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(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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  2. Cincinnati Enquirer
    70
    Short on frills but long on fun.
  3. 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]
  5. 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]
  6. 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.
  7. 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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