Harvest Moon 1996
- Release date
August 9, 1996
- Platform
SNES
- Developer
Pack-In-Video/Victor Interactive Software
Characters
Walkthrough
Overview
Overview
Harvest Moon, released in 1996, introduced players to a unique blend of farming and life simulations. The game's core concept revolves around a young man who inherits a run-down farm from his grandfather. Players are tasked with restoring the farm to its former glory within a limited timeframe, typically 2.5 years of in-game time.
Release Date & Platform
- Japan Release: August 9, 1996
- North America Release: June 1997
- Europe Release: Not officially released
- Platform: Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)
The game's release on the SNES was significant, as it utilized the console's capabilities to create a visually appealing and engaging farming experience. Its release towards the end of the SNES lifecycle meant it had to compete with early 3D games on newer systems, making its success even more remarkable.
Developer & Publisher
- Company: Pack-In-Video (later acquired by Victor Interactive Software)
- Key Personnel: Yasuhiro Wada (Creator and Producer)
- Publisher: Pack-In-Video (Japan), Natsume (North America)
It's worth noting that while Pack-In-Video developed the game, they were acquired by Victor Interactive Software during development. This acquisition didn't significantly impact the game's development but did influence future titles in the series.
Natsume's role as the North American publisher was crucial in bringing the game to a Western audience. They localized the game, including translating text and adapting certain cultural elements to make it more accessible to North American players.
The collaboration between the Japanese developers and the North American publishers set the stage for a long-standing partnership that would see numerous Harvest Moon titles released in the West over the following decades.
This first Harvest Moon game laid the foundation for what would become one of the most beloved farming simulation franchises in gaming history, inspiring numerous sequels and spin-offs and even influencing other games in the genre.
Gameplay
The original Harvest Moon, released in 1996 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), has a simple but engaging narrative:
The game begins with the player character inheriting their grandfather's abandoned farm. The grandfather has passed away, and his last wish was for his grandchild to restore the farm to its former glory. The mayor of the nearby village gives the player character 2.5 years to prove they can successfully run the farm.
Key story elements include:
1. Farm restoration: The player must clear the overgrown land, plant crops, and raise animals to make the farm profitable.
2. Village integration: The player becomes part of the village community, participating in festivals and building relationships with locals.
3. Potential marriage: The player can court and eventually marry one of five eligible bachelorettes in the village.
4. Farm evaluation: At the end of the 2.5 years, the player's success is evaluated based on farm development, finances, and relationships formed.
5. Continuity: If successful, the player can continue playing indefinitely. If unsuccessful, the game ends.
The narrative is largely open-ended, allowing players to focus on aspects of farm life that interest them most. The story progresses through the changing seasons, annual festivals, and the player's own achievements in developing the farm and integrating into the community.
Trivia
In the North American release, the game underwent some interesting changes. For instance, all alcoholic drinks were renamed as "juice" despite characters clearly showing signs of intoxication after consumption.
While many aspects were adapted for Western audiences, some Japanese cultural elements remained. For example, the game's religious references blend Christian imagery (like crosses) with Shinto concepts. Characters often mention deities associated with harvests and commerce, creating a unique spiritual backdrop that doesn't adhere strictly to one faith.
The game's presentation also varied between regions. Japanese players saw a title screen crafted from wooden planks, while international versions featured a sleek 3D-rendered sign.
Interestingly, the game's approach to farm management had some quirks. When broken, fences, typically used for protection, actually attracted wild dogs instead of keeping them out.
The game also featured some charming details in character progression. Upon marrying the player, eligible bachelorettes would don a new outfit - a blue dress with an apron - and sport braided hairstyles (except Ellen, whose short hair would mysteriously grow longer).
Fans of the series might recognize these characters in later installments. The 2005 release, Harvest Moon: Magical Melody, brought back familiar faces and even revealed the names of their parents, adding depth to the game's lore.