Harvest Moon 64 (N64)

The Harvest Moon series is probably one of the most succesful farm simulation games ever, debuting on the SNES the series enjoyed massive popularity, especially on the hand held consoles. The N64 edition of the game doesnt disappoint, keeping all the favourite features of harvest moon, but in a new isometric viewpoint and enhanced 3d graphics.

As i said before the game enjoys the features that made harvest moon the game it is, such as running a farm using a variety of crops and animals, making friends with your neighbours in the village, and ultimately, getting married.

The game as many Harvest Moon games do, features a in-depth background story with each character, and as you build your relationship with that person, more of their past is revealed to you. Relationships can be increased mainly by giving gifts and talking to them regularly, some other characters have additional means to increase their relationship with you. Relationships with fellow villagers is a large part of the Harvest Moon game, and it helps add to the charm that the game is built on.

Overall this is a very good game, an excellent RPG for the N64, unfortunately the game is now extremely rare, so you're looking at around £25 or more to purchase this game. Is it worth it?

Well the in-depth story line will keep you playing this game for hours. HM64 features an open-ended storyline, so once you finish the story, you may continue playing the game. Although once you finish the story, it does lose a bit of point. The best way to find out if you'll like this game, is to pick up a cheaper Harvest Moon game, possibly the GBA or DS games, as all Harvest Moon games share the same basic principles, if you like them, you'll most likely like Harvest Moon 64.

Plus how often can you get a good RPG without violence in it? This is a great child-friendly game and franchise, and the Harvest Moon games should always be considered if you want your kids to play something you know will have clean content.

The game was released in Japan and the United States only, which contributes to the expensive price of aquiring it in PAL regions.

There are only 3 ways to play the game in Europe.

1. Use an emulator (they are often considered illegal however, in order to legally use one, you would have to own HM64),

2. Have an American (NTSC) console or indeed a Japanese (NTSC-J) console.

3. Use an Import adaptor with your European N64 so you can play American and Japanese games on it. Then just get a copy of HM64 imported.

NOTE: Import adapters have varying reliability and reputations, some of them have reported as only working with a few games, and others as easy to break. I believe the top ones are the 'Passport' system and ones made by 'Blaze'. I am unsure if they work with HM64.