HARVEST MOON
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The Harvest Moon series might be best known as a farming sim, but along with building your own farm, you’ll also be tasked with finding a husband/wife from various different bachelors/bachelorettes in neighboring towns and villages.
Romance is based on affections values, which is then usually attributed to different heart levels. Getting an NPC to various Heart Levels can trigger special events in-game, each specific to whoever it is you’re trying to court. Some Harvest Moon games even feature rivals who’ll try to steal your date!
As the series has progressed, the romance mechanics have become much deeper, requiring specific items or tasks to progress. In fact, Harvest Moon DS: Grand Bazaar required you to date multiple NPCs before you could marry any specific one person.
Since it was so inspired by Harvest Moon, we’ll also give a nod to Stardew Valley: another farming simulator with plenty of romance options. In Stardew Valley you can pursue heterosexual or homosexual relationships with either gender playable-character, and each romantic option has their own specific personality and cut-scenes. Once you’ve sealed the deal, your new spouse will move into your place, and adorably, they’ll have their own room full of all their favorite things.
