Harvest Moon GB/GBC

Release Dates

Released a year after the original, the first portable entry in the series launched in monochrome on the Game Boy (GB) and then, a year later, with enhanced graphics, on the Game Boy Color (GBC). Harvest Moon GB/GBC contained the same basic premise of the original, but this time around the player’s ability to restore the farm was assessed annually, with an expanded farm and special tools being awarded each year.

Harvest Moon GB/GBC introduced several firsts for the franchise, including the ability to play as a female farmer. Similarly, players now had the choice of a cat for a pet instead of a dog. Other additions included tools used to make butter and cheese and even sprinklers!

Beginning what would become a long-lasting trend, the variety of available crops was doubled thanks to the inclusion of fall and winter growing seasons. Arguably the biggest leap forward concerned events. Harvest Moon GB/GBC contained a wealth of events, some of which occurred annually and others only once. From Maria running away from home to a Summer Stargazing party, there was always something unique happening down on the farm.

Fun Facts

• Though Ann, Maria, and Nina returned from the original game, there was no ability to marry or have children in Harvest Moon GB/GBC. Ann served as a shopkeeper; Maria was the mayor’s daughter.
• The crops you could plant in fall and winter depended on the name you assigned your character. Those who used a capital letter received Eggplant and Carrots, while those who entered a name using lowercase letters received Peanuts and Broccoli. Players who began their name with a symbol received all fall and winter crops.
• Pet cats kept the wild dogs from eating your chickens, whereas having a dog as a pet kept the rodents from eating your crops!
• Honesty can reward the player handsomely! Players who responded truthfully to the Harvest Goddess could receive a Golden Axe. Other tools could be upgraded by Harvest Sprites or by purchasing house upgrades.
• Some differences existed between the genders. Hurricanes damaged your fencing when playing as a male, but not when playing as a female. Also, playing the game as a female with a heart symbol in her name gained players a bag of Turnips, Potatoes, and Grass. It was also easier to get the sprinkler and saddlebags as a female.