HARVESTELLA

78%
Game Brain Score Based on 1,504 reviews
  • story
  • grinding
  • gameplay
HARVESTELLA Game Cover
Harvestella is the secret best game you probably haven't played yet.
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"Harvestella" is a single-player Fantasy Role Playing game with an intriguing story, good mechanics, exceptional graphics, and stunning music. As the protagonist, you awaken during Quietus, a season of death that threatens all life, and must cooperate with allies to overcome threats, discover the truth behind the disasters, and experience various settlements and dungeons across the world. The game is very grinding but also wholesome, with moments that will make you laugh.

  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

78%
Audience ScoreBased on 1,504 reviews
story475 positive mentions
grinding1,531 negative mentions
  • The game features stunning graphics and a beautiful art style that enhances the overall experience.
  • The story is engaging and filled with emotional moments, making players invested in the characters and their development.
  • The combination of farming and RPG elements creates a unique gameplay loop that keeps players entertained.
  • The combat system is simplistic and lacks depth, often feeling like a button-mashing experience without much strategy.
  • There is a significant amount of unskippable dialogue and cutscenes, which can disrupt the pacing and make the game feel tedious.
  • Character customization options are very limited, leading to a lack of personal connection with the protagonist.
  • story1,768 mentions

    The story in "Harvestella" is a central focus, blending traditional JRPG elements with farming sim mechanics. Players find the narrative engaging, with many unexpected twists and emotional moments, particularly in character-driven side quests that often explore deeper themes. While some critiques mention pacing issues and a lack of voice acting, the overall consensus is that the story is compelling enough to keep players invested, making it a standout feature of the game.

    • “The overarching story itself was really captivating and had many twists and turns that I did not expect but truly enjoyed.”
    • “This may genuinely be one of the most engaging games I've ever played story-wise, and it genuinely brought me to tears multiple times.”
    • “The story is surprisingly deep - if you are into convoluted anime stories - but the presentation itself is probably the biggest downside of the game.”
    • “The story isn't the best written out there in terms of Square Enix stories, but it is a decent one for sure.”
    • “The story is boring; I wish I could have skipped most of the cutscenes.”
    • “The story starts out extremely slow, and while that might be nice to get attached to the world and the characters, the way it took quite long to even get to know all the characters meant that it was a bit of a drag in places.”
  • grinding1,536 mentions

    The reviews for "grinding" in the game highlight a mixed experience, with many players noting that while the game is primarily a JRPG with farming elements, the grinding can feel tedious and repetitive, especially when trying to achieve 100% completion or gather materials for upgrades. Some players appreciate the balance between farming and combat, finding the farming aspect a relaxing break from the more intense RPG elements, while others express frustration at the lack of depth in farming mechanics and the time-consuming nature of resource gathering. Overall, the grinding is seen as a necessary part of the gameplay loop, but it may not appeal to those seeking a more streamlined or engaging farming experience.

    • “Not grindy at all.”
    • “This is not farming meets Final Fantasy.”
    • “There needs to be more ways/more efficient ways to get money since the focus isn't farming.”
    • “The farming is not very deep or engaging, and mostly exists just to fill your pockets with cash and ingredients for cooking.”
    • “The farming aspect feels really bad if you actually go and buy seeds.”
    • “The farming in this game feels like such an afterthought that I don't know why they even bothered, and why the game was both named and marketed for it.”
  • gameplay406 mentions

    The gameplay of Harvestella has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it to be a blend of simplistic farming mechanics and basic action RPG elements. While some appreciate the satisfying gameplay loop and the integration of farming with RPG mechanics, others criticize the combat for being clunky and lacking depth, as well as the farming aspects feeling underdeveloped. Overall, the game is seen as enjoyable for those who appreciate story-driven experiences, but it may disappoint players seeking a more intricate gameplay system.

    • “The gameplay was really fun.”
    • “The core gameplay loop is very satisfying and I've yet to feel like I'm hitting any barriers or stagnant points in the progression.”
    • “The farming mechanics are very simple and also designed to try to slow you down.”
    • “On top of this, the gameplay on mouse and keyboard is a nightmare.”
    • “Gameplay is mid.”
    • “The gameplay was... fine.”
  • graphics361 mentions

    The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many players noting that they resemble those from older console generations, such as the PS3 or even earlier. While some appreciate the charming art style and beautiful environments, others criticize the simplistic character models and lack of graphical options, suggesting that the visuals feel dated for a 2023 release. Overall, the aesthetics are often described as appealing, but they may not meet the expectations set by modern gaming standards.

