Harvest Moon DS Sunshine Islands

SCORE: 68

I was pretty excited to hear Harvest Moon DS Sunshine Islands had arrived at the Family Friendly Gaming DR location. I was even more excited when we got it to our main offices and I got to start to play it. This may be the best hand held version of Harvest Moon we have ever played here at Family Friendly Gaming. Natsume has included so much content in this game that families will really get into it. I got into it, and I have played close to two thousand video games in my life. The player starts as the rancher tilling the land, and earning money. From there money is earned to improve the buildings, and then purchase animals. Players are also tasked with finding sunstones. These magical items allow sprites to raise other islands. That is not enough because players can woo characters of the other sex to start and raise a family.

I noticed some of the graphical improvements in Harvest Moon DS Sunshine Islands from previous versions. The animated look of the characters continues, and looks great. The Witch Princess is in this game in a subdued role. I loved the mini games where we got to play with the animals. The magical element is light, and did not bother me personally. I love the images of working hard, and growing ones own food.

Harvest Moon DS Sunshine Islands has great music that fits the theme of the game. I really enjoyed how positive the majority of the characters are. The community in Harvest Moon DS Sunshine Islands work together to make the area better. I did not find any offensive text or sounds while playing this Nintendo DS.

Natsume included so many different things to do that family members can spend months playing Harvest Moon DS Sunshine Islands. It will take quite a few hours to unearth all of the content in this hand held game, so in my opinion Harvest Moon DS Sunshine Islands is worth the price of admission.

The controls are both touch, and buttons. This means the player can decide how they want to control Harvest Moon DS Sunshine Islands. I love that kind of adaptability. Experienced players can skip most of the tutorials with the press of a button. They are in the house on the table in case you want to read them later. I had fun playing this game, and felt a real sense of accomplishment as I grew the farm, and a family.

Players learn a good work ethic from Harvest Moon DS Sunshine Islands. They also learn that a family is a lot of work, and that it takes time. Caring for animals is another lesson in this game. I hope Natsume continues this franchise in how things are done in Harvest Moon DS Sunshine Islands. I will be recommending this game to friends and family members.
- Paul

Graphics: 69%
Sound: 64%
Replay/Extras: 71%
Gameplay: 65%
Family Friendly Factor: 69%
System: Nintendo DS
Publisher: Natsume
Rating: 'E' for Everyone
{Comic Mischief, Use of Alcohol}

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