Because real life sucks ass, we can’t get enough of quaint and calm farming/life sims at the minute.
In the last few months alone, we’ve had Animal Crossing, Ooblets, Story of Seasons and countless more – and another one has appeared, vying for our attention and our hearts. Big Farm Story has launched today on Steam in Early Access, and it looks delightful.
It’s the usual story: grandpa leaves you a run-down farm, and it’s up to you, strange newcomer, to restore it to its former glory. Honestly, we’d love to see something original when it comes to these origin stories. It’s always an estranged grandparent or mysterious aunt. Why is it never simply, “I felt like buying a farm, so I did”?
Anyway, it doesn’t matter how you got to own the farm. But you do. And while you’re there, you’ll plant crops, tend to your fields, and take care of your animals. Of course, selling produce means money, which can be used to decorate your home and expand your farm.
There’s a surrounding town to explore too, with NPCs to get to know and friendships to grow. As you play and explore in Big Farm Story, you’ll also build skills in certain areas. Excel in farming, or become a renowned sheep-rearer. Maybe.
There’s a storyline to follow, too, although it looks like Big Farm Story can be approached in the same sandbox manner you’d expect from a game of this type. It doesn’t look like it reinvents the wheel in any way, but with a lovely cartoon art style and a robust set of features, Big Farm Story may well scratch the escapism itch for those of us who just can’t bear to see Tom Nook’s face again for a while.
Watch the trailer below. If Big Farm Story sounds like your cup of soothing and warm tea, it’s available now on Steam for £15.49/$19.99.
