Echoes of the Plum Grove

As a kind of colonial-era simulator, this is kinda cool. You've got a huge farm to work with, lots of villagers to interact with, plenty of recipes and opportunities to build out your farm the way you like it. The papercraft style is very nice-looking. I just kept waiting for it to be fun for me, and it never was. There's no real connection to the story. The dramatic beginning falls flat ("oops, your friend's dead! welp, here's your farm, you pay taxes in a week") I spent most of my time just walking from place to place (fast travel helps a bit, but skips collectibles in between that you kind of need). The interactions quickly got repetitive. I guess the insult option is new, but it's just: OK, this person likes you less now. Why? This might be a nice meditative game to play while listening to an audiobook or something, but as much as I wanted to enjoy this one, I just couldn't.

❤️

lack of content

Very light spoilers for anyone who hasn't picked up this game. Charming and Flexible are two words I would use to describe this game after playing it for as long as I have. I love the nostalgic paper mario look with the cozy farming function, that you can make as easy or as hard as you like. Don't want the island wiped out by small pox? Switch it off. Don't want to deal with rotten food? There's a switch for that too. The hard working indie devs who put their hearts into this game, truly understood how to let the players choose how to interact with the world they built. If you want a game that just let's you vibe and farm, this might just be the one for you. Unless you don't like talking to NPCs much, which case this might not be your cup of tea, but it sure is mine!

I love this game. I have played several hours on Stardew Valley (I also love that game, it has its own charm to it) but I felt like I was missing out on any progression with the family and town aspect. Everyone is ageless in Stardew valley. I like Echoes of the Plum Grove because it has age progression and generational wealth. I also like the farming aspect and historical feel to it. I recommend for anyone to play, it is amazing.

A really great game, the Devs are always making updates that make this game easy to come back to. its got a very chill vibe and i love that you can play through generations. It can be a little grind based at times though, however the developments throughout the game keep you pushing through for a really enjoyable time.