The story behind Story of Seasons is a rather strange one. While it may be a Harvest Moon title in Japan, XSEED Games had to change the name in the West due to licensing. So, it's a Harvest Moon in every possible way, but it just can't be called that over here. The situation is complicated further, then, because Natsume – the IP holder – is continuing the series under the original brand in the West, with Harvest Moon: The Lost Valley being the most recent.
At any rate, Story of Seasons has been nailed down for release in Europe and Australia, with it releasing on January 8th and 9th, respectively. Though it's old news in North America, it seems that Europe and Australia have plenty to look forward to; we rather liked it in our review, giving it a 7/10. If nothing else, it certainly can't be as bad as it's evil twin.
What do you think? Will you be picking this up? North Americans, what did you think of the game? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
[source destructoid.com]
Comments 12
Evil twin hahaha, never heard that one about this two.
I was wondering about the name issue for Europe. As far as I knew, Natsume was a non entity in that region, and the Harvest Moon franchise have been published there by many companies using the HM brand since ever. In short, they most likely can legally use the Harvest Moon name... but will they?
Welp Europe, say good bye to your free time!
The inrony is, THIS is the true Harvest Moon. This is made by the original devs while the seies now called Harvest Moon (Because they aquired the naming rights) are an offshoot series.
This game is made by the former Victor Interactive Software Team, now under Marvelous AQLs hood. Also, this title is a little more true to the series japanese title "Bokujō Monogatari" (Farm Story)
Tempted to pick this up, I only played A Wonderful Life so far, but I remember I loved it and it's a while I wanted to play a new Harvest Moon game.
Still a shame about the name issue, not only the developers can't use anymore the name of their franchise in the west, but someone else have the "right" to use it. I know it's legally correct, but it will always feel super wrong to me ^_^;
So... for someone new to the series; this or Lost Valley?
finally!! Ihhh!
Nice, I've heard a lot of good things about this entry, and since I'm a big Harvest Moon fan, I'll definitely check it out.
(ﾉ^ヮ^)ﾉ*:・ﾟ✧
@Ryu_Niiyama At long last! Now we just need Animal Crossing on the VC Eshop...
@MitchVogel "via destructoid.com" I've sent NL an e-mail regarding the European release of Story of Seasons four days ago, hours after NoE issued the press release and before destructoid even wrote about it. Just sayin'.
@riChchestM This one. This is the original and the other one is terrible.
@Yomerodes No, they can't use "Harvest Moon" as a name, since Natsume owns this brand name worldwide. They've always been indirectly involved with the European releases, which is why it was used in the past.
The game is called "Story of Seasons" here, just as in the US.
@riChchestM This, definitely. The Lost Valley is a Harvest Moon game in name only, by a completely different developer and lacking a lot of what makes HM games so great.
This game is made by the actual original developers and is much more like the old HM games, and a much better game in itself. :]
Someone please tell me... Will the multiplayer stay region-locked between EU and US region? According to this link (http://forum.marvelous-usa.com/index.php?showtopic=28085), the issue between JP and US is programming & server issue. How about EU??? Thank you!
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