Back to the Farm

It has been quite while since I've have played any Stardew Valley and I decided that it was time to return to the peaceful world of farming.  There have been some changes to the game in the time since I last played and they appear to mostly be there for the sake of adding some variety.  I've rolled my new farmer and I'm ready to start growing crops and making friends.

As I was designing my new character the first change that I noticed was that there are now multiple options for the location of your farm.  Rather than just having the traditional plot of land you can now choose a farm that has specific benefits.  I opted for the "forest" farm which offers a spread of land for growing crops as well as a more densely forested area for harvesting lumber.  There are options that offer a larger pond that allows for fishing or one that has rocks located close by for those who enjoy mining.

Other changes seem more subtle and I am not sure that I have really discovered them all yet.  There are more marriageable characters (it seems like almost all the adult characters who aren't married are now marriageable) so you have more options when choosing your spouse.  Rather than just sitting around the house all day your spouse can opt to go outdoors and work on something specific to that character.  I chose to marry Leah and she often is found outside working on a large sculpture.  The option to divorce your spouse is another addition for those situations where you decide you're unhappy with your current partner.

This time around I think I'm going to opt for the Joja Corporation route.  Sure they might be an evil corporate empire bent on the destruction of a peaceful small town, but they do have those low, low prices!  I've done the local route and just want to experience some variety (down with Joja Corp.!).

My farm has grown into a small enterprise.

If you're like me and haven't played any Stardew Valley in awhile you might want to re-explore some of the new features.  I'm enjoying the peacefulness that I remember from my first adventures on the farm.  Happy farming everyone!