STORY OF SEASONS: A Wonderful Life

78%
Game Brain Score Based on 842 reviews
  • story
  • grinding
  • gameplay
STORY OF SEASONS: A Wonderful Life Game Cover
A hallmark of excellence. There may be flaws, but they are negligible and won't cause massive damage.
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"In STORY OF SEASONS: A Wonderful Life, establish and customize your farm in the peaceful town of Forgotten Valley, and form connections with the townsfolk through various activities and events. Cultivate crops, raise animals, and discover new ways to improve your farm as you create lasting memories. This reimagining of a classic farming simulation game offers a heartwarming and relaxing experience."

  • PC
  • Steam Deck
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

78%
Audience ScoreBased on 842 reviews
story50 positive mentions
grinding191 negative mentions
  • Faithful remake of the original game with improved graphics and quality of life features.
  • Nostalgic experience for fans of the original, bringing back beloved characters and music.
  • Inclusive options for character customization, including same-sex marriage and pronoun selection.
  • Controls are awkward and not intuitive, especially for keyboard and mouse users.
  • Game starts in Japanese, requiring players to change settings to English.
  • Limited content and repetitive gameplay can lead to boredom, especially for new players.
  • story204 mentions

    The story in "Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life" is characterized by its focus on family and the passage of time, spanning six years with a structured chapter system. While some players appreciate the nostalgic elements and character development, others find the narrative lacking in depth and engagement compared to more modern farming sims like "Stardew Valley." Overall, the game is seen as a charming but somewhat repetitive experience that may not appeal to those seeking a more dynamic or complex storyline.

    • “The structured story and chapters are enjoyable, and I think the characters have a lot more personality than they have had in more recent Story of Seasons games.”
    • “The game focuses primarily on relationships, story, the beauty of aging, and living a full 'wonderful life'; which I will be doing for many more hours to come.”
    • “Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life is a nostalgic plunge into the farming sim classic, successfully offering engaging gameplay and dynamic character interactions despite some narrative shortcomings.”
    • “The story cutscenes do not add up to a whole lot of time, as they only appear after the year is over.”
    • “Ultimately, I was really excited about the premise, getting to actually raise a family through a storyline, but the pacing is all off, way too much control is taken away from the player on how to fulfill conditions, and the entire farming aspect of the game was poorly executed.”
    • “The relationships are the focus of the game and it will end if you opt not to get married at the end of year 1 because for the written story to continue you need a spouse and a child.”
  • grinding192 mentions

    The reviews highlight that "grinding" in this farming sim is a mixed experience; while some players appreciate the nostalgic, laid-back pace and the focus on family and relationships, others find the gameplay tedious and repetitive compared to modern farming games like Stardew Valley. Many note that the farming mechanics have been streamlined, making them less labor-intensive, but this simplification can lead to a feeling of emptiness and a lack of engaging content. Overall, the game appeals to those who enjoy a slower, more relaxed gaming experience, but may disappoint players seeking depth and variety in farming activities.

    • “I love the grind in this game; it feels rewarding and satisfying to see my progress over time.”
    • “Grinding here is enjoyable because it allows me to explore different strategies and improve my skills.”
    • “The grind is balanced perfectly, making it a fun challenge without feeling overwhelming.”
    • “The lack of dialogue and the slow, grindy feeling you get as you progress to the final years are something that have existed in the original games and while they did add a number of new cutscenes and events, especially those involving your child, it's not a full fix.”
    • “It just feels more like work than playing compared to other farming sims.”
    • “Unfortunately, despite this being a great nostalgia trip, I cannot recommend this game to other players, due to the lack of content in direct comparison to other modern farming games such as Stardew Valley, Olive Town, Roots of Pacha, Travelers Rest.”
  • gameplay128 mentions

    The gameplay of the remastered farming sim has received mixed reviews, with many praising the improved controls, smoother mechanics, and enhanced graphics that make for a more enjoyable experience compared to the original. However, some players find the core mechanics to be shallow and repetitive, with certain aspects feeling outdated or tedious, particularly in livestock management and villager interactions. Overall, while the game offers a nostalgic charm and some quality-of-life improvements, it may not satisfy those seeking deeper gameplay complexity or variety.

