Summary
An upcoming business management and farming simulator with major cozy vibes is sure to appeal to fans ofStardew Valley. The game, entitledSugardew Island, is aiming to channel the strong gameplay loop, satisfying progression, andatmospheric worldbuilding ofStardew Valleyand other cozy games, making it a potentially great fit for fans of the farming sim genre.
Stardew Valley, inspired by famous cozy games likeAnimal CrossingandHarvest Moon, is now inspiring countless relaxed simulation games, becoming something of a blueprint for the cozy subgenre. The straightforward yet endlessly unfolding structure and content of the game have made it one of the most enduring and replayable cozy games of all time, and several indie and AAA developers have been looking to replicate its addictive gameplay in the years following its release.
Sugardew Islandlooks to be joining the ranks ofpromisingStardew Valley-inspired indie games, appearing to be heavily influenced by ConcernedApe’s breakout hit. Developed by self-publisher rokaplay and with a newly launchedKickstarter campaignthat is rapidly gaining traction,Sugardew Islandsets players on a desert island following a shipwreck. Luckily, the island has plenty of fertile ground and a small population of Forest Folk, allowing the player-character to start a farm, raise animals, and open up a shop, earning a currency called Harmony which can be used to improve the island and ultimately restore the Harmony Tree, which was damaged by greedy humans years before.
Sugardew Island’s Stardew Valley Influence Is Clear
Sugardew Island, like most indiegames paying homage toStardew Valley, places a premium on chill vibes and a generally wholesome, lighthearted atmosphere. In place of high-stakes adventure and dangerous escapades, there are satisfying tasks like farming and caring for domesticated animals; instead of weapon upgrades or leveling up, progression is defined through constant improvements to efficiency and new avenues for profit and expansion. Additionally,Sugardew Islandlooks to place an emphasis on community well-being, with the Harmony Tree and Forest Folk evoking a sense of hopeful, empathetic storytelling with a focus on environmentalism and sustainability.
Sugardew Islandmay share a lot with other cozy games, but it might also be able to stand out in a few key areas. For one thing, while the basic crop and livestock management of the game is similar toStardew Valley’s premise, the customer-facing side ofSugardew Islandcould add a fun and unique dimension to its gameplay and progression systems. IfSugardew Islandcan also deliver on its magical desert island setting, while nailing farming and management sim fundamentals, then it will definitely be a game to keep an eye on.
Stardew Valley
WHERE TO PLAY
You’ve inherited your grandfather’s old farm plot in Stardew Valley. Armed with hand-me-down tools and a few coins, you set out to begin your new life. Can you learn to live off the land and turn these overgrown fields into a thriving home? It won’t be easy. Ever since Joja Corporation came to town, the old ways of life have all but disappeared. The community center, once the town’s most vibrant hub of activity, now lies in shambles. But the valley seems full of opportunity. With a little dedication, you might just be the one to restore Stardew Valley to greatness!
