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Harvest Moon: Back to Nature

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Natsume's farm simulation series makes its debut on the PlayStation with Harvest Moon: Back to Nature. Starting out with a few rudimentary implements and very little money, you begin the arduous task of reviving your grandfather's farm and thereby claiming your place as its rightful heir. Play...

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Developer
Victor Interactive Software

Released on
1999

Size
1 Player

Version
PlayStation

Requirements
Sony Playstation

Downloads
Life Simulation

Publisher
Natsume

ESRB Rating
E - Everyone

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Description

Natsume’s farm simulation series makes its debut on the PlayStation with Harvest Moon: Back to Nature. Starting out with a few rudimentary implements and very little money, you begin the arduous task of reviving your grandfather’s farm and thereby claiming your place as its rightful heir.

Players are given three years to achieve this goal. A year consists of four seasons, each of which lasts 30 days. Different crops can be planted each season, but before the seeds can be planted, the land must be cleared and then the soil tilled.

Seeds must also be watered until the fruit or vegetable matures. Once the crops are ready for harvest, they can be placed in a shipping bin where they’ll be collected and paid for. In addition to farming, players will interact with local villagers and partake in seasonal events such as the Tomato Festival and Fireworks Display. As more money is earned, players can expand their farm and begin to raise livestock such as chickens and cows.

Harvest Moon: Back to Nature

Originally released for the PlayStation in 1999 (Japan) and 2000 (North America) by Victor Interactive Software and Natsume, Harvest Moon: Back to Nature is a landmark title in the farming simulation genre. The game departs from previous Nintendo-exclusive iterations to deliver a fully realized, isometric 3D version of Mineral Town. The storyline places players in the boots of a young man who inherits his late grandfather’s dilapidated farm. The town mayor grants you exactly three years to restore the overgrown fields, care for livestock, and integrate into the local community. Failure to do so results in eviction, making every virtual day a race against the calendar.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

The core gameplay loop centers on rigorous time and stamina management. Players must clear weeds, logs, and boulders using upgradable tools (Sickle, Hoe, Axe, Hammer, and Watering Can) made of copper, silver, gold, and mystrile. Crops change with the seasons, requiring strategic planting of turnips in spring or pineapples in summer. Animal husbandry allows players to raise chickens, sheep, and cows to produce eggs, wool, and milk. Beyond agriculture, you can forage on Mother's Hill, mine for valuable ores, and participate in seasonal town festivals. Socializing is crucial; players can court one of five bachelorettes—Popuri, Karen, Ann, Elli, or Mary—by giving them preferred gifts to eventually marry and start a family.

Keyboard Controls

Arrow Keys / D-Pad: Move character and navigate menus.
Z Key (Action/Confirm): Use currently equipped tool, pick up items, or talk to villagers.
X Key (Cancel/Run): Cancel menu selections or hold down to run.
C Key (Inventory): Open the rucksack to select tools or items.
V Key (Whistle): Whistle to call your dog or horse.
Enter (Start): Pause the game and view the farm status screen.