Fields of Mistria review

It is early morning, and a purple cat has thrown several logs of wood at the reporter's head while they were trying to sleep, exhausted from battling sentient lanterns in the mines all day. The reporter wakes up at 6am to chat with the amnesiac dragon statue living down the garden path. Life as an adventurer-turned-farmer in Fields of Mistria is challenging, as the local feudal lady has requested relief crops for the new homestead they were granted in exchange for their assistance.

The game, released after two years of early access, aims to be a spiritual successor to the late 1990s farming simulations. While Stardew Valley is the most famous example, there are numerous other farming sims attempting to capitalize on the genre's popularity. Despite the abundance of such games, Fields of Mistria stands out as a unique experience.

The game is notably relaxed about the actual farming aspect, as it is not overly focused on making more wine than God. This is in contrast to many other farming sims, which often become less about living alongside nature and more about achieving maximal productivity. Fields of Mistria encourages players to try a bit of everything, including fishing, farming, and even upsetting the blacksmith by creating better swords than him.

The game offers real, incentivized reasons to diversify tasks, such as exploring the mines or building a cow playpark. Both activities are treated as equally valuable, preventing the automation trap that plagues many farming sims.

Contrary to expectations, the farming in Fields of Mistria is grounded in reality. The crops are familiar and sensible, focusing on corn, potatoes, and a few other familiar elements. There are no exotic or fantastical plants, such as bluenanas or cursed turnip/melon hybrids. The ranching mechanic also maintains realism, with the farm housing various animals like cows, chickens, horses, ducks, sheep, alpacas, and even capybara.

These animals add a touch of realism and cuteness to the game, making it easier to focus on their affection rather than the unsightly aftermath of their daily activities.

While the game places great emphasis on its visuals, it does not rely solely on aesthetics to engage players. The townspeople of Mistria are a colourful and diverse bunch, with a strong emphasis on their personalities and relationships beyond their superficial appearances. The game features older characters who are as fashionable and full of life as the younger, more typical characters. This approach subverts common JRPG clichés and adds a refreshing layer of depth to the game's world.

In summary, Fields of Mistria offers a refreshing take on the farming simulation genre. By focusing on a grounded, realistic approach to farming and emphasizing character development and relationships, the game creates a captivating world that stands apart from its contemporaries. With its diverse cast of characters and emphasis on versatility in farming tasks, Fields of Mistria is a must-play for fans of the genre and newcomers alike.