The game is also interesting if you neglect your crops, as they will begin to develop funguses and a certain state of dereliction, nicely expressed by the graphics will become evident in the game. You will have to make sure that your crops are planted, taken care of and harvested when they are ripe, that you sell the produce and that you have a nice relationship to the community. As main gameplay mechanic, you will be doing all sorts of Farmville like activities.
The style is a clean 8/16 bit one, but it also sports elements that go beyond that graphic look and style. Graphics wise, the game combines sprites with a top down view of your farm.
Harvest Moon is a great series which combines cool cartoony graphics with a nice gameplay that, while not on the verge of simulation, is nevertheless very true to a set of simulation principles. Players seeking action and adventure would be advised to look elsewhere, but if you are looking for a relaxing treat to escape from the real world, then you can't go wrong with the delightful Harvest Moon. The 16-bit graphics are still gorgeous, with the wonderfully realised game world and a cast of memorable characters all rendered in fantastic detail. While never exactly thrilling, Harvest Moon really is something of a delight and its influence can be seen today in the likes of Animal Crossing, Farmville and Happy Farm. The game even throws in the option to get married, requiring the player to complete certain objectives in order to win over the affection of the local lasses. The game world goes through seasons, with the weather changing appropriately and which affects what you can harvest, while special events such as festivals and disasters can help or hinder your plans. Players must take over a rundown farm and turn it into a successful business through careful tending of crops and livestock and by conducting business with the locals.