While there are many different farming simulation games available, Story of Seasons likely inspired a majority of them. Previously known as Harvest Moon, the franchise opened the door for virtual farming games. However, after changing the title to Story of Seasons, developer Marvelous Inc. began adding other mechanics that have made the series more fun and varied. Although Story of Seasons' primary focus is to restore a farm and raise livestock in a small town, players can now do that while dressing however they wish and romancing whomever they like.
One of the first big changes Story of Seasons implemented under its new name was to make clothing unrestricted by gender. Players have the ability to sew their own clothing in one of the shops they can build, then change into those outfits in their home. None of the clothes are limited by gender, giving players access to a solid variety of fashion choices. This ability was also added to Trio of Towns, though there are less clothing options for both genders in its Friends of Mineral Town remake.
Story of Seasons players are also able to access all available hairstyles in the game for both boy and girl characters. While players do have to select a gender when setting up their avatar, it is possible to make either choice gender-neutral, as well as to explore feminine expression with boy characters and masculine expression with girls. Thanks to these improvements, Story of Seasons fans can express themselves however they like.
Story Of Seasons Lets Players Marry NPCs, Regardless Of Gender
Friends of Mineral Town brought a long-awaited feature to the Story of Seasons games by implementing LGBTQA marriages. While games like Stardew Valley have had these romance options from the start, Story of Seasons was slow to implement them. This could be due to the original Harvest Moon games coming out during the 1990s, possibly worrying developers about how the change might be received by longtime fans. However, this addition has given players the ability to form romantic connections with any of the marriage candidates for the game, regardless of the gender selected. It appears the feature will be returning in the Pioneers of Olive Town, continuing the inclusive improvements to gameplay.
Implementing more inclusive mechanics in games like Story of Seasons allows a broader audience to enjoy everything the titles have to offer. The Story of Seasons games are designed for fans to take a step back from the daily grind and lose themselves in a far-away place. Adding these features means more players can relax and farm potatoes while having the opportunity to play as a character they can relate to, making Story of Seasons the perfect way to explore the magical wonder of farm life from the living room.
