Annie B Girone's review of Stardew Valley

Date last edited: 05-30-2024 at 04:27PM

   
Rating: Everyone 10+

Review:
Video Game
Title: Stardew Valley
Director/Developer/Publisher: Eric Barone/ConcernedApe/ConcernedApe
Distributor: ConcernedApe
Genre: Farm life Simulator, Role-playing
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
PlayStation Vita, iOS, Android
Primary Audience: Everyone
ESRB Rating: E10+
My Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Year of Release: 2016

Stardew Valley, released in 2016, is a simulation role-playing game developed by ConcernedApe (Eric Barone). The game is a farming simulator with a charming aesthetic, fun gameplay, and a cute story. Stardew Valley allows players to step into the shoes of a character who inherits a run-down farm from their grandfather in the quiet town of Stardew Valley. The primary goal is to restore the farm to its former glory. But the game also offers much more than just farming.

In Stardew Valley, players have plenty of things to do, such as growing crops, raising animals, fishing, mining, and foraging. The game has a crafting system and the ability to customize their farm and home. Beyond farming, players can build relationships with the townspeople. Each townsperson has a unique and interesting personality and backstory. The game even includes events and festivals throughout the in-game year.

The First Media Key: Balance
Balance in media consumption is crucial, and Stardew Valley does it wonderfully. The game encourages players to manage their time effectively, balancing farming, social interactions, and skill development. While it is easy to get lost in peaceful, repetitive tasks like farming, the game prompts players to explore other aspects of valley life, ensuring a well-rounded experience. There is no rush or pressure to complete tasks, allowing players to enjoy the game at their own pace.

The Second Media Key: Attitude Awareness
Stardew Valley promotes a positive attitude towards community and environmental stewardship. The game's setting in a small town sets up the importance of building relationships and helping others. Players are encouraged to participate in community events and assist their neighbors, fostering a sense of belonging, camaraderie, and kindness. The game also raises awareness about the impacts of industrialization on small communities, as players often contend with the corporation JojaMart.

The Third Media Key: The Dignity of the Human Person
Stardew Valley excels at portraying the dignity of the human person. The diverse group of characters each has their own struggles, dreams, and personalities. These traits and quirks make them feel real and relatable. The game encourages empathy and understanding as players learn about the townspeople's lives and help them through various quests, interactions, and storylines. The player's character is also given the freedom to shape their own identity and story, emphasizing personal growth.

The Fourth Media Key: Truth-Filled
Stardew Valley is filled with truthful and uplifting messages. The game highlights the value of hard work, perseverance, and the joy of creating something themselves. It also highlights the importance of community and the simple pleasures of life, such as harvesting a large crop or a successful fishing trip. The game’s portrayal of rural life, while idealized, contains elements of truth that resonate with players seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

The Fifth Media Key: Inspiring
Stardew Valley is deeply inspiring. It encourages players to pursue their dreams, nurture relationships, and create a life that brings them happiness. The game's open-ended nature allows for personal expression and creativity, inspiring players to design their farms and lives in unique ways. The underlying story of revitalizing a neglected farm and town serves as a metaphor for personal growth and the power of positive change.

The Sixth Media Key: Skillfully Developed
Stardew Valley is a testament to skillful game development. The game features cute pixelated graphics, a soothing soundtrack, and fun, easy-to-pick-up gameplay mechanics that all work seamlessly together. The attention to detail in every aspect of the game, from the changing seasons to the varied dialogue of the townspeople, enhances the overall experience. All these attributes come together to make Stardew Valley a joy to play.

The Seventh Media Key: Motivated by and Relevant to Experience
Stardew Valley resonates with players because it touches on relevant themes of community, self-reliance, and the need to accomplish something. Its setting and activities give the player a feeling of nostalgic charm and the satisfaction of working hard to build something. It allows players to engage in simple yet fulfilling tasks like farming, fishing, and crafting. Stardew Valley not only entertains but also inspires personal growth. All these aspects combine to make the game both enjoyable and relevant to real-life experiences.

Stardew Valley is an exceptional game that offers a rich, immersive experience filled with positive messages and engaging, fun gameplay. Its combination of farming simulation, role-playing elements, and community interaction creates a deeply satisfying and wholesome game that appeals to players of all ages. With its charming aesthetics, thoughtful design, and heartwarming story, Stardew Valley is a great game to play.


Seven Keys:
Balanced:
Attitude:
Personal:
Truth-filled:
Inspired:
Skillfully Made:
Experienced:

Overall Rating: 35/35

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