Daniel Mercer
Although my 20 minutes with Grave Seasons were not sufficient to fully understand its mechanics, I found myself captivated. Surprisingly, the repetitive nature of farming simulations like Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing never appealed to me. the thrill of hunting down a mysterious murderer while tending to crops and navigating potential supernatural elements? That has definitely piqued my interest.
The adventure begins as you inherit a dilapidated farm and homestead, where your mission is to restore it to its former glory while forging friendships with local inhabitants. Shortly after settling into your farming routine—clearing land, tilling soil, and planting seeds—the mayor meets a gruesome fate, prompting your character to uncover the identity of the killer. There’s also an ominous machine lurking in your basement, but that’s a mystery for another day.
While you don’t witness the mayor’s murder, I learned that later killings are depicted in a more graphic and visceral manner. Despite the cozy pixel art style, players should expect to encounter more bloody scenes if they struggle to close in on the murderer.
A fascinating element of Grave Seasons is the absence of a singular, predetermined murderer. Rather than employing a randomized system, developer Perfect Garbage has crafted numerous “bespoke written campaigns,” each culminating in a different resident being revealed as the killer. Not every character can be implicated, but the individual you choose to romance (yes, romance is a feature) might just be the one with blood on their hands, adding an intriguing layer of risk to your love life.
Character diversity is rich, ranging from familiar archetypes like Hari, the robust farmhand, to more unique figures such as Dante, the village fortune teller. Each character exhibits their own preferences and aversions, which can aid your quest for the truth.
As expected from a game that blends farming simulation with mystery, your character is equipped with essential tools like a shovel and a crowbar. These can be employed to break into the homes and establishments of villagers, but beware—there are consequences for being caught. Whether it’s being seen in the act or encountering a resident while intruding, your actions could jeopardize friendships or even lead to dire outcomes.
Grave Seasons is set to launch on Xbox Series X/S, Steam, PS5, and Switch 2 on August 14.
