Harvest Moon Animal Parade Review

Platform: Nintendo Wii

Genre: Simulation

Published By: Natsume

Developed By: Marvelous Interactive

ESRB Rating: E

Overview: Harvest Moon Animal Parade is another game part of the Harvest Moon Series.  It is the second game on the Wii and  it has the same character designer of Harvest Moon Tree of Tranquility.  When you start a game, you get to choose between playing as a male or female, and there are two designs for each gender.  The game begins with you on your way to your new farm.  Cain, the man who is bringing you there, asks you several questions, like your name and birthday.  Finn, a harvest sprite that is with you through the whole game, also reminds you that when you get to the farm, to go visit the Harvest Goddess.  Soon, you arrive at your farm, which isn't in good shape.  Mayor Hamilton comes to welcome you, and explains a bit to you.  After seeing the inside of your house, you finally gain control of your character.  Then, after meeting the Harvest Goddess (takes some work), you are told about the problem in this land, and how you are the only one who can fix it.  While the object of the game is to do this, you also can focus on other things, like raising a successful farm/ranch.  This gives you many different goals while you play the game.

Single or Multiplayer: The game is mainly a single player game.  However, you can have another person with a second Wiimote, help you raise your friendship with characters and animals in the game.  This can help you raise the bachelor/bachelorettes who you wish to marry.

Difficulty: The game is not difficult at all really.  The game is mainly focuses on the character life, which is easy once you learn all the basics.  Also, everything that you have to do is explained, either by a character or a book, so it is easy to learn or remind yourself what to do next.

Age:  The game is rated for everyone, however the game might be a tiny difficult for younger children.  With all the things having to be done, it also can get confusing for them, and even older children.  Therefore, the game should be played by kids 12+.

Game Length:  The game's length can either be short or long depending on how you decide to play it through. If you focus more on the main quest, then the game can be a little shorter.  However, if you focus more on making a successful farm, then the game can be longer, because you would need money to start you off, and have a good friendship with your farm animals, and able to spend at least half of the day taking care of crops. This gives you the choice on what to do during your farm life.

Replay:  This Harvest Moon is not really a replay type of game, due to what happens after you beat the main storyline and get married.  There are some people who do play the game over after that though.

Effects/Graphics: The game's graphics are pretty good, though they are basically the same as Tree of Tranquility.  But the effects, such as the sound, are better, comparing to previous Harvest Moon games.

Rating 1 through 5: **** = 4 stars

Final Thoughts: This game is a great addition to the Harvest Moon series.  People who didn't play Tree of Tranquility should have a different experience if they have played other Harvest Moon games.  Though if you did play Tree of Tranquility, then the game might be seem a little similar, with the same characters and the same looks.  But besides this, it is also I big improvement, with all the new features, and a good storyline.  Therefore, the game is another similar, but unique addition to the series, and to one's collection.