Platform: Nintendo 3DS, PS Vita
Developer: Giants Software
Rating: E
MSRP: $29.99
Introduction
‘Farming Simulator 18’ is the latest installment to the ongoing FS series. Exclusive to the Nintendo 3DS and PS Vita handhelds, the game gives players 50 different tractors and vehicles from real world brands, which are perfect for all your farming endeavors. With the new addition of pigs and sunflowers to the mix, your cup runneth over with rural entertainment!
A game like this seems perfect for an exclusive to handheld release, but it might just be for those who already have a grasp on the series. A very specific fanbase was definitely in mind during the conception of this sequel, but if you’re willing to take the time to learn the ropes, you should be able to indulge in the huge archive of content and possibly find your own fun.
The content itself is pretty full of farming options for all your crops and livestock.
One of the biggest selling points for these games is always the newest additions to the farming family with your crops and livestock. This time around, players have the option of farming sunflowers and pigs. It’s unclear why it took so long for pigs to make their way onto the docket, but they’re here now. Luckily, you are given a surprisingly wide space to work with, which can be expanded upon further once you’ve turned enough of a profit. Expansion and growth are necessary to keep your livestock happy and healthy, so there’s definitely a lot of room with which to do so.
As far as equipment goes, there are several choices, which do give you a certain amount of freedom in allowing you to run your farm and spend your money in whatever way you feel is best. You have upwards of 50 different vehicles ranging from tractors to construction equipment, all of which are featured, real name brands. Understanding which vehicles are best for each job is one of the most important skills to hone, meaning constantly switching off is important to make the most of your experience.
The gameplay is very counterintuitive, leaving new players with a bit of a learning curve.
As soon as you start the game, you’ll come to the realization that this may not be quite as friendly to new players as you might expect from an exclusively handheld title. There is no tutorial or hint page to guide you if you are starting your ‘Farming Simulator’ journey for the first time, so expect a lot of trial and error. Looking back on most of the other games in the series, however, it’s apparent that this installment was intended to cut back on some of the excess content of its predecessors. For the sake of the platform, things like multiple farming maps and being able to walk freely without a tractor, have been expunged to allow for a more focused game.
Despite these subtle changes, the gameplay is still very awkward and inconvenient. It doesn’t ask much from players, with the exception of a lot of free time, but the process of figuring out how to accomplish anything with what little information you’re given can be frustrating. The minor addition of some form of guide could make this game much more playable, which makes the whole thing feel like it was catered only for those who are already familiar with the series. That being said, once you understand the mechanics, it can be a rewarding experience if you put in the necessary care and attention.
Verdict
‘Farming Simulator 18’ seems best for those who have played the games previously, or at the very least, like playing these slow-paced hobbyist games and are willing to take the time to learn it from scratch. The interface is not at all user-friendly and the gameplay itself is tedious and time-consuming…not, unlike actual farming. Being able to farm your crops and turn a profit might feel satisfying after the actual accomplishment, but considering the only real goal is to ultimately have the biggest, most profitable farm, the experience feels monotonous and boring. It delivers on what it promises specifically for this series and caters to those who enjoy sluggish games like this, but it’s not ideal for someone jumping in for the first time.
