Great Harvest Moon game, no doubt about it.
--Graphics--
The graphics were a bit of a let down in the first DS Harvest Moon. People were expecting for it to finally be 3D on a portable console, but a no go. The graphics have stayed the same since the GBA version. The new characters have the same style as the old ones. Cows, sheep and chickens are the same models, even the dog and horse. I did like the graphics for the GBA version, but not so much for the DS version.
6/10
-- Gameplay--
The gameplay has also stayed mostly the same for the DS version. You run around, tend to your animals and crops while trying to make a family. The touch screen plays a small role in the game. It is used 99% of the time for your Rucksack, map, etc… The other 1% is used when you play special Touch Screen mini-games with your animals. However, all this consists of is rubbing your screen as fast as you can, which might result in slight damage. However, the main gameplay of running a farm and such is perfect, just like the GBA. Raising a family has been turned into a tedious task though. The hardest part is filling all the requirements to marry someone. There are special girls like the Harvest Goddess who need a ton of work to win over, but even the normal girls are tedious to get because of one problem: Harvest Sprites. You need to save at least 60 sprites before you are able to marry and it is almost impossible without looking for a guide on the Internet.
8/10
--Music--
Harvest Moon games are usually filled with music, and it's the same for Harvest Moon DS. Not only is there default music for most areas, but it is also possible to purchase records of your favorite songs from previous Harvest Moon games. Many of my favorite songs are there, however some of the songs I don't enjoy so much. Anyways, it always depends on your taste in music, but overall, the list is great.
9/10
--Story--
Most Harvest Moon games consist of stories that start with an old man who owned a farm, then gives it to you, blah blah blah. However, it is really changed in Harvest Moon DS. It all starts with the Harvest Goddess having a dispute with a new character called the Witch Princess. After a small argument, the Witch Princess accidentally banishes the Harvest Goddess. Now, the 101 Harvest Sprites decide to go and save her, however they get trapped inside a different world. Now it is up to you to save all the 101 Harvest Sprites and the Goddess while running a successful farm and raising a family. The story is a bit strange, but it's nice to see a new twist.
9/10
--Overall--
Harvest Moon DS is a great game! Sure, the graphics weren't what people expected, but it doesn't change the fact that it's still a really great Harvest Moon game. Many of the early products of the game were glitchy and froze a lot, however the new ones are perfect, so there is no reason not to get it. Any Harvest Moon fan should get it and any DS owner should check it out because it will keep you busy for hours on end.
8/10