There aren’t enough happy games in the world. You know, games with no violence, no death… just happy people in happy villages.
That’s why games like Stardew Valley are such a breath of fresh air. They don’t come along very often, but when they do — I lap them up. It’s why I enjoyed Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles so much earlier this year. Others eschewed it for being boring, but I loved its sweet, amicable world. More of that, please.
Enter My Time At Portia. In development from Pathea Games and being published by Team 17, it’s a 3D sandbox adventure set in — you guessed it — a quaint town called Portia. You’re the new kid in town, moving into a family member’s old workshop that needs fixing up. So far so Stardew Valley, right?
It doesn’t stop there either. You get to craft and build tools to help the town thrive; you interact with townsfolk to forge friendships and relationships; there’s plenty of space to explore, collect and discover — and there are dungeons. I love a good dungeon. Loot, anyone?
My Time At Portia is inspired by the likes of Harvest Moon and Animal Crossing, so while it may not be the most original game to ever come to market, it offers a gorgeous, modernised 3D version of these classic titles, and hopefully come its release early next year will win a place in our hearts.
I’ve had a little time with a demo version of the game, and I have to say I’m pleasantly surprised. It’s not just another copycat; My Time At Portia seems to have a lot of heart and soul, and I can’t wait to see how it stacks up against the other games of its ilk once it’s available.
