Fae Farm
| Fae Farm | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Phoenix Labs |
| Publisher(s) | Phoenix Labs |
| Engine | Unreal Engine[1] |
| Platform(s) | |
| Release | Switch, Windows
|
| Genre(s) | Farm life sim |
| Mode(s) | Single-player, multiplayer |
Fae Farm is a farm life sim with role-playing elements developed and published by Phoenix Labs. It was released on September 8, 2023, for Windows and Nintendo Switch. It was later ported to PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S on October 24, 2024.
Gameplay
[edit]After being shipwrecked on an island, players are rescued by the mayor of a friendly farming community and given an unused farm. Besides farming, players may explore the world, complete quests, engage in combat in dungeons, craft items, and romance the other villagers. Personalizing their house using furniture they craft raises players' attributes. Combat can be avoided through magic potions that turn characters invisible. Characters do not die when exposed to extreme elements or suffering from other hazards; instead, they are safely returned to town and suffer no other penalties.[2] It supports up to four players via online cooperative multiplayer or locally through the Nintendo Switch.[3]
Development
[edit]Developer Phoenix Labs is based in Vancouver, Canada.[4] It released Fae Farm for Windows and Switch on September 8, 2023.[5] The first DLC, Coasts of Croakia, was released in December 2023. It is free for owners of the Deluxe version or the Switch version. It adds a new area to explore and creatures that can be befriended.[6]
Reception
[edit]Fae Farm received positive reviews on Metacritic.[7][8] GamesRadar called it "a low-stakes, inclusive, and supremely cozy farming sim". They praised the lack of grinding and coziness, but they said it "may be too chill for some".[2] RPGSite's reviewer said it is "one of my favorite relaxing games of the year".[3] RPGFan said it "can flip-flop from feeling new, fresh, and polished to an Early Access title that needs some refining". In particular, they disliked the combat system, which they felt to be too barebones, and they said they encountered many bugs. They expressed hope that it would become "the next go-to game in the farming sim genre" after post-release updates.[9] Although Nintendo Life said the social dynamics were unimpressive and felt a bit overwhelmed by the sheer number of things to do, they said it is a "gloriously thoughtful and beautiful farming game that's packed to the brim with details and charm".[10]
Awards and Nominations
[edit]| Year | Ceremony | Category | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 27th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards | Family Game of the Year | Nominated | [11] |
References
[edit]- ^ Williams, Mike (2023-08-17). "Over 40 Unreal Engine-powered games highlighted during recent summer events". Unreal Engine. Retrieved 2023-09-10.
- ^ a b Wickens, Katie (2023-09-06). "Fae Farm review: 'A low-stakes, inclusive, and supremely cozy farming sim'". GamesRadar. Retrieved 2023-09-10.
- ^ a b White, Scott (2023-09-06). "Fae Farm Review". RPGSite.net. Retrieved 2023-09-10.
- ^ Dealessandri, Marie (2023-02-03). "Phoenix Labs regains independence after management buyout". GamesIndustry. Retrieved 2023-09-16.
- ^ Romano, Sal (2023-06-08). "Fae Farm launches September 8 for Switch, PC". Gematsu. Retrieved 2023-09-10.
- ^ Fuller, Alex (2023-12-15). "Fae Farm First DLC Out Now". RPGamer. Retrieved 2023-12-15.
- ^ "Fae Farm (PC)". Metacritic. Retrieved 2023-09-10.
- ^ "Fae Farm (Switch)". Retrieved 2023-09-10.
- ^ Gordon, Sam-James (2023-09-06). "Fae Farm". RPGamer. Retrieved 2023-09-10.
- ^ Gray, Kate (2023-09-06). "Fae Farm Review (Switch eShop)". Nintendo Life. Retrieved 2023-09-10.
- ^ "2024 Awards Category Details Family Game of the Year". interactive.org. Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences. Retrieved 16 February 2024.