    • “The graphics, while reminiscent of the PS3/Xbox 360 era or perhaps the Nintendo Switch, are undeniably pretty, especially during the cutscenes.”
    • “The art style and environments are also S-tier as far as JRPGs are concerned.”
    • “The graphics are amazing and I love the mix of farming and the combat.”
    • “The graphics are poor, but the design of the universe is still reminiscent of Final Fantasy games, so it's still enjoyable and pretty, albeit not very detailed and without cool looking shaders to enhance the whole aspect of the game.”
    • “Graphically, the game looks not much better than a PlayStation Vita title, and the lack of variety amongst the NPCs also betrays the limited budget the team surely had.”
    • “The graphics feel a bit PS3 era.”
  • music357 mentions

    The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers praising its beautiful composition and emotional depth, often comparing it to the works of renowned composers like Go Shiina and the soundtracks of titles such as Nier and Final Fantasy. While the soundtrack enhances the game's atmosphere and storytelling, some players noted that the limited variety of tracks can lead to repetitiveness over extended play sessions. Overall, the music stands out as one of the game's strongest aspects, contributing significantly to the overall experience.

    • “The music is amazing, graphics are amazing, and I found the game engaging.”
    • “The soundtrack is beautiful.”
    • “The music is gorgeous, and that's the only thing keeping me playing at this point.”
    • “The music is halfway decent, but with all the dialogue being text-based and with unskippable cutscenes, there is just a certain dryness to the presentation.”
    • “There's a distinct lack of variety in music, using dungeon music for cutscenes and only ever the same three tracks; no real technique to combat, just aim for high DPS and carry lots of juice.”
    • “This would be fine for the thematic development across the game except here, the songs get used without considering the degree of emotion; the same sad song gets played whether it's a light scene or a tragic one, which undercuts the feeling.”
  • emotional48 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is widely praised for its depth and heartwarming storytelling, with many players noting the impactful side quests and character arcs that resonate on a personal level. The soundtrack enhances the emotional experience, complementing both uplifting and melancholic moments throughout the game. However, some players feel that the lack of voice acting diminishes the emotional weight of certain scenes, and while many quests are touching, a few are seen as less engaging or predictable.

    • “Not gonna lie, everything in this game is beautiful and the storyline is also very emotional. I played it and didn't realize I was playing until half of the day.”
    • “They actually have depth thanks to some very good side character stories that really flesh them out. Even random NPCs, yes those random NPC staples in RPGs, are memorable because their side quests are actually heartfelt stories, not just 'go find my 10 pelts.'”
    • “Culminating in a final battle with real emotional weight as this game finally pulls back the blinds to show you the real underlying message of the game.”
  • character development37 mentions

    Character development in the game is generally well-received, with many praising the depth and variety of companion arcs, though some feel that certain characters receive disproportionate attention while others fade into the background. The character designs are a mixed bag; while some players appreciate the artistic style and charm, others criticize them as silly or lacking in variety. Overall, the game offers a compelling narrative experience, but there are missed opportunities for more organic character growth and player engagement.

    • “Character development is superb for your companions.”
    • “A lot of people have accurately described this game already: it is mostly an RPG with lots of story and especially character development.”
    • “Side quests have actual stories to them, with cutscenes, character development, etc. instead of the usual 'kill 10 rats'.”
    • “The character design is poor and weird.”
    • “There is some missed potential in its character development with a couple of party members getting four times as much writing as the rest, who all pretty much fade into the background after their introductory chapter, and it's disappointing that the player character is a mostly-silent figurehead instead of getting to be a real character as in Rune Factory 5.”
    • “The major characters of the story aren't particularly interesting; although each character has their own extensive sidequest chain dedicated to their own development, these quests are usually little more than sophomoric monologues that force character development rather than letting the characters grow organically.”
  • optimization30 mentions

    The game's optimization for PC has received mixed reviews, with many players noting it feels like a console port, leading to awkward controls and frequent dropped frames. However, others report smooth performance and stability, particularly on the Steam Deck, where it runs nearly flawlessly. Overall, while some aspects like farming mechanics are well-optimized, there is a clear need for more options and improvements for PC settings to enhance the experience.

    • “The game runs smoothly to its credit; I've never experienced lag or seen any bugs, and that could be the benefit of using simple graphics.”
    • “I do love the farming mechanics; it feels very well optimized and not sluggish like a lot of other farming games.”
    • “Fundamentally, the game runs smoothly at 120fps at max settings with no crashes or anything game-breaking as of yet, which is a major plus.”
    • “It’s evident that the game wasn’t designed with PC players in mind, and this lack of optimization makes an already underwhelming experience even more frustrating.”
    • “I noticed dropped frames pretty frequently, so I wonder how optimized this game is for PC.”
    • “I sincerely hope that this game continues to get some quality of life updates because as it is now, there are not enough options for the PC settings in this game, such as allowing 144 fps or even just allowing us to tweak graphic performance.”
  • humor24 mentions

    The humor in the game is generally well-received, with players appreciating the witty dialogue, quirky character interactions, and comedic side quests that often provide wholesome moments. While the main story may lack depth, the lightheartedness and amusing scenarios, particularly involving time-traveling characters and whimsical farming elements, contribute to an enjoyable experience. However, some players noted inconsistencies in humor quality and criticized aspects like voice acting and awkward social interactions.