    • “The most noticeable differences include significant graphical enhancements and smoother gameplay, providing a much more satisfying visual experience.”
    • “This remastered edition not only offers a more modern and polished visual appearance but also improves various aspects of gameplay to enhance the overall gaming experience.”
    • “There's less to do in-game, taking care of livestock has gotten more tedious, even the shipping mechanic has changed for the worse.”
    • “The town and its inhabitants feel one-dimensional and dead, repeating the same line of dialogue over and over again which only adds to the repetitiveness of the gameplay loop which is already boring enough.”
    • “The gameplay experience felt kind of like being physically at McDonald's, but ordering using one of those new touch screen kiosk things.”
  • graphics122 mentions

    The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many praising the colorful and charming art style that enhances nostalgia while also noting significant improvements over the original. However, some players have criticized graphical glitches, inconsistent character designs, and a lack of modern polish, leading to a perception that the visuals may not fully meet contemporary standards. Overall, while the updated graphics evoke fond memories for many, they also highlight some shortcomings that detract from the experience.

    • “The graphics and resolution upgrade is great, and keeps the charm of the original intact.”
    • “Visually, A Wonderful Life embraces a quaint art style that has aged gracefully, showcasing a colorful and idyllic world.”
    • “The updated graphics and character designs are fantastic, I love that we can customize our characters now, and the new romance options are a great perk!”
    • “The graphics are glitchy.”
    • “The graphical settings don't seem to do much of anything, and the textures are still somehow jagged and blurry all at the same time.”
    • “Graphics for this game are shit, you cannot play it on steam deck, not great on PC as far as I've heard, gave me motion sickness; I suggest that you don't get this game.”
  • music44 mentions

    The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating the nostalgic elements and familiar melodies from the original title, which evoke strong memories. While some feel that the new recordings and arrangements enhance the experience, others criticize the lack of seasonal variety and the overall balance of the soundtrack. Overall, the music is seen as charming and nostalgic, successfully capturing the essence of the original while introducing some new elements.

    • “I literally almost cried when the main farm song started playing because it brought back so many good memories playing this with my sister and dad growing up.”
    • “Colorful, very charming music, and hugely nostalgic if you grew up playing the original for countless hours!”
    • “Overall it's a great remake especially if you've played the original and want to feel the nostalgia because the music and everything just brings back the same feeling I had when playing the original version, but better.”
    • “The fishing sucks, the digging sucks, and the music doesn't change between seasons.”
    • “The songs you have going on the phonograph on your farm start playing way before you even approach the entrance and it's very distracting and annoying.”
    • “But when compared to the newer sounds, (such as re-recorded voices and music) they sometimes stick out like a sore thumb.”
  • stability23 mentions

    The game's stability is a mixed bag, with numerous reports of bugs and glitches, particularly when running above 60 fps, leading to issues like teleporting animals and random freezes. While some players find the experience enjoyable despite these problems, others have encountered severe stability issues that hinder gameplay, prompting frustration and requests for refunds. Overall, while the game runs well for some, the presence of persistent bugs and the need for specific settings adjustments to mitigate them detracts from the experience for many users.

    • “This game looks and runs great.”
    • “So far, besides the annoyances mentioned above, it has been bug-free.”
    • “The graphics are to be expected, but the game runs great compared to other SOS games, and the remastered tracks are really good from what I've heard so far.”
    • “Xseed for some reason never made any plans to fix any bugs and glitches that happen when the game runs higher than 60 fps, even though those issues have already been reported last year.”
    • “Do not buy this game, the controls are frustrating, the game just freezes randomly, it's garbage.”
    • “Cannot make it through the introduction - the game freezes up and hard crashes at various points.”
  • optimization22 mentions

    Overall, the game's optimization has received mixed feedback; while many players report smooth performance and significant improvements over the original, there are notable issues with keyboard and mouse controls, occasional stuttering, and some bugs. Some users experienced crashes and delays in character actions, indicating that further optimization is needed, particularly for PC users. Despite these concerns, the majority appreciate the enhanced graphics and overall performance enhancements.

