This game is just one of the great games that will launch you into the Harvest Moon series. Great game for all ages.

User Rating: 9 | Bokujou Monogatari 2 N64
When I was younger - and, admittedly even now - video games have been an addiction of mine. Maybe not quite an addiction but a way to escape, and I sought after all sorts of worlds. When I first saw this game in the video store I wasn't sure what to think about it, but I was bored and had an afternoon to kill so I tried it. I thought, "Farming? What could there possibly be to do besides growing crops? And to what extent would that keep me entertained?". Well this game really surprised me and has been one of the BEST games I have ever played! It has also been one of the biggest influences on my gaming choices.

This game starts you right off by telling you that you are going to be reviving your Grandfathers farm in nice, quiet Mineral Town. If, after year 3, you have not succeeded in reviving the farm - and quite possibly the town! - you will have to go back home with your Dad. You will pick your name, your dogs name, your birthday (really just the month), and your ranch's name. You wake up Spring 1st and go outside and meet the Mayor of Mineral Town who offers to show you around town. If you accept there's a quick tour and you meet a lot of eligible bachelorettes. Then he will lead you home where you find that you have a nice little house with a bed and TV to stay in, a nice sized field to do with what you wish, a stable for a horse, a livestock barn, and a chicken coop. Oh yeah, can't forget the dog house for man's best friend!

This is really starting to sound like a walk through so I will get to the point. After getting familiar with the town and your farm the days seem to go by quickly. That is probably the biggest setback that I find with this game. However, they need to go fast to keep the game moving forward at a decent pace, so I can understand that. Another downfall is that the conversation in here can be quite repetitive but its easy to ignore. Other than that this game is great! I love the fact that you can make a family for yourself; charming girls, going to festivals together, getting married, and having children. All while getting familiar and making friends with the locals. You can also upgrade your house which is a must in this game!! But it is great to set a goal for yourself and see what progress you get in this game! Attending the festivals is another great part of this game as well. They can be both entertaining and help you advance in the game and with some girls. There is different music for different seasons and during a season they play those songs everyday unless it is raining. I have heard people complain about that aspect of the game, but I like it! They are pretty catchy to me, but you can always use mute!

Overall, I would highly recommend this game to anyone. I recently got one of my 11 year old nieces into it and every time she comes over she asks to play it, while I play my handheld versions of the game. Even if you've never heard of the series, give it a try....you may just end up liking it!