The Ushi No Tane websites specialize in information, FAQs, and guides about the Nintendo console versions of the Harvest Moon, Story of Seasons, and Legend of the River King video games. These game genres are created and published in Japan by Marvelous (JP). In other regions, you'll find Natsume, XSeed Games/Marvelous (USA), Marvelous (EU), and Rising Star involved in the series' release.

The latest version of the mainstream farming series that have been released in various regions of the world are:

• Japan: Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar (August 2025)
• North America: Harvest Moon: Home Sweet Home Special Edition (October 2025) and Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar (August 2025)
• Europe: Harvest Moon: Home Sweet Home Special Edition (October 2025) and Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar (August 2025)

The latest version of River King, in all regions of the world, is River King: Mystic Valley (JP 2007, NA 2008, EU 2009).

Since 2000, Ushi no Tane has been run by a grouchy old lady who happens to be fond of video game agriculture along with two feline helpers: Intern Captain Bootu and Intern Hondo Mewnaka. The website is not officially affiliated, sponsored, endorsed, or employed by the developers of Harvest Moon, Story of Seasons, or River King. This is simply a fan site.

Latest Farming Video Game News

Happy Farm'n Friday! We've had several thunderstorms lately, though not enough rain to water the crops. I did pull out the lettuce last weekend (we haven't eaten any of it, and it's full of bugs anyway) and replaced the plants with the abandoned melon sprouts. No growth yet, as expected, since they were all stunted. On a positive note, I did harvest leftover fingerling potatoes from a felt bag that I hadn't harvested completely last growing season. Some were large enough to eat, while I set the smaller ones aside in another felt bag for another batch of potato goodness.

I'm still playing through Moonlight Peaks, having reached Spring of Year 2. The game's character stories have taken a sad turn, with references to dead moms and broken hearts from lost love. There is still a lack of in-game explanations (e.g., how do I date someone without having to scour the internet for the answer?), so the game could use a library or a farmhouse bookshelf filled with information. Uncle Viktor is not an equivalent substitute. I'm still working toward filling the museum and hunting down the missing bugs and fish, so there is plenty left to do!

I also reached Rank 82 in Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar. Yes, I'm still playing through that one, one sloggy Sunday bazaar at a time (lol!).

We have 2 months to go before the release of Harvest Moon: Echoes of Teradea, and while we still don't know who all the marriage candidates are, Natsume did release a YouTube Short today showing that the protagonist can finally jump from hill to ground. A much-missed feature from Winds of Anthos.

Village in the Shade Release

Just a quick reminder that Nippon Ichi Software's Yomawari series-inspired horror-themed farming game, Village in the Shade, will be released by NIS America on July 29 (next Wednesday). Available on Nintendo Switch 1 and 2, PlayStation 5, and Steam, this single-player farming experience is a peaceful romp through the Japanese mountain town of Kagatsu Village. Grow crops, raise livestock, collect resources, go fishing, and even craft farmhouse décor in this beautifully designed game.

Seems pleasant, but there's something suspicious going on. The town has a strict code of laws to maintain the peace. Most everyone studiously follows the rules, but for those who do not, the nighttime brings dread. Dig into the secrets the villagers are hiding and discover the truth about Kagatsu, if you choose not to follow the rules as well. Otherwise, comply with the village code of conduct and enjoy your peaceful life with your crops and cows.

• Village in the Shade | Steam Store

SimFest Discounts

Video game publishers Mythwright, Stray Fawn Studio, and Future Friends Games are promoting a simulation game celebration on Steam for the fifth year. Discounts are now available on over 125 simulation games until July 27. The farming games included in this PC game promotion are:

• Clanfolks (50% off, Early Access)
• Fae Farm (66% off)
• My Time at Portia (80% off)
• My Time at Sandrock (65% off)
• Solarpunk (20% off)
• The Wandering Village (50% off)

HM3 Comic

Last time we visited with Pete and Sara from the Harvest Moon GB 3 guidebook (2001), Pete had spent a lot of money on a golden chicken, which turned out to be nothing more than a decorative figurine. Might as well try again!

Until next time

-Cher
(Got some office vacation time scheduled for the Teradea release window!)

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