Harvest Moon: Light of Hope A 20th Anniversary Celebration Guide Twenty Years of Harvest Moon
Harvest Moon: Back to Nature
Release Dates
| Platform | North America | Europe |
|---|---|---|
|
PS |
November 21, 2000 |
January 2001 |
The first game in the series to appear on a non-Nintendo console, Harvest Moon: Back to Nature, would go on to be released in several iterations over the ensuing years. A version of this game featuring a female character was released (PSP) and though the gameplay was identical, the story premise involved washing ashore and being rescued by a mysterious character—a premise that will sound familiar to those who play Harvest Moon: Light of Hope.
Many of the characters from Harvest Moon 64 made their way to Mineral Town for this game, but did so with entirely new personalities, family structures, and careers. Similarly, the young farmer inherited the farm from his grandfather and was evaluated after three years, as in many of the prior games.
Where Harvest Moon: Back to Nature really broke new ground was in the kitchen! Players could learn sixty-four different recipes that used the crops they were growing to make dishes that improved Stamina. Not only that, but gaining access to the kitchen also unlocked the TV Shopping Network, which made it possible to order utensils and pots needed for baking—a bold new feature for the series!
Fun Facts
- Unlike many other installments in the series, players could give multiple gifts to the townsfolk each day, greatly increasing the rate at which one could woo their chosen bachelorette and make friends.
- Crops couldn’t be grown outside the Hothouse in the winter, but there were as many as seven different crops that could be grown in each of the other seasons, a big increase from the prior game. A fishing pond made it possible to raise fish as well.
- Players wanting to marry had to compete with a rival to win their bachelorette’s affection. Each of the five bachelorettes had a distinct rival also trying to impress them.
- For the first time, trophy fish were included to provide a special quest for those who enjoyed fishing. Six King Fish could be caught to earn the title of Fisher King. This honor was bestowed by Greg, a friendly character who was only seen at the beach.