Another agricultural simulation from the hoard of clones caught my eye. So what distinguishes Farm Mania from a multitude of look-alikes? Actually I found this one to be on of the most playable and catchy views of farming life so far. This game offers a number of animals to care for in between dozens of stages. Action in the game is well-balanced and the presentation is lively enough. Overall the game is a welcome distraction for true devotees of the genre who may even be somewhat tired of it. Let’s take a closer look then!
As far as the story goes Farm Mania wouldn’t offer anything especially revolutionary. A young but determined protagonist, Anna, strives to save her grandfather’s farm. The farm is obviously in some sort of disarray. The idea might sound fairly familiar. But alas, half of the games in the genre start on the same note. Don’t let it discourage you. In this particular case the story is not important – the actual way it was executed is more important. The game’s developers took their time and invested a lot into Farm Mania. Backdrops are lively and present beautiful views of fields and forests. Animated characters were obviously made with love.
Game-play of Farm Mania is pleasing to the eye in its simplicity. Each stage offers a land plot with certain farm buildings and fields are located. You are given some tasks to execute within a limited time period. Since it’s a time management game be prepared to juggle your tasks and do your best to do everything efficiently. Casual Mode is offered too but where is the fun in it? There also something alike scavenger hunts when you will be trying to locate your misplaced ships in wooded areas. It breaks the routine if you (God forbid!) get bored while playing Farm Mania.
The game offers a multitude of activities such as crops watering, seeding, hoeing soil and eventually harvesting and delivering made products. There are also animal-related activities such as feeding and watering your herds and managing limited amounts of wheat, hay and clover. Making honey, cheese or bread is included too.
The game is not slow-paced. You must be prepared to invest into upgrading as soon as possible because juggling all the tasks and chores will quickly become rather tricky.
All in all in between a swarm of clones in this genre Farm Mania is a pleasant exception to be taken seriously.
