I think what makes a game have a "soul" instead of just being a copy is getting inspired by other games, but still putting their own twist on it. I would only call games Stardew copy if they are literally the same game, but worse and with a different "texture pack" basically. I think the games you mentioned (Apico, Kynseed, Sun Haven etc.) are all unique and their own game. I played all of them and also played Stardew for 400+ hours and I never thought they were too similar.
While HM is the OG, SV perfected the formula. And game studios just go straight to copy (be inspired by, depending how u call it) SV, not HV. Thats why they ask ‘is it a SV clone?’
Harvest Moon was very much available to the west, being Asian wasn't a requirement to play those games, they were insanely popular and FOMT was what inspired Stardew Valley. However, it's undeniable that Stardew Valley was the one that perfected the formula, and most of the "Stardewlikes" we see are obviously inspired by Stardew, not Harvest Moon.
I think what makes a game have a "soul" instead of just being a copy is getting inspired by other games, but still putting their own twist on it. I would only call games Stardew copy if they are literally the same game, but worse and with a different "texture pack" basically.
I think the games you mentioned (Apico, Kynseed, Sun Haven etc.) are all unique and their own game. I played all of them and also played Stardew for 400+ hours and I never thought they were too similar.
I completely agree! I also just got Apico and hopefully I get to play it soon.
Harvest moon walked so these farming games could run
Westerners always talking about stardew valley clone, meanwhile Asians know Harvest Moon is the OG
While HM is the OG, SV perfected the formula. And game studios just go straight to copy (be inspired by, depending how u call it) SV, not HV. Thats why they ask ‘is it a SV clone?’
Harvest Moon was very much available to the west, being Asian wasn't a requirement to play those games, they were insanely popular and FOMT was what inspired Stardew Valley. However, it's undeniable that Stardew Valley was the one that perfected the formula, and most of the "Stardewlikes" we see are obviously inspired by Stardew, not Harvest Moon.
Mini games... Aren't fun honestly
HARVEST MOONNNNNNNN!!!
I HEAR YOU ALL THE WAY FROM THE BACK YEEEESSS!!!!