Harvest Moon vs Story of Seasons - A Brief History
Once a simple question to answer, the comparison between Harvest Moon and Story of Seasons has become more confusing in recent years. Both franchises, which started as one series, now release games independently. Let's take a closer look at how these two farming simulation franchises came to be and explore their differences today. We'll also highlight some popular games from both series to help you decide which one is worth your time.
The Origins of Harvest Moon and Story of Seasons
To understand the differences between Harvest Moon and Story of Seasons, we need to delve into their origins. When Natsume was the publisher of Harvest Moon games, a name change was necessary to avoid legal issues as Natsume owned the Harvest Moon name. This led to the birth of Story of Seasons.
Since then, Marvelous has taken the reins as the developer of new Story of Seasons games, while Natsume has been responsible for new Harvest Moon games. While both series have similarities in relationship and farming mechanics, there are notable differences in art style and customization.
The Characters - Harvest Moon vs Story of Seasons
The biggest distinction lies in the character creation process. Natsume designs the characters for Harvest Moon games released since 2012, while Marvelous crafts the characters for Story of Seasons. However, there may be some archetypal similarities between the two.
Story of Seasons tends to feature more familiar faces, while Harvest Moon introduces new characters with each new installment. Natsume's experience in character design shines through in their artistry for in-game characters.
Art Style and Customization
When it comes to art style, Story of Seasons takes the lead. Its vibrant and detailed visuals create an enchanting world. Harvest Moon, on the other hand, often adopts a more generalized art style with less visual appeal, though there are exceptions.
Story of Seasons also offers a more visually captivating experience due to its unique character designs. While Harvest Moon aims for a more simplistic approach, Natsume strives to provide an open-ended experience with a focus on terraforming and character development.
Both games offer limited customization options that serve their purpose. Story of Seasons grants players greater control over the environment, while Harvest Moon emphasizes terraforming.
The Gameplay - Harvest Moon vs Story of Seasons
Harvest Moon's gameplay can occasionally feel slow and tedious, especially when tasks are unnecessarily stretched out. In contrast, Story of Seasons offers a more casual RPG experience, which can be engaging and enjoyable. It's worth noting that any new Harvest Moon game released since 2012 has been developed by Natsume.
Story of Seasons aims to create a game that feels like home, focusing on socialization and farming activities. On the other hand, Natsume's Harvest Moon has faced criticism for feeling shallow and lacking specialization and depth.
Relationship Mechanics
Both franchises incorporate relationship mechanics, but Story of Seasons recently introduced LGBTQ+ relationships alongside its existing marriage system, which has been a part of the series since its inception.
Story of Seasons takes a more casual and relaxed approach to relationships, allowing players to date multiple characters simultaneously and marry them all. In Harvest Moon, marriage is often a long-term commitment, and the process feels more calculated.
The Verdict
Harvest Moon and Story of Seasons have clear differences, with Harvest Moon being more specialized and Story of Seasons offering a casual and open-ended experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your preferences and what you seek in a farming simulation game.
