SunnySide

About

"SunnySide is a single-player Role Playing game that offers a spectacular story and exceptional gameplay set in a Japanese countryside post town. Create your homestead, build relationships with locals, and express yourself through farming, customization, and self-expression. With 113 crops, 27 characters, and hundreds of recipes, SunnySide provides a dense and highly emotional atmosphere, although it can be grindy, lacking in optimization, and buggy."

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

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

71%

Audience ScoreBased on 1,492 reviews

gameplay116 positive mentions

grinding986 negative mentions

The modern take on farming mechanics, such as using a hose instead of a watering can, adds a refreshing twist to the genre.
The character customization options are extensive, allowing for a diverse range of identities and appearances.
The game features a charming art style and beautiful environments that enhance the overall experience.

The game is plagued by numerous bugs and performance issues, making it feel unfinished and unpolished.
The relationship mechanics are shallow, with no marriage or children options, which may disappoint players looking for deeper connections.
The quest system can be confusing, with unclear objectives and a lack of guidance on how to progress.

grinding
988 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The grinding aspect of "Sunnyside" has received mixed feedback from players. While many appreciate the depth and complexity of the farming mechanics, some find the gameplay to be overly tedious and repetitive, particularly due to the extensive resource gathering required for crafting and building. Overall, the game offers a modern twist on the farming sim genre, but the grind can detract from the enjoyment for those seeking a more casual experience.
- “With that said, creating the small details such as building the furniture and buildings requires a ton of resources you have to find in the cave and forest, which makes the game feel grindy pretty early on.”
- “I started with the story mode and since quests had bugs and I had few crashes here and there I gave up continuing on that part since the progress doesn't really satisfy you because it is really slow and tedious.”
- “It also just feels ridiculous how much work you have to put into grinding for materials just to make something. It makes this 'progression' incredibly tedious, especially for something that is pretty much your only way to move forward in the game.”
optimization
464 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
6%
73%
21%
The game's optimization has been widely criticized, with many players experiencing significant performance issues, including low frame rates and stuttering, even on high-end systems. While the developers are actively working on patches to improve performance and address bugs, many users feel the game was released in an unpolished state and recommend waiting for further updates before fully engaging with it. Overall, the optimization remains a major concern that detracts from the otherwise enjoyable gameplay experience.
- “Overall, my only big critique on this game is the optimization and how it stutters in town, but even then it has not made the game unplayable for me and I don't notice it too much to where it's a massive frustration.”
- “The performance still needs some polishing, but the recent updates have made it more manageable.”
- “Yes, optimization needs improvement, but dev response has been fast to let us know this is something they are working on.”
- “However, the game in its entirety feels undercooked and is riddled with bugs and runs very poorly. I have a pretty high-end PC, and a lot of the time the game dips into sub-20 fps during travel through town and other various moments, which can distract from the elements of the game that are great, but it isn't carried enough by said elements that the bugs and performance can be ignored.”
- “First thing first: this game has the worst optimization I have ever seen in a decade.”
- “The performance is laughably bad.”
gameplay
454 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
26%
71%
4%
The gameplay of this farming sim is praised for its immersive mechanics and variety, offering a fresh take on traditional elements like farming, cooking, and character interactions. However, players have noted significant issues with bugs, performance, and unclear mechanics that can hinder the experience, leading to a mix of enjoyment and frustration. While the game shows great potential with its engaging systems and beautiful art style, many feel it requires further refinement and optimization to fully realize its promise.
- “The farming gameplay feels amazingly immersive too, and there's such a variety of crops, flowers, and trees to grow and look at.”
- “At 199 hours, I've really enjoyed the game so far - the mechanics are a breath of fresh air in farming sims, and I really enjoy the complexity in the farming and cooking system in particular.”
- “This game is a gem that takes farming sim mechanics and updates them with a lot more complexity and a modern take that I haven't seen.”
- “In terms of gameplay in the caves, the overall experience feels a bit lacking.”
- “The depth of the farming mechanics feels almost too real and I was excited to automate farming and production but then came the crashes... oh the crashes... since this is a sleep-to-save game, any progress made since your character woke up is lost if the game crashes.”
