Taking us back to when times were far more simple yet somehow better, Farming Simulator 16-Bit Edition takes a familiar franchise and gives it a retro spin that brings with it a certain charm that oozes the absorbing gaming characteristics of yesteryear.
The title, by Giants Software, focuses on simplicity over the barrage of complicated mechanics we have seen in the popular, contemporary version, Farming Simulator. While the game will hold little appeal for the die hard simulation veterans out there, those chasing an escape to the golden age of gaming will find what they’re looking for in this back to basics edition.
A Frustrating Start to Farming Simulator 16-Bit Edition
While basking in the light of nostalgia, I somehow missed the very easy to miss (to be fair) short tutorial in the opening stages of the game that, in the space of a few pages, explained exactly what I had to do in Farming Simulator 16-Bit Edition. To be fair, I did have the knowledge that I should be farming (thanks to the helpful title) but beyond that I was one perplexed penguin.
Using my powers of reckoning (hitting all of the keys until one did something) I eventually mastered the controls and set to sowing my seed, so to speak.
Gameplay
If you’re astute enough to not miss the tutorial, Farming Simulator 16-Bit Edition is the epitome of stylishly simple – you simply prepare your pastures, sow your seeds, harvest the wheat and sell your crop for cold, hard cash.
Farming Simulator 16-Bit Edition gifts you with four entry-level vehicles to use in your farming endeavours: a tractor with a plow for preparing the fields, a seeder to plant the seeds, a combine harvester to harvest your combine (?), and last, but certainly not least, a speedy tractor with a trailer for transporting your wheat.
To provide fuel and seeds and to sell your crops, the relevant buildings can be found dotted around the small world. You interact with these stores by driving into a green rectangle where your the transactions are automated – it’s hard work, but it’s honest work.
Upgrade Your Equipment for an Easier Farming Life
Once you have played the game for a short while and accumulated some funds, you are able to visit the store to purchase upgraded vehicles that will make the task both quicker and easier. In my playthrough, I managed to buy myself a huge combine harvester in a bid to collect the wheat from the fields in a swift and efficient manner. However, all of the vehicles have their own upgrades and towable trailers that provide various farmy functions.
Rinsing and Repeating the Rinse and Repeat of Farming Simulator 16-Bit Edition
While Farming Simulator 16-Bit Edition is enjoyable in its early stages, I never experienced any change during the hour or so of playing the game. I’m not sure if there are different crops as you progress further into the game but after a fair amount of time playing I am yet to witness any new things “cropping” up (sorry). It would be a crying shame if farming and selling wheat was the be all and end all of the game, as I do feel it has some real potential. In the interests of science I’ll play some more and report back if I see anything that breaks the monotony a little.
Summary
In a nutshell, Farming Simulator 16-Bit Edition is a game packed with nostalgic charm and does well to submerge the player into the world. However, I fear it will lack variety going forward, despite my hopes of a little more diversity.
REVIEW
OUR SCORE - 5.5
5.5
SCORE
In a nutshell, Farming Simulator 16-Bit Edition is a game packed with nostalgic charm and does well to submerge the player into the world. However, I fear it will lack variety going forward, despite my hopes of a little more diversity.
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