The newest game in the Harvest Moon series has been announced. Harvest Moon: One World is coming to Nintendo Switch later this year. We're not yet sure if it'll also make an appearance on other platforms.
In Harvest Moon: One World, developer Natsume asks players to imagine a world "without tomatoes, strawberries, or even cabbage". Only an old book tells stories of what the world used to be. Early on, the player character makes a mysterious discovery that will take them beyond their hometown and into the wider world. You'll explore picturesque beaches, snow-capped mountains, and plenty more besides.
Gameplay-wise, we're not expecting a huge amount of change from the standard Harvest Moon formula. Natsume says you'll be exploring a big world full of new faces and familiar characters, all while managing your expanding farm. The devs are promising an all-new engine and new graphics, which Natsume president Hiro Maekawa says will "upgrade [the Harvest Moon experience] for 2020". Maekawa also says Natsume will be sharing more about the features of Harvest Moon: One World in the next few months, although at this point we haven't seen any screenshots or other footage.
Is Harvest Moon: One World part of the Story of Seasons series?
It's worth remembering that this is not the same Harvest Moon series as the one that once contained stalwarts like A Wonderful Life, Friends of Mineral Town, and Back to Nature. That series is now known as Story of Seasons after international publishing rights were given to Marvelous' overseas publishing XSeed. Natsume, who had previously been the international publisher, had the rights to the name Harvest Moon, and opted to continue developing titles separate from the original developers that are released as new Harvest Moon titles. One World is part of the new Natsume Harvest Moon series, which continues alongside Marvelous' Story of Seasons. If you're confused, don't worry - you're not the only one.
Harvest Moon: One World will launch for Nintendo Switch later this year. No word yet on a multi-platform release, but given that the last Natsume Harvest Moon game ended up launching for PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One as well, it's not a stretch to imagine this one might. We'll bring you more on this as we get it.
Are you looking forward to a new Harvest Moon game? Do you prefer Story of Seasons? Let us know in the comments below!
