When the general populous thinks of video games they most likely think of high scores, big bosses, kidnapped princesses--stuff like that. Even when games are wily and goofy they still contain fantasy elements that bring gamers a sense of escapism (magic mushrooms galore).
In 1997, Natsume dared to challenge that notion with a game based upon the daily chores and busy-bee lifestyle of the farm. They called it Harvest Moon.
Harvest Moon debuted in the U.S. on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) back in 1997 to perplexed-yet-intrigued audiences. Already a hit in Japan, the U.S. market were at first reluctant to this "farm simulator." To most gamers at the time, the idea of watering several acres of farmland, milking cows and picking vegetables all before sundown didn't seem like much like a "game," let alone "fun"--it seemed like a backhanded attempt to deter Gen-X teenagers from laziness. But those who were willing to unearth the charms of Harvest Moon have basked in the fruits of their labor ever since.
In 1997, Natsume dared to challenge that notion with a game based upon the daily chores and busy-bee lifestyle of the farm. They called it Harvest Moon.
Harvest Moon debuted in the U.S. on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) back in 1997 to perplexed-yet-intrigued audiences. Already a hit in Japan, the U.S. market were at first reluctant to this "farm simulator." To most gamers at the time, the idea of watering several acres of farmland, milking cows and picking vegetables all before sundown didn't seem like much like a "game," let alone "fun"--it seemed like a backhanded attempt to deter Gen-X teenagers from laziness. But those who were willing to unearth the charms of Harvest Moon have basked in the fruits of their labor ever since.
