Sometimes living in a city like New York can be more trouble than it’s worth. The midtown hustle and bustle, coupled with overpriced artisanal foods you can’t pronounce, countless bodies blocking sidewalks, and a suspicious smell – there’ s always a suspicious smell — it can really bring you down. So when I’m on the crowded downtown four train, and there’s a guy hacking his lung out like he’s on his death bed, I could use an escape. Thankfully, there are games like RaisingStory that help me do just that.
RaisingStory is everything you’d except from a Harvest Moon game, sans the Harvest Moon part. You play a young man, called back from college to learn that his mother is sick and his father is off to search for a cure. It’s up to you to keep the farm in proper order, and that consist of growing and harvesting crops, breed animals, fish, and court one of the towns lovely ladies.
What sets this game apart is its robust online multiplayer. A global chat feature is available, as well as the ability to visit other farms, challenge and steal from each other, and participate in online tourneys. The game is currently in closed alpha development [the game is now in full production!], but developer Apitpit Game promises even more updates in the coming months. Don’t be fooled by the generic, Deviant Art-esque art style, this game has a lot to offer, whether you’re looking for an long term or short term escape. You can check out the free-to-play farming sim for yourself here.
[Edit: The game is out of alpha, and is now in full production. Sorry about that, Apitpit Game!]
