Harvest Moon: A Wonderful Life

 GameCube
  • Publisher: Natsume
  • Release Date: Mar 16, 2004
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
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  1. Games Radar
    91
    A magical experience you're never likely to forget, and the best game in a series that's never been less than excellent. An essential Cube buy. [NGC]
  2. Eurogamer
    90
    It's a life you'd want to live, and it's a truly refreshing escape from the pressures of reality into an imaginary utopia poised on the edge of an ocean.
  3. TotalGames.net
    90
    The town is massive and the whole style of the game just brings a huge smile to the face.
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  5. Deeko
    90
    An endearing and rewarding experience for those who seek the solace and freedom of world that is focuses on a weapons free, non-violent atmosphere and is easily the best game in the series to date.
  6. GameSpot
    87
    Doesn't fix what's not broken, and it delivers the same addictive gameplay the series is known for in a prettier package.
  7. Gamer's Hell
    86
    If you like Simulation games like "Animal Crossing," you will most likely get a lot of enjoyment out of Harvest Moon: A Wonderful Life.
  8. Just RPG
    86
    What this game lacks in action-packed adventure and evil villains, it more than makes up in addictive gameplay, vibrant graphics, and longevity.
  9. Nintendo Power
    84
    It's easily the best-looking of all the HM games, but it's plagued with some unfortunate problems: somewhat spotty control, not enough characters and days that movie by just a little too quickly. [Apr 2004, p.84]
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  10. Nintendophiles
    84
    As a newcomer to the Harvest Moon experience, I was floored with the almost overwhelming amount of options and choices within the game. The simple and responsive controls make it very easy to play.
  11. GameZone
    83
    We would have liked to have seen more optional tasks and interactivity between characters, but the game is still great fun to play.
  12. GameShark
    82
    The harmony between deep gameplay mechanics and the freedom of choice is a powerful and wonderful thing. The Harvest Moon series has always been know for balancing these two, and A Wonderful Life carries on this proud tradition with addictive gameplay that never leaves you feeling forced into anything.
  13. GameCube Europe
    81
    Stay clear of this game if you don’t have time to play lots of it though, because after you get used to life on the farm it’s hard to turn back.
  14. Edge Magazine
    80
    Much of the enjoyment comes from the awe and wonder at discovering the simple things in the world. Where previous Harvest Moon titles encouraged workaholic tendencies … the thrill here is in experimentation. [Apr 2004, p.105]
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  15. GMR Magazine
    80
    While the repetition of farm life is soothing, the repetition in the human interactions is just annoying...Still, with all the chores, you'll probably spend little time carousing about town, anyhow. [Apr 2004, p.81]
  16. IGN
    80
    The more you play it, the more it grows on you. It's quite easy to fall in love with the world Natsume created.
  17. Game Informer
    80
    Where the previous games felt like work, A Wonderful Life feels curiously satisfying. [Apr 2004, p.100]
  18. netjak
    80
    With the inclusion of the chapter system and the longer days, there is an absolute guarantee that A Wonderful Life will keep gamers captivated for countless hours.
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  19. Cheat Code Central
    80
    Overall the game has that "good vibe" feeling to it that is missing from the majority of videogames.
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  20. Weekly Famitsu
    78
    8 / 7 / 8 / 8 - 31 silver [Vol 183; 16 July 2004]
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  21. Nintendojo
    78
    Just know that it’s very different from every Harvest Moon before it; It’s less busy and paced moanre slowly, it emphasizes the livestock business more than the crop-growing one, and it's not about accumulating a fortune so much as it's about building a family and watching it grow.
  22. GameCritics
    75
    Sure, the game has flaws. But they're transcended by its ability to put us in awe of our own lives. We see our daily tedium through fresh eyes, feel it through newly excited thumbs.
  23. NintendoWorldReport
    75
    A pleasant experience that can become frighteningly addictive. There’s nothing quite like the joy of seeing your hen lay a golden egg after months of pampering, and a hundred other little events are similarly fulfilling.
  24. games(TM)
    70
    The game has made an incredibly successful transition into glorious 3D. This lavish graphical overhaul brings the quaint village of Forget-Me-Not and its quirky residents to life superbly and exudes a hypnotically tranquil ambience that epitomises the ideology of the series. [May 2004, p.120]
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  25. Cincinnati Enquirer
    70
    Short on frills but long on fun.
  26. GamePro
    70
    Although HM: AWL has a mind-boggling array of options, it offers no relief from the monotony of the daily chores. In setting out to create the ultimate farming game, it seems Natsume has simulated the drudgery of farming in real life as well. [Apr 2004, p.99]
  27. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    67
    The most calming game I've played...The downside to this pastoral pleasantness is that it requires Zen-like patience. Chances are, you don't have it. [Apr 2004, p.130]
  28. eToychest
    65
    Old fans will certainly appreciate it, and it has enough charm to compel those looking for something new, but newcomers should certainly be warned that it’s an unusual taste. It is time-consuming, repetitive and dull, yet it is also relaxing and vaguely satisfying.
  29. G4 TV
    60
    It's too bad that an underdeveloped social scene and tedious chores that require frustrating precision keep farm life from being more fun.

Awards & Rankings

24
#24 Best GameCube Game of 2004
3
#3 Most Discussed GameCube Game of 2004
11
#11 Most Shared GameCube Game of 2004

User Reviews

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User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 164 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 136 out of 164
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 164
  3. Negative: 16 out of 164
  1. Vc33
    May 28, 2023
    9
    Como definir este juego en pocas palabras... Bueno.... ¡Mágico y muy hermoso! Una gran experiencia. 9.5/10
  2. Hdogg
    Mar 24, 2020
    10
    The pinnacle of farming/life simulators. Animal Crossing has nothing on this game besides cheeky characters that are visually memorable and aThe pinnacle of farming/life simulators. Animal Crossing has nothing on this game besides cheeky characters that are visually memorable and a distinct graphical style. This game has way more depth and atmosphere than Animal Crossing. You never run out of things to do in this game and the game is very rewarding. If you couldn't tell I am writing this purely because I am mad at how much the new Animal Crossing game sucks compared to this ancient game.… Full Review »
  3. Namiko
    Oct 3, 2019
    10
    My #1 favorite game of all time. I have played this game off and on since I got it originally in march of 2004. Multiple save files later andMy #1 favorite game of all time. I have played this game off and on since I got it originally in march of 2004. Multiple save files later and I have married every bachelor at least once. Can't wait for the newest game in the series. Where to start... music, bachelors, the child grows up, clothing, the animals? The music is hands down the best of the entire series. The Bachelors are all quite different from each other but Gustafa all the way! I love the fact the baby becomes both a child and later a teen. Hope this feature returns in the future. The animals are the most realistic looking and I have a love hate relationship with that but they are still so cute.
    … Full Review »
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