So now that the game came out digitally, I took the plunge and bought Harvest Moon: A New Beginning. Don't regret it one bit, even if the opening could be a bit quicker. Anyone else here pick up or going to pick up the game? I've plunged an unhealthy number of hours into it already, but I'm curious to test out the multiplayer mode at some point.

About thirty or so by now.

I actually never played a Harvest Moon game before. I'd probably like it but I think I like Animal Crossing more. I like collection games which I gotta limit myself to them because if I didn't I'd be playing them forever. Do you like Harvest Moon more than Animal Crossing?

I noticed you've been playing this game a lot lately! (Yes, I stalk my friends list to see what people are playing).

I haven't tried a Harvest Moon game yet.  I picked up Rune Factory Frontier on Wii thinking it would be up my alley being an ARPG and all.  I just couldn't get into it.  So I'm a little weary about this release as well...

Harvest Moon has more set goals, and it's more of a traditional videogame, so I generally prefer HM over AC.

There have, however, been a lot of bad Harvest Moon games. Luckily, this isn't one of them!

If you couldn't get into Frontier, and are not a fan of Animal Crossing, then the genre probably isn't for you. Admittedly Rune Factory is much more action-driven than Harvest Moon, and Frontier is probably the most dungeon-delving game in its series, but that might just mean that Harvest Moon will completely bore you to tears.

Ever played Harvest Moon: Friends of Mineral Town? It's the only harvest moon I've really played, and I definitely enjoyed it - how would you say it compares to that one?

I'm glad you're enjoying it.

I picked it up from Natsume with that limited edition plush cow for my girlfriend for Xmas. But I'm very tempted to pick it up for myself also.

I need to play more Harvest Moon games. I should download the original on the Virtual Console.

This out in UK/EU?

which of the games would be the most comparable to harvest moon 64?

I did indeed. Mineral Town is just under 64 as my favorite in the series, and I'd say New Beginning compares quite favorably to both those titles. The first month is too slow, as the village is mostly empty and money is scarce, but once you start getting to create your own buildings things really take off. If you liked Mineral Town, you should like New Beginning.

Not yet, I'm afraid. I don't know what the release date is either, although I'd be surprised if it doesn't come over eventually.

Back to Nature (PS1)/Friends of Mineral Town (GBA): they're actually the same game. New Beginning is up there with those games, though.