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‘It is undoubtedly one of the finest games of the year.’
Amidst my third bout with COVID-19 in less than two years, I have found solace in gaming. Whenever illness confines me to my bed, gaming provides a much-needed escape. In 2009, while battling swine flu, I immersed myself in the feverish haze of Assassin’s Creed II. During my first encounter with COVID-19, I delved into the immersive world of Red Dead Redemption 2, discovering a narrative that explored themes of sickness and mortality. Now, amidst a year filled with highly anticipated releases, I find myself turning to a small Apple Arcade exclusive called Japanese Rural Life Adventure instead of indulging in titles like Starfield or Spider-Man 2.
I stumbled upon this hidden gem through an X account on Twitter that focuses on upcoming indie games. The moment I laid eyes on Japanese Rural Life Adventure, I felt compelled to play it. The game’s pixel art style and idyllic setting reminiscent of beloved anime classics like Only Yesterday and Wolf Children instantly captivated me. However, what I didn’t anticipate was the heartwarming experience and the emphasis on the importance of community that awaited me.
Japanese Rural Life Adventure shares similarities with other farming simulation games like Stardew Valley, particularly in its initial hours. Upon arriving in the countryside, the player’s character discovers their new home in disrepair, overgrown with weeds. Yet, as the game progresses, it unveils its true essence.
What sets Japanese Rural Life Adventure apart from other games in the genre is its focus on the elderly. Unlike many farming sims, the game doesn’t include romantic partners for the player’s character to pursue. Instead, nearly everyone the player encounters is elderly, expressing their concerns about aging and the absence of younger individuals to carry on their community’s traditions.
According to Takeo Fujita, the founder of GAME START, the developer behind Japanese Rural Life Adventure, the inspiration for the game’s “gentle and simple countryside” stems from a longing he experienced while watching Japanese TV dramas and manga. While the game unintentionally reflects the struggles of Japan’s rural communities, Fujita emphasizes that their primary goal was to create an enjoyable and immersive gaming experience.
Japanese Rural Life Adventure encourages players to slow down and appreciate more than just farming. Fishing, bug catching, cooking, and photographing wildlife provide engaging mini-games that invite players to immerse themselves in the game’s world. Sometimes, I would simply let my character rest on the front porch, observing the beauty of cherry blossom trees shedding their petals or marveling at the enchanting glow of fireflies at night.
Initially, players are confined to a small area around their farm. However, progress and the exploration of new sections depend on helping others. Before I could start growing my first batch of crops, I had to build a bench for an elderly peddler lady to rest on. By completing various objectives, such as restoring a local shrine, the nearby town unlocks.
Upon visiting the town, players are greeted by a deteriorating environment. The roads are in disrepair, buildings are falling apart, and the younger generation is absent, leaving the town on the verge of becoming a ghost town. The revitalization of the town becomes the central focus of Japanese Rural Life Adventure, with the player tasked with restoring roads, buildings, and attracting tourists to stimulate the local economy.
While Japanese Rural Life Adventure doesn’t boast intricate gameplay mechanics, it compensates with its heartfelt approach. Watering plants simply requires a tap, and most tasks involve foraging or purchasing the right items. However, the game’s true charm lies in its emphasis on community and the sense of accomplishment derived from witnessing the results of the player’s efforts.
Completing the restoration project culminates in a summer festival, which demands a significant investment of time and money from the player. Repairing and repainting torii gates and producing chochin lanterns become crucial tasks that culminate in a beautiful nighttime celebration. The game rewards players with a sense of achievement and even grants them a young koi fish to release in their pond as a bonus.
Japanese Rural Life Adventure provides a much-needed respite from the challenges of my COVID-19 experience. Its focus on community and the slower pace of life it portrays resonate deeply with players seeking an escape from the chaos of the outside world. Although unintentional, the game’s depiction of Japan’s vanishing rural communities adds a layer of significance to the experience. Japanese Rural Life Adventure is currently available on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV.