That Nostalgic Buzz

After finishing up Nobody Saves the World, I decided to take a glance at my wishlist and see if anything was on sale.  That turned out to be a bust, so instead I turned to my library to see if one of the large number of titles that I possess would call out to me--think of a Marie Kondo style "does this one spark joy" type of internal questioning.  I felt a bit flummoxed, but then remembered that awhile back the 1.6 update to Stardew Valley released and that it would be the perfect opportunity to start up yet another farm in that quaint little community.  There's nothing quite like those nostalgic vibes you get when you return to one of your perennial favorites!

If it has been awhile since you've ventured on down to the ol' farmstead in Stardew Valley, it's time to make that trip.  There's tons of new stuff to make that return feel worthwhile.  I was immediately struck by the fact that there are now multiple layouts for your farm that can be tailored to a specific activity--for example, raising animals or fishing.  (The real question--did I choose one of the new ones?  No, I did not.) There are new items--I personally have enjoyed the "mystery boxes" which function like geodes but can turn up from a variety of activities (like digging up worm patches or from fishing treasure chests).  One of the best additions that I have encountered so far is "prize tickets" for completing villager requests.  You can cash in your tickets at a new machine in Lewis's house for a rotating lineup of prizes--some fairly minor, and some that are much better--I got a cool new bed and a giant cow decal!

My newest farm that looks like all my other farms.

If completing quests is your deal, villagers also periodically offer up opportunities for longer, more involved missions that revolve around all the major activities (farming, fishing, mining, etc.).  These missions offer up a cash reward as well as a prize ticket but will also unlock new cutscenes.  They're a fun new addition and an opportunity to find something else to do outside of the normal rotation of tasks.

Many new options for customization have also been added--you can paint your farm buildings different colors, choose custom bobbers while fishing, and even add additional room to the traditional house layout!  I feel like I've barely dipped my toes into what appears to be a deep pool of improvements that have been added in several major updates.  Overall, the world of Stardew Valley has greatly expanded and it's worth revisiting if you're feeling that urge to play something relaxing and wholesome.

On the non-gaming, but still gaming related entertainment front, I've started watching the Amazon Prime Fallout series.  The sense of nostalgia is strong with that one!  Before the first scenes even rolled, I was thinking...they better start this off with an old-timey song or else I don't even know if I can watch this.  Sure enough, one of those classic radio songs that was drilled into your head from playing one of the games came rolling out.  I've got to hand it to them, the attention to detail to the game is very strong--from Vault 33 with it's pristine Vaulti-ness to the items--a stimpack, Pip-Boys, and a Nuka Cola machine.  It was a bit magical when the story switched gears to the Brotherhood of Steel and fully power armor clad paladins came striding into the base.  

There were a few details that I found a bit surprising--namely the fact that they decided to make some of the vaults connected (there's reference to 31, 32, and 33 being connected).  The idea behind this seems to be to address something that I never really thought much about in the game--if it was the same pool of people living in the vaults and reproducing...wouldn't things get a little genetically iffy (there are some funny jokes in the show about messing around with your cousins)?  The show built in an entire wedding/marriage scenario where the vaults exchange members.

I'm enjoying all the fun little game details in the show and plan on watching the entirety of the first season.  The story so far seems a bit typical and it still has a little bit of that janky "this is a video game adaptation feeling," but it's fun.  I'd recommend giving it a watch if you have Prime and are looking for something new.