Summary
- Natsume's Harvest Moon titles for Nintendo Switch include DLC, offering a good deal for fans.
- Confusion arises with Harvest Moon and Story of Seasons series, which have different developers.
- CEO confirms optimized releases for Switch; physical and digital formats available.
Two Harvest Moon games from the Nintendo 3DS era are making a comeback by way of a bundle for the Nintendo Switch. The bundle will include all DLC that was originally released for the two games, making it a good deal for those who missed out on the Harvest Moon titles the first time around or couldn't purchase the DLC.
While the Harvest Moon series is still a beloved cozy sim to many, the series can get a little confusing starting with the releases from the 2010s. In early 2010, the original developer of the Harvest Moon games, Marvelous, began releasing its games with a new name in the west, calling it the Story of Seasons. Meanwhile, Natsume Inc., which had previously handled the translation and publishing of the games, began producing its own games under the series title Harvest Moon. As a result, the Natsume Nintendo 3DS games are different from games that held the Harvest Moon name previously.
25 Years Ago, Harvest Moon 64 Planted the Seeds for Today's Cozy Game Craze
Harvest Moon 64 is now 25 years old, so it's time to look back and admire the foundation it laid for one of today's most popular game genres.
Now, two Harvest Moon games from Natsume are coming to the Nintendo Switch. Harvest Moon: The Lost Valley and Harvest Moon: Skytree Village will launch as a bundle from Natsume sometime in Summer 2025. While no price has been listed for the games yet, fans will likely be pleased to know that both titles will include all of their DLC. Harvest Moon: The Lost Valley originally received ten DLC, while Skytree Village had four. Although some of the DLC were free in the first place, many will likely be happy to see that they've been included in this re-release.
Harvest Moon on Nintendo Switch
Some have expressed curiosity as to whether there will be any significant changes with these games. According to the CEO of Natsume, Hiro Maekawa, both games have been optimized for "current consoles." However, nothing further was specified, so it's unlikely any major changes have been made to the games. Players will likely be glad to know, though, that the games are being released in a physical format with both games on one cartridge. A digital release will also be available for those who prefer to download their games.
With the Nintendo Switch 2 being backward compatible with the Nintendo Switch, releases like these serve to further fortify the collection of games on the console family. Those who haven't previously tried out Natsume's Harvest Moon may want to look at Harvest Moon: The Winds of Anthos, the latest console release in the series, which launched for the Switch and other systems back in late 2023.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 51 /100 Critics Rec: 14%
WHERE TO PLAY
A Harvest Moon with Global Appeal!
Trek across beaches, the desert, and even a volcano in the latest entry into the long-running Harvest Moon series! The Harvest Goddess has gone missing, and it's up to you to help bring her back! Along the way, you'll come across cows, sheep, camels, and even reindeer! Dig in, because in this game, the world is literally your oyster!
Before the Harvest Goddess disappeared from this world, she imbued the tiny Harvest Wisps with the knowledge of various seeds, thus ensuring the various fruits and vegetables of the world would not be lost. Using the power given to these Harvest Wisps, you'll unlock various seeds as you progress through the game! But the Harvest Wisps can be tricky to find, as they all appear at different times and places. You'll need to use your noggin to make sure to seek as many as you can of them out!
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- Genre(s)
- Strategy
- OpenCritic Rating
- Weak
