Harvest Moon DS

 DS
  • Publisher: Natsume
  • Release Date: Sep 12, 2006
Metascore
67

Mixed or average reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
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  1. GameZone
    92
    Being able to save anywhere makes it the perfect portable game, and since there's virtually no learning curve you can pick it up and play at any time at all.
  2. GameBrink
    86
    Fans of the Harvest Moon series will enjoy this game a lot, not only because it's the first for the DS, but because it integrates the best parts of a few of the older games all into one. [JPN Import]
  3. netjak
    86
    If you have enjoyed Harvest Moon games in the past, this version stays true to the formula.
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  5. Pelit (Finland)
    85
    Harvest Moon DS has captured the charm of the series well. Not the best of the bunch but definitely worth having since it works perfectly as a portable game. [June 2007]
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  6. Nintendo Gamer
    80
    Working yourself into a state of anaemia hasn't - well, actually it has been this much fun before, but with added animal touchery this will still delight. [Nov 2006, p.64]
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  7. Official Nintendo Magazine UK
    79
    With better visuals and touch screen controls this could have been a DS classic. As it is, it's a decent introduction to the genre we shall christen the farm 'em up. [May 2007, p.87]
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  8. Weekly Famitsu
    75
    7 / 9 / 7 / 7 - 30 [March 2005]
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  9. N-Insanity
    74
    While HMDS will not recruit many new gamers into the fray, it executes exactly where it wants to, and that is in maintaining the fundamentals of the franchise.
  10. Gamezilla!
    70
    It follows the Harvest Moon formula to the letter, and that ultimately makes it just as good as previous installments in the series.
  11. Games Master UK
    68
    A sweet slice of handheld fun, but familiarity breeds contempt. [May 2007, p.83]
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  12. Jolt Online Gaming UK
    66
    The game is every bit as cute and niche as ever, but it’s not even pretending to be anything new or innovative for fans – it’s just the same old slog once again, with only a few new faces and a few new things to see.
  13. Nintendo Power
    60
    We've been waiting for a good "Harvest Moon" game for the DS for many, umm, moons, and we're still waiting. [Oct. 2006, p.91]
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  14. IGN
    60
    If Harvest Moon is absolutely essential on your DS, give this one a try at your own risk. As for us, we’ll be heading back to Mineral Town, saving our gold pieces for the real DS successor to Harvest Moon; Natume’s own "Rune Factory."
  15. GamesRadar+
    60
    If cutesy farming RPG makes you raise an inquisitive eyebrow rather than gag, Harvest Moon DS may be worth cultivating.
  16. Pocket Gamer UK
    60
    The gaming equivalent of a brussel sprout – despite being a solid experience, Harvest Moon DS' weak presentation leaves something of a bitter taste.
  17. GameSpy
    60
    Not a bad game, especially when compared to the mediocre A Wonderful Life, but it stays too much within the traditional rules of the series, without trying anything different on the new handheld.
  18. GameSpot
    59
    Aside from including some half-baked touch-screen features, Harvest Moon DS does nothing to set itself apart from previous games in the series.
  19. Deeko
    55
    The graphics are getting old, the touch screen menu system is lacking, the touch screen animal interaction is pure novelty and grows old fast and the storyline is not necessary.
  20. Digital Entertainment News
    50
    Harvest Moon DS feels like an incomplete game. The recycled sprites, scattershot nature of the town and integration of the old game’s cast and town make it feel like an expansion pack at best, or just a half-hearted sequel.
  21. NTSC-uk
    50
    A massive disappointment to hardcore fans of the series.
  22. Eurogamer
    50
    Although Harvest Moon DS possesses the same base addictiveness as its forebears, it has no charm, no originality and no ambition.

Awards & Rankings

42
#42 Best DS Game of 2006
20
#20 Most Discussed DS Game of 2006
28
#28 Most Shared DS Game of 2006

User Reviews

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User Score
7.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 44 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 44
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 44
  3. Negative: 8 out of 44
  1. Radeen
    Aug 25, 2010
    5
    Harvest Moon DS, another instalment to the popular Harvest Moon series. Does it live up to the expectations of its predecessors. Well, to beHarvest Moon DS, another instalment to the popular Harvest Moon series. Does it live up to the expectations of its predecessors. Well, to be truthful... no. But here's why. At first glance, it has exactly the same graphics as the Game Boy Advance's HM: Friends of Mineral Town. That seems like a great disappointment since you would expect the development team to upgrade the graphics. Secondly, the bottom screen and stylus barely come into use other than petting animals. Another major flaw is its tedious storyline. In order to unlock new features (including marriage) you need to find all the 120 harvest sprites but, to make it even harder, they are invisible! The final major flaw, is the world map. It is very unimaginative and its prequel is much better. Not all is bad though, the game still has its Harvest Moon charm and the game-play is still good. But, the bad things out-weigh the good things and you can't help but feel that this is a great let-down. Don't let this review put you off if you are going to buy the game. Harvest Moon fans will have a blast but for newcomers I would suggest the Rune Factory series.… Full Review »
  2. MaccScout
    Jul 21, 2020
    4
    Do you like tedious and long game-play, have unlimited patients or want to torment yourself via a videogame? If so Harvest moon DS Is for you!Do you like tedious and long game-play, have unlimited patients or want to torment yourself via a videogame? If so Harvest moon DS Is for you! This game take far too long to complete, even the mediocre ending would take you at least a few days of grinding, even with unlimited money glitches. Too sum up my feelings about the game and how you'll feel if you ever finish it, Go play Rune Factory 4… Full Review »
  3. AnonymousMC
    Oct 19, 2008
    7
    This game is good, but has plenty of bugs. For instance, there's the billions-of-G glitch, and the fact that if you marry the mermaid,This game is good, but has plenty of bugs. For instance, there's the billions-of-G glitch, and the fact that if you marry the mermaid, she lives in your pond made of stone which can be destroyed by bad weather. Also, it seems to have random crashes. If you can find it for 20 bucks or less, you might want to give it a shot, but I'm not making any promises.… Full Review »
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