    • “The companions are interesting, and my initial meeting with a certain character who is your first mini-boss was hilarious in my opinion.”
    • “While the options don't really affect the outcome, I found myself chuckling quite a bit at the wacky dialog options I can have my character say.”
    • “I really love the writing of the game, as it has such a fun, quirky sense of humor at times and a really interesting, mysterious main storyline that I really enjoyed following.”
  • stability19 mentions

    Overall, the game's stability is generally praised, particularly on the Steam Deck, where it runs smoothly with minimal bugs or glitches reported. However, some users have experienced clunky UI and occasional bugs on PC that can disrupt gameplay, such as requiring reboots that result in lost progress. While there are minor issues like hitching during particle effects, the game is considered relatively bug-free for a launch title.

    • “The game runs great on the Steam Deck, but it doesn’t show video cutscenes which happen mostly at the beginning of a new chapter.”
    • “Good story, decent characters, soundtrack of the year, and it runs great on PC.”
    • “While I understand that folks are disappointed that this is not a Stardew Valley / Story of Seasons clone, it is still a very well-executed, relatively bug-free launch game.”
    • “Farming UI is clunky and buggy.”
    • “Seems a bit buggy on PC though; I've had a few bugs that required a reboot, which means you lose the entire in-game day's progress.”
    • “This is a first, as every game I have played so far fries my laptop and is full of bugs and glitches.”
  • atmosphere18 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is consistently praised for its captivating blend of downbeat yet hopeful tones, enhanced by a phenomenal soundtrack that deeply enriches the emotional experience. Players appreciate the cozy environments, beautifully drawn visuals, and masterful use of music and vocals, which create an immersive world that invites exploration and emotional engagement. Overall, the atmosphere is a standout feature that significantly contributes to the game's appeal, making it a memorable experience for many.

    • “The atmosphere is fascinating, really super duper downbeat but fundamentally hopeful.”
    • “It is such a cozy game with a crazy strong atmosphere and you will be longing to go back to play it when you have to go to work.”
    • “The music, the characters, the atmosphere and environments, they're all amazing!”
    • “The OST is top tier and the use of vocals and choir to cement an atmosphere in cities and dungeons is done with mastery and is something I haven't experienced much elsewhere, if at all.”
    • “It's all about the atmosphere, and once you're in, it feels incredible.”
    • “You'll either love the atmosphere and the potentiality of the game, or you'll be relatively unimpressed and lose interest quickly.”
  • monetization15 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has been widely criticized as a blatant cash grab, with many reviewers feeling misled by its marketing as a farming RPG. While there are no microtransactions, players express disappointment in the game's lack of depth and originality, likening it to a rushed imitation of better titles in the genre. Overall, the sentiment is that the game prioritizes profit over quality, leaving players feeling unsatisfied.

    • “It's like a mobile game minus the microtransactions.”
    • “No bugs experienced, no microtransactions, strong production values.”
    • “A cash grab, plain and simple.”
    • “At its core, it's just a cash grab farming game from Square Enix, and it's extremely disappointing knowing that.”
    • “It's a cash grab; it's insulting.”
  • replayability3 mentions

    The game's replayability is significantly hindered by the inability to skip cutscenes, which frustrates players and diminishes the overall experience. While some users note that the game improves over time, the lack of genre integration and cutscene skipping leads to a low replay value, making it less appealing for speedrunning or repeated playthroughs.

    • “The replayability is very low due to the inability to skip cutscenes, which detracts from the overall experience.”
    • “The lack of cutscene skipping significantly impacts the replay value, making it less appealing for speedrunners.”
    • “While the game has its flaws, the replay value is still present, though it could be improved by better integrating the two genres.”
    • “Gets better as it goes, but the lack of a cutscene skip is my biggest gripe with the game. It makes the replay value dead, and no one will speedrun it.”
    • “The game has little incentive to replay once you've completed it. The story doesn't change, and the side quests feel repetitive.”
    • “After finishing the game, I found no reason to go back. The choices I made had minimal impact on the outcome, which really hurt the replayability.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

75% average critic score

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Play time

13hMedian play time
29hAverage play time
3-50hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 29 analyzed playthroughs

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