Overall score on pook's 100-point system (TM): 82, or just 8 Some score reduced for a little graphical blandness, but much better as an overall game.
Graphics (20/30pts, judged based on system)- Unusual among n64 titles, Harvest Moon utilizes a primarily 2d graphic engine. The result is a mixed bag, at times cute, at times blurry, and mixed with a 3d-ish landscape with blurry texture. As well, the game is not huge in visual scope.
Sound:FX/Voice (7/10pts): Pleasant sounds all around, to accompany your farming, mining, and animal raising activities.
Sound:Music (10/10pts): The music is very sentimental and somewhat nostalgic, but ultimately is quite excellent, memorable, and sets a great mood for the game.
Gameplay:Length (15/15): The game has a set period of time to accomplish goals, and the game officially "ends" at that point. In fact, the game calendar continues beyond that, probably into infinity. I definitely played it far longer than the established length. Unfortunately, this game suffers what many games do with no official ending-the last few hours inevitably are boring. That's why you eventually stop playing, and it colors your last memories negatively, despite the many many hours you'll enjoy playing this.
Gameplay-Story (3/5): The story is fairly simple overall, but plays itself out decently through getting to know your fellow villagers, and as you take branching paths on the road to getting married.
Gameplay-Game Design (27/30): Very fun for what it is. There are a lot of activities to partake of. Farming on its own is strangely addictive. Then there is the mining, town interaction, and festivals. Item collection and getting married round out the game. The only thing that might've made this game perfect would have been some longer-term goals. When you hit the wall, you hit it fast and suddenly find there's little else to do, and become bored. Having some final uber-goal would've been a great thing, even at the expense of infinite replay.
Final Thoughts- One of the best N64 games out there.
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