Review: Stardew Valley, Nintendo Switch

The farming simulation role-playing video game has been a huge hit on Steam and following numerous ports it has now made its way onto Switch.

Stardew Valley sees you give up your office job after growing tired of life in the city, to take control of your late grandfather’s farm.

The player can select one of five farm maps, with each one suiting a different kind of play style.

For example one farm allows for extra mining opportunities and another is surrounded by water for fishing.

Stardew Valley, which is heavily influenced by the Harvest Moon video game series, works in seasons.

At first your land is overrun with overrun with boulders, trees and weeds, and it is up to the player clear the area to make way for their crops – if they so wish.

The young farmer is also encouraged early on to visit the adjoining Pelican Town to meet the numerous residents there.

Here you work on developing friendships that can eventually lead into love, purchase farming items, fish, cook and craft items.

You can also explore procedurally-generated caves to mine or battle creatures within.

Keep an eye on the clock and your energy levels because collapsing from exhaustion can be costly.

Annual events take place as you progress though the seasons, such as The Egg Festival or The Flower Dance.

Whether you choose to partake in these events is entirely up to you.

This is Stardew Valley’s greatest strength – its freedom.

There are quests for you to take on but there is no pressure to complete them.

Instead, you can focus on building up your farm, including raising livestock, to bolster your bank balance.

Perhaps you want to spend the day fishing, foraging or fighting monsters. Or you can explore the world and just see where the day takes you.

On Switch, the game is suited to short bursts of play when travelling or lengthy sessions at home.

There is so much to do in Stardew Valley but you never feel overwhelmed – after all – tomorrow is another day.

9/10