Summary
AStardew Valley-like game calledEchoes of the Plum Groveis arriving on the Nintendo Switch. After a PC release in 2024,Echoes of the Plum Grovehas drawn high praise from players, and includes a number of twists that are absent fromStardew Valley.
Stardew Valleyis a casual indie game that lets players take everything at their own pace. While the story starts with the player’s grandpa passing away and leaving the farm to the player’s character, the player themselves never ages and can spend years, decades, or even longer on their farm if they so choose. While many of the farming and socialization qualities of the two indie games are similar,Echoes of the Plum Grovehandles life and deathdifferently.
Echoes of the Plum Grove, an indie game by Unwound Games, is releasing on Nintendo Switch on February 13. The indie game uses a cute visual style, which may remind some players ofPaper Mario. In this indie game, players settle down in a new town after being shipwrecked. From there, players can farm, make friends, raise animals, get married, and have children. Traits can be passed down from the parents to their children. Player characters age inEchoes of the Plum Grove, and can also pass away, due to things like old age or disease. At that point, the player can take over playing as one of their children, or another member of their prior character’s household. Those who would prefer to hold onto their original character, though, canturn off aging inEchoes of the Plum Grove.
Echoes of the Plum Grove Offers Opportunities Stardew Valley Doesn’t
Although players enjoytorturing the Mayor ofStardew Valleywith his purple shorts, there aren’t many opportunities in the game to actually have a significant negative impact on NPCs. The same isn’t true ofEchoes of the Plum Grove. Players can actually poison townsfolk if they so choose, though there can be consequences for one’s actions. Further, villager NPCs can eventually pass away from old age like the player character. The winter will also pose a significant threat, with players needing to stockpile food and supplies to ensure they make it through the cold season.
Pre-orders forEchoes of the Plum Groveon Nintendo Switch are open as of this writing, with a current introductory sale price of 10% off, for $17.99 USD. The standard listed price is $19.99. Those who would prefer not to wait for thecozy gamecan pick up the game for PC now via Steam.
Echoes of the Plum Grove
WHERE TO PLAY
A new life awaits you in Honeywood! After washing onto the island’s shores, you’ll find yourself the newly minted owner to a humble plot of land. Pull up your sleeves, grab your tools, and get to work building a farm that will last not only a lifetime, but span generations!Echoes of Plum Grove is a casual, cozy farm simulator where your decisions have consequences! What to plant, what to stock for the winter, and who to befriend will shape not only the town of Honeywood, but the island itself.Winter brings new levels of danger to players. With your very survival at stake, you’ll have to work your land, fish the sea, cook meals, craft, forage, and more to ensure you make it through the cold season. Should you neglect to prepare, your lineage could end before anyone can uncover the island’s secrets.While your main focus should be on survival, the town of Honeywood puts its best festive foot forward with many celebrations taking place.
