Since its release, Stardew Valley has garnered critical acclaim and a massive audience. It’s no wonder that it’s also spawned countless imitators in the years since, and more than a few of these cozy games are actually worth checking out. Now, an upcoming life sim is taking players to rural Japan for an interesting spin on the Stardew Valley formula, and it definitely looks like one to keep an eye on.
Called Japanese Rural Life Adventure, the upcoming life sim is confirmed for Apple Arcade and Steam. Its Steam listing says it’s “a relaxing slow-life simulation where you can experience the charm of traditional Japanese countryside living, all in a beautifully crafted pixel-art world.” You can also view multiple screenshots and trailers, one of which can be viewed below.
Stardew Valley Fans Shouldn’t Miss This One
Considering Stardew Valley is one of the best Steam games of all time, it’s no coincidence that various life sims have tried to emulate its tone and artistic style. However, what sets Japanese Rural Life Adventure apart is definitely its setting, but the core gameplay mechanics appear to be the same: “Fix up an old house, make the yard nice, grow your own crops, and become self-sufficient,” teases the Steam page.
To take advantage of its Japanese setting, the game also includes the following: “View the cherry blossoms in the spring; attend the festival in the summer; eat roasted sweet potatoes in the fall; hear the temple bell ring in winter, and then it’s time for the first shrine visit of the New Year.” From repairing a shuttered candy shop to cooking miso or celebrating in-game events, it sounds like there’s plenty to do.
Japanese Rural Life Adventure Looks Adorable
If the gameplay isn’t enough to entice you, then the art style should be. With its pixel graphics and bright colors, it’s exactly the kind of slow-life cozy game world that people want to inhabit. From the buildings to its cherry blossoms and fountains, there’s just something nice about the way everything looks.
Japanese Rural Life Adventure looks pretty great. And with Stardew Valley’s 1.7 update in the rearview, it may hold you over until the next update arrives, or until ConcernedApe’s Haunted Chocolatier comes out. Either way, it’s definitely the kind of game Stardew Valley fans will want to check out.
Systems
Released
February 26, 2016
ESRB
E for Everyone (Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language, Simulated Gambling, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco)
Developer(s)
ConcernedApe
Publisher(s)
ConcernedApe
Engine
Proprietary
Multiplayer
Local Multiplayer, Online Multiplayer
Cross-Platform Play
Stardew Valley does not currently support crossplay between different consoles and PC
Cross Save
cross-progression is only available between the PC and mobile versions of the game
Number of Players
1-4
AloJapan.com