, the story and the characters too.”
“Cute characters, lighthearted storyline.”
“Cute, amazing story, easy gameplay.”
“The story is lackluster, boring and not thought-provoking at all.”
“Game play is clunky, story is stale, graphics are god-awful for the Switch's capabilities.”
“Not nearly as in depth as the games used to be, this is honestly boring & the story is garbage.”
- grinding10 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate that while the farming mechanics are standard and enjoyable, the overall grinding experience is hampered by a lack of profitability in farming compared to other activities like fishing and mining. Players find the storyline short and easy, leading to a focus on repetitive tasks that can feel tedious, especially with the slow pacing due to gated features. Many suggest exploring other farming simulators that offer a more rewarding experience.
“I would honestly say, save your cash and pick up: Stardew Valley, My Time at Portia, Gleaming Heights, Graveyard Keeper, or any of the other numerous crafting/farming/life simulators out there that do this better.”
“Farming gives you so little money that you let your farm go into disrepair and only use it for requests and story.”
“The game also loves to gate standard farming tools like an axe or hammer, so the pacing is slow.”
- graphics8 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received largely negative feedback, with many users describing them as outdated and lacking polish, especially for a modern title. Complaints include slow loading times, poor character design, and a general feeling that the visuals do not meet current gaming standards. While some acknowledge minor updates from previous versions, the overall impression is that the graphics are subpar and detract from the gaming experience.
“Good game... graphics and gameplay updated from older version on Wii... fairly different.”
“I have always loved and played the Harvest Moon games; however, the graphics on this one are horrible, slow loading, repetitive music, and it seems like they took an old version, made a few minor updates, and tried to make it work.”
“Game play is clunky, story is stale, graphics are god-awful for the Switch's capabilities.”
“The graphics feel like a much older game (and not in a fun, retro way).”
- music6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with some players finding it generic and repetitive, often reminiscent of tracks from other games. However, others appreciate the soundtrack, describing it as lovely and pleasant, contributing positively to the overall experience.
“Lovely soundtrack”
“Overall, pleasant-seeming game with a nice soundtrack!”
“Music is generic sounding to the point where I kept hearing another song from a different game in a different genre.”
“I have always loved and played the Harvest Moon games; however, the graphics on this one are horrible, slow loading, repetitive music, and it seems like they took an old version, made a few minor updates, and tried to make it work.”
- gameplay4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally described as uncomplicated and enjoyable for fans of the Harvest Moon style, featuring a cute story and easy mechanics. However, some players find it relatively boring and not particularly engaging, though they consider it worth the price.
“Overall, an uncomplicated, fun game if you like the general Harvest Moon gameplay.”
“Cute, amazing story, easy gameplay.”
“Not only that, but the gameplay was relatively boring.”
“Personally, I don’t like the gameplay that much, but for the price, I think it's worth it.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players feel the game requires significant optimization, citing a need for fewer cut scenes, improved graphics, and clearer button instructions, particularly for activities like fishing, as the current guidance is insufficient for understanding tool acquisition.
“This game needs optimizations, fewer cut scenes, better graphics, and clearer button instructions, especially for fishing. I had no idea how to obtain the different tools until I stumbled upon them.”
“This game needs optimization, fewer cut scenes, better graphics, and clearer button instructions, especially for fishing. I had no idea how to obtain the different tools until I stumbled upon them.”
- humor1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by the character Sally, who is noted for her comedic qualities, contributing to an overall lighthearted and entertaining experience.
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate a strong preference for supporting genuine titles like "Story of Seasons" over perceived cash grabs, highlighting concerns about the quality and integrity of monetization practices in the gaming industry.
“Buy and support 'Story of Seasons,' not these cheap cash grabs.”
“The monetization in this game feels exploitative and detracts from the overall experience.”
“It's frustrating to see so many features locked behind paywalls, making it hard to enjoy the game fully.”