Harvest Moon Tree of Tranquility
ThisHarvest Moon is filled with disingenuousness from the git-go.
The title Tree of Tranquility is misleading - the island is not tranquil at
all - there are uneasy undercurrents here.
In the opening screen, Pascal, the captain, is so saccharin in his description of the
amenities of Waffle Island that you could barf.
It seems that the Mayor wrote the brochure and has grossly oversold the advantages of the town.
My stay at Souffle Farm is not welcomed, and while I help out by doing chores,
I am continually being berated by farmer Craig.
Unbeknown to me it, seems that the Mayor has volunteered my services.
To top it all off - I came to this island to be a rancher and I am stuck
with the same farming-type jobs - watering, pulling weeds.
And what's with all these confectionary terms - Waffle Island, Brownie Ranch,
Souffle Farm, Sundae Inn, Meringue Medical? - this is not CandyLand.
All my curmudgeonly complaints will fall upon deaf ears to those fans of Harvest Moon.
After being around for 10 years, there can't be anyone who doesn't know about this beloved
farming sim, where you are responsible for the whole gamut of mundane farming
tasks that we city folk never dream of.
After farming, the rewards are romance and progeny.
What's different in this version is that it is on the Wii.
Interestingly, it is one of the few games that give directions for the Classic Controller.
At one point, Craig breaks out of character and gives you directions for both the
Classic Controller and the remote.
It is indicative of how little the special features of Wii are put to use.
Aside from the new port, there is a new town, new houses, new people - some cantankerous,
some new animals, and you will have to restore the tree - and that
will probably be enough to satisfy the Harvest Moon fans.
You no more finish a game like this than you do the Sims They just stay on your computer and you pick them up and continue the adventure - whenever.
Reviewed by: Editor - 11/08
Ages: Everyone
Fun Factor: Yes - for those who love farming sims.
Female Factor: Equal time given.
Player Friendly: Has a well detailed manual.