- “Mechanically, a lot of the systems in this game are tedious and there needs to be some heavy-duty quality of life improvements before I can safely recommend this to anyone.”
graphics
448 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
27%
68%
5%
The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating the unique art style reminiscent of Studio Ghibli and anime aesthetics, which creates a charming and cozy atmosphere. However, numerous users have reported issues with graphical glitches, lag, and unpolished elements that detract from the overall experience, indicating a need for further optimization and refinement. While some find the visuals appealing, others feel they fall short of modern standards, leading to a divide in player satisfaction regarding the game's graphical quality.
- “The game looks absolutely stunning, the art style is very fitting for my own taste.”
- “The graphics are beautiful, and I want to kiss the creators of this game on the mouth.”
- “The art style is great, the little town is beautiful to look at and all the details put into this game both big and small are what make it great.”
- “The game crashes way too often, you lose progress and the graphics are pretty bad too.”
- “Even though it's a final product, there are noticeable bugs and graphical issues that can break the immersion, such as NPCs glitching, character weird poses and animal glitches.”
- “I wanted to love this so bad, but I hate it, the visuals are stiff and unpolished, really glitchy to play.”
story
434 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
17%
80%
3%
The game's story is described as cozy and engaging, with a mix of interesting quests and character interactions, though some players find it slow-paced and lacking depth. While the setting and character designs are praised, many reviewers note bugs and inconsistencies that detract from the overall experience, leading to frustration with quest progression and character development. Overall, the narrative has potential but requires refinement and more substantial content to fully captivate players.
- “I enjoy this game because of the story, fleshed out characters and why they relocated to Sunnyside, the music that is all imagined by Jellyfox, and the love the dev has put into the game as well as their interaction with the Sunnyside community.”
- “The story is engaging and the buildings and homes you can build are nicely made.”
- “I'm enjoying this game so far, and it has a lot of interesting mechanics, and an interesting story.”
- “I started with the story mode and since quests had bugs and I had a few crashes here and there, I gave up continuing on that part since the progress doesn't really satisfy you because it is really slow and tedious.”
- “While the quest line does its job of guiding the player through the game, I wish there was a central mission that gives the player a goal to strive towards.”
- “The divide between the main story and the actual town life is so jarring that it feels awkward and forced, and the lack of change within the characters makes the environment boring after a short time.”
music
314 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
41%
58%
1%
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim for its relaxing and catchy qualities, often compared to the soundtracks of popular titles like Persona and Stardew Valley. Players appreciate the variety of tracks that enhance the cozy atmosphere, with many noting that the music complements the gameplay and encourages immersion. However, some users have pointed out issues with abrupt transitions between songs and a desire for more ambient sounds to balance the music. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout feature that significantly contributes to the game's charm.
- “The soundtrack and game world are beautiful and are easy to get lost in.”
- “The music is so relaxing and gives a good cozy vibe that you can expect out of a farming sim.”
- “Music: this has to be the first thing I mention in detail, the soundtrack here is absolutely immaculate.”
- “The music does not fade in or out, it just abruptly stops and skips tracks.”
- “Just a quick one, there is a real lack of sound in this game, when it's there it's great and adds to the atmosphere but most of the time it feels like 'let's constantly play music and hope the player doesn't notice that there is next to no sound design.'”
- “The music was a bit off and didn't really fit very well.. I would've much rather had the sound of wind, birds and a mellow in the background, but the music was overpowering and didn't really fit on theme with the game.”
stability
226 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
4%
96%
The game's stability has been widely criticized, with numerous players reporting significant bugs, glitches, and performance issues that detract from the overall experience. Many reviewers express disappointment that, despite the game's full release, it feels unfinished and unpolished, with frequent crashes and graphical problems. While some players find enjoyment in the game despite its flaws, the consensus is that it requires substantial improvements to reach a stable and playable state.
- “Everything looks and runs great.”
- “My experience has been mostly bug free, completely crash free, and has run passably well despite how demanding the game is graphically.”
- “I'm not gonna lie and say this game isn't buggy, it for sure is, but for all the bugs I really didn't have any (so far) that interfered with me playing the game.”
- “I'm disappointed as I followed the devs for over a year, waited a few months after full release so they could work out the kinks in their game, and yet, these glitches are still happening.”
