Harvest Moon: Hero of Leaf Valley Review for PlayStation Portable (PSP)

Harvest Moon: Hero of Leaf Valley box art

System: PSP	Review Rating Legend
Dev: Natsume	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: Natsume	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: Apr. 20, 2010	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Everyone 10+	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

Although the game's main objective is to save Leaf Valley, there is some post-game content, which includes the dating sim portion of the game. More personal action sequences will become available once the valley has been saved, and you can eventually marry one of the ladies who live in the village, or the Harvest Goddess. Although this portion of the game is completely extraneous to the main goal, it's a fun addition, and it adds some replay value for those who like to experience all the dating sim possibilities.

Harvest Moon: Hero of Leaf Valley screenshot

Visually, Leaf Valley is a lush, green environment that features a rich and vivid color palette. However, the world does feel a little constrictive at times, and compared to some other recent Harvest Moon releases (like Tree of Tranquility), the world of Leaf Valley can feel a little tight. There is also an above average amount of loading screens in the game, but fortunately these screens only last 1-2 seconds. Music in the game is pleasant to listen to, but if you are playing for a long stretch of time, it can become repetitive quickly.

Harvest Moon has been around for more than a decade, and even the biggest fan of the series can tell you that its most recent iterations have been little more than lackluster. However, even though some titles have shown Harvest Moon's Age, Hero of Leaf Valley shows the game when it's at its best. Sure, the formula is essentially the same, but there isn't much room in the series for bombastic innovation.

The subtle changes made in Hero of Leaf Valley make it a standout title; one that fans of the Harvest moon series should definitely check out, even if they have missed some of the past few iterations.

By Amanda L. Kondolojy
CCC Staff Contributor

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

3.4

Graphics
The world of Leaf Valley is quite charming, but there isn't too much to discover and some areas look a little barren.

3.9

Control
Controls are easy to use and intuitive. The quick menu selection is very handy and makes tool switching a breeze.

2.9

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
The music is nice, but repetitive.

3.7

Play Value
Like all Harvest Moon games, there is considerable depth to the farming/livestock element, and the relationship sim aspects can add some replay value for committed individuals.

3.7

Overall Rating - Good
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

Leaf Valley is in trouble! The heartless Funland Corporation is going to bulldoze the town and replace it with an amusement park unless its citizens can find a way to stop them!

Players will need to grow crops, raise animals, and mine ores and gems to help save Leaf Valley and their family farm.

Along the way, they'll earn money and develop their skills in interactive part-time jobs, and build their relationships with the villagers in order to gain their trust and help!