General Information
The reason I'm detailing all of this is because many will compare Fields of Mistria to Stardew due to the similarities they share. As much as I'm loathed to do it myself, it's been the gold standard within the genre since it launched in 2016. Consequently, you can't review a cozy experience without typing "Stardew Valley". However, while comparison is only natural, it would be insulting to describe Fields of Mistria as just another wannabe. As far as I'm concerned, this game delivers the best cozy experience available.
I didn't think it possible before playing it, despite being eager to explore the retro Game Boy aesthetic of its world, but this is the new standard every other cozy adventure will be judged by. To say that of an early access game, and one in such an overpopulated section of the industry, should tell you everything you need to know about how exceptional this Steam title already is.
The charm Fields of Mistria exudes begins the moment you start a new game. Naturally, the way it looks is a large part of its appeal, with its classic Pokémon-style graphics reminding me of trying to catch 'em all on my Game Boy Color. Even so, once you read the well-written dialogue, and see the way the characters interact with one another, you realize its appearance is just one of many commendable attributes.
Each character feels unique and thought-out, right down to the sounds they make when speaking; Holt in particular sticks out in my mind because his "voice" so perfectly suits his personality. Those details are what elevate this experience. They make you want to talk to the characters because you long to know more about them, not merely because it's expected of you. For a game that centers around community spirit, this is key.
That was my first glimpse of brilliance after moving into my farm in Fields of Mistria, but more was to come.
I was dazzled once again when the skills tree opened up to me. Typically seen in traditional RPGs, it was a surprise to be able to customize your experience in this way. Instead of simply levelling up each skill – fishing, farming, cooking – I could put those skills to better use to reap even greater rewards. I especially enjoy being able to gain back stamina when carrying out the more humdrum tasks of the game, or the shortened timeframe when crafting items.
But in Fields of Mistria, some of the items need to be obtained – you won't just receive a fishing rod for free because Terithia felt like giving one away. It's such a minor tweak to the familiar format, yet it feels significant. This is why Fields of Mistria can easily hold its own against other titles: it isn't afraid to challenge the status quo cozy games have maintained all this time.
When using equipment like the fishing rod, there are no mini games to contend with. Instead, Fields of Mistria takes its cues from Animal Crossing, stripping everything down so that it's accessible for all. Some won't like the lack of challenge, but personally, I prefer it. Just because I was able to catch fish with ease didn't lessen the experience; in fact, I'd argue it improved it due to a substantial lack of frustration.
Those who long for the hardship of a grueling challenge need look no further than the mines. Oh yes, while Fields of Mistria isn't a carbon copy of other titles, it has many markers to identify it as a cozy experience. As a result, you'll need to go mining for ore. What is more, you'll need to learn to swing your sword just right. You'll also need to uncover a ladder on each level to progress, with every five levels unlocking a faster travel option via the lift. None of this is innovative, yet I didn't feel contempt due to the familiarity. There's just enough difference to make it feel new.
Variety is the spice of life, or so they say. Despite being able to mine with my eyes closed, one feature that wasn't expected is swimming. I know, I almost didn't believe it at first either, but then I accidentally tapped jump and my character went diving into the local lake. Once there, I thought it was only right to dive for treasure. We had to wait for such features to be included in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, but here the waters are yours to explore at your leisure. It seems obvious for a quote-unquote "cozy game" to include swimming, yet few normally do. Although I have an irrational fear of underwater levels in video games, paddling in calm waters while blossom floats through the air is a pleasing pastime. One I rarely indulge in.
Where are the cons, I hear you ask. Honestly, they're few in number. As of yet, I've not experienced a single bug, though others have. Nonetheless, for a game that's in early access, it's an admirable feat for it runs so smoothly. Its level of polish speaks volumes of the developers' dedication, as well as hinting at how further development will progress. The only way is up for this game... Unless the developers suddenly and inexplicably eradicate all of their hard work, which seems highly unlikely. Whatever the developers do next, retention of Fields of Mistria's individuality must be maintained at all costs.
I would never wish to slander the good name of Stardew Valley, for it breathed new life into a genre that was unfairly left to decay. Nonetheless, let it be said that Fields of Mistria is now the new standard by which I'll measure every other experience within the genre. It's not going to be easy to beat the attention to detail so meticulously thought through here. To those looking to rival this newcomer, I suggest you do your research to make damn sure you have something equally as enjoyable to challenge Fields of Mistria with.