- “This game has a lot of potential with its story arc, modernized farming mechanic, and beautiful views, but right now this game is way too buggy to even be playable.”
- “Very buggy, UI and controls not finished, entire sections not finished or hastily put together without care.”
humor
70 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is characterized by its quirky ragdoll physics, particularly during bike crashes, which often lead to hilarious and unexpected outcomes. Players appreciate the lighthearted jabs at traditional farming mechanics and the amusing bugs that add to the game's charm, despite some frustrations with clunky controls. Overall, the humor resonates well with those who enjoy a blend of indie jank and comedic writing, making for a fun and entertaining experience.
- “It's also hilarious when you crash your bike.”
- “The game has some great ragdoll physics and I've busted out laughing more than once, from ramming myself at speed into a barrier or into a raccoon because your body just goes flying and it's very satisfying.”
- “I think it's hilarious that I park my bike in the middle of the road and an NPC gets stuck in a constant 'run over' animation.”
atmosphere
52 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
44%
6%
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its cozy, charming depiction of rural Japan, enhanced by vibrant visuals and a soothing soundtrack that immerses players in a nostalgic experience. Reviewers appreciate the attention to detail, the relaxing gameplay, and the inviting environment, although some note minor issues with sound design and certain mechanics. Overall, the game successfully creates a wholesome and engaging atmosphere that resonates with fans of the genre.
- “They nailed the atmosphere of the game; you really feel like you're in the Japanese countryside.”
- “The Japanese countryside is rendered with loving detail, creating a peaceful and inviting atmosphere.”
- “The vibrant, anime-inspired visuals create a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere that fans of the genre will find utterly charming.”
- “The atmosphere and attention to detail is there, even if some aspects still seem quite unpolished.”
- “Music often gets severely underestimated in setting the tone for a game, but I think the music here plays a significant role in supporting the relaxed atmosphere.”
- “The whole atmosphere is wholesome and very sweet, quests are pretty interesting; the only things that could be improved for me are the music store (because it's a shame you can't preview the music before purchasing) and the animals (my dog won't eat or drink until his bowls are miles apart) - but the game is still fun and cozy!”
emotional
28 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players find the emotional aspect of the game to be deeply engaging, highlighting its wholesome atmosphere and strong sense of community. Many express a desire for romantic storylines and happy endings for characters, which adds to the game's charm, despite some technical issues. Overall, the heartfelt storytelling and attention to detail resonate strongly with players, making it a memorable experience.
- “It was heartbreaking to realize I locked myself out of romancing Kaida because of where I thought to put myself on the scale.”
- “The amount of love and research that has gone into all the little pieces that make this game so amazing is so heartwarming to see.”
- “I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the developers and the team behind Sunnyside.”
character development
20 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
45%
15%
Character development in the game is highlighted by a diverse and extensive character creation system that allows for a wide range of backgrounds, ethnicities, and gender representations, making players feel seen and appreciated. However, some users noted inconsistencies in character and NPC designs, which detracted from the overall experience. Despite these issues, the character designs are generally well-received, contributing positively to the game's relaxing atmosphere and engaging gameplay elements.
- “The character creation is wonderful, offering a balanced representation that made me feel seen, not only as a person of color but also as a woman who appreciates a tasteful approach to character design.”
- “Good writing and character designs with a variety of backgrounds, ethnicities, gender, and sexuality despite its setting in Japan.”
- “Lots of great character designs and a huge cast.”
- “Character design does not match NPC designs and looks weird.”
- “Character design is okay; there's not much to it, but there's enough for different characters.”
- “I love the concept and the character design, but there are some things keeping me from being able to enjoy it or recommend it right now.”
replayability
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
17%
50%
33%
Reviewers highlight that the game possesses strong replayability, characterized by its engaging design and warmth. Even without certain features, players find that it still offers significant replay value, encouraging multiple playthroughs.
- “It is composed with style, warmth, and replayability.”
- “But will still have replay value without it.”
- “Talk about replayability!”
monetization
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Reviewers generally perceive the monetization strategy as thoughtful and player-focused, indicating that the developers prioritize the game's quality over merely generating profit.