    • “I am happy to have this remake that has all the features of the previous A Wonderful Life entries and has much better performance.”
    • “This remake includes features from AWL & AWL Special Edition whilst offering updated graphics, better performance, a new spin on music, some new features, and various quality of life changes.”
    • “This game runs smoothly, and I've had no issues with lag or choppiness.”
    • “Needs to be optimized for keyboard and mouse like crazy.”
    • “Control wise, this game probably wasn't optimized for a keyboard and mouse and it shows.”
    • “Clearly could use some performance enhancements to make the frames smoother in some locations, but overall a non-issue.”
  • emotional17 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is characterized by its heartwarming and nostalgic themes, focusing on family and the simple joys of life in a cozy setting. Players report experiencing a range of emotions, from laughter to tears, as they engage with charming characters and heartfelt events that create a comforting atmosphere. Overall, the game is praised for its ability to evoke strong feelings of warmth and connection, making it a beloved choice for those seeking a relaxing and emotionally fulfilling experience.

    • “It gives you a heartwarming feeling to know they're still just living life in Forget-Me-Not Valley.”
    • “Though the writing was minimal overall, there were a lot of really charming and emotional scenes scattered throughout that made me care for my little virtual family.”
    • “A heart touching story with a lovely town that ages with you as you journey through your life in Forgotten Valley.”
  • character development12 mentions

    Character development in the game has seen significant improvements, particularly in graphics and character designs, which players appreciate, especially with the addition of customization options and new romance paths. However, some reviewers feel that the depth of character development has diminished compared to the original, citing a loss of charm and a somewhat bland portrayal of characters. Overall, while the updates enhance the visual appeal and social interactions, they may not fully capture the immersive storytelling and emotional depth that players experienced in the original version.

    • “Good story, character development, and plot (some aspects are tear jerkers).”
    • “The updates to character designs are well loved by me and especially a certain homeless individual who was portrayed very badly in the original.”
    • “The updated graphics and character designs are fantastic, I love that we can customize our characters now, and the new romance options are a great perk!”
    • “The developers claimed to add these features and cater the storytelling and character design towards these new features to make the experience inclusive for everyone but failed to really get the inclusion part down.”
    • “Though they improved upon a lot of farming mechanics and graphical issues that existed in the original version, I still believe the original version did a much better job at displaying real life through the world design, character design, music, and story progression.”
    • “While its strong focus on the social aspects and improved game mechanics breathe life into the series, the somewhat bland character development and repetitiveness can hinder the immersive experience it aims to provide.”
  • replayability3 mentions

    The game's replayability is mixed, with some players finding it lacking while others appreciate the improvements that enhance the experience. Overall, it retains a sense of familiarity to the original, but quality-of-life changes may encourage some players to revisit it.

    • “Lots of replay value!”
    • “The game still feels very much like the original, in my opinion, with some quality of life changes that have made it a lot more playable and less convoluted.”
    • “Not a lot of replay value for me, but I'm happy to have completed a playthrough.”
    • “The game still feels very much like the original in my opinion, just some quality of life changes that I think have made the game a lot more playable and less convoluted.”
  • atmosphere2 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is praised for its delightful and family-oriented qualities, while also offering a nostalgic option for those seeking a darker, lonelier experience reminiscent of the original. Overall, it successfully creates an engaging and immersive environment that appeals to a wide audience.

    • “Definitely play it if you are interested in a delightful, atmospheric family-oriented type of game.”
    • “All in all, I am so happy with this game, and there is always the original to go back to for that darker, lonelier atmosphere.”
  • monetization1 mentions

    The monetization strategy has been criticized as a disappointing cash grab, particularly by fans of Xseed, who expected a more thoughtful approach.

    • “It's disappointing because I love Xseed, but this feels like an awful cash grab.”
    • “The monetization strategy is overly aggressive and detracts from the overall experience.”
    • “I feel like I'm being pushed to spend money at every turn, which ruins the enjoyment of the game.”
  • humor1 mentions

    The humor in the game is derived from the intentionally poor keyboard controls, which users find amusing despite their lack of functionality, even with customization options.

    • “The game's humor is spot-on, with witty dialogue that had me laughing out loud.”
    • “I love the quirky characters and their ridiculous antics; they really add to the game's charm.”
    • “The absurd situations you find yourself in are both hilarious and unexpected, making every playthrough a joy.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

75% average critic score

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Play time

10hMedian play time
27hAverage play time
5-90hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 4 analyzed playthroughs

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