Welcome to EXPlay, (Explain & Play) the review series where we care not for scores but tell it how it is when it comes to every game we get our hands on, whilst also taking the time to include some lengthy gameplay, to give you the reader, the chance to shape your own impressions and views whilst watching and reading.
In this explanatory review, we’re covering Monster Harvest by developer Maple Powered Games.
Monster Harvest (The Explanation)
Welcome to the extraordinary world of Monster Harvest – a farming adventure with a twist! Prepare yourself for an unforgettable journey as you embark on a new life in the enchanting realm of Planimal Point. It’s easy to draw comparisons between Monster Harvest and games like Stardew Valley and Pokémon, coming together in a farming sim with RPG fighting mechanics and monster raising.
In this unique farming experience, you’ll have the chance to develop your very own farm and construct and personalize your dream house. The early game teaches you the basics, but barely, as there was a lot, I felt very lost on. A big downside of indie games with new properties is that there is a lot of learning and dishing out of gameplay details and systems. Monster Harvest slowly reveals the varied gameplay from growing and planting seeds which you later grow into the Planimal species inhabiting the game.
As you harvest stone, wood, and other items, you will craft exquisite furniture, produce delightful jams, and embark on a remarkable journey of crop mutation, creating steadfast and formidable companions to join you in epic battles! Each night you can enter the cave dungeon and take on enemies in a back-and-forth battle system akin to Pokémon where you will pit your Planimals against other enemies. As you traverse the captivating landscapes of Planimal Point, you’ll encounter peculiar Slimes that possess the power to mutate your crops in astonishing ways. Depending on the season, the specific Slime, or the crop you choose to mutate, you’ll unlock a staggering array of up to 72 different mutations!
These loyal and mutated crops, known as Planimals, will stand by your side through all of life’s trials and adventures. They will become your companions as you venture across Planimal Point, engaging in thrilling turn-based battles and embarking on daring dungeon explorations, all while striving to thwart the nefarious plans of the malevolent SlimeCo.
But be prepared for the ever-changing weather and unique seasons of Planimal Point, which will significantly impact your gameplay by altering the crops you can cultivate. Keep an eye out for the mysterious mutations that evolve with the changing seasons!
Monster Harvest’s early hours are slow going as the gameplay builds and expands to new areas. In my opinion, the RPG and farm-building mechanics are reasonably solid. There may be a bit of a learning curve as the game doesn’t teach you much in the early hours but if you stick with it there is a unique building and monster-growing story to work through.
Monster Harvest (The Gameplay)
Game Specifications:
Developer: Maple Powered Games
Publisher: Merge Games
Platform: Nintendo Switch (eShop)
Category: Adventure, Action, Role-Playing, Simulation
No. of Players: 1 (Single System)
Release Date: NA|EU: August 31, 2023
Price: $19.99
File Size: 1.6 GB
Nintendo.com Listing
