Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town

 Switch
User Score
7.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 95 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 60 out of 95
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 95
  3. Negative: 21 out of 95
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  1. herpes01
    Mar 25, 2021
    9
    I really don’t understand all the negative reviews I’ve played both of the farming games out this month harvest moon one world and story of seasons but seasons is by far superior it’s just a fun farming/ life sim so if you have ever played and enjoyed a story of seasons or stardew valley or the older harvest moon games or are interested in trying a game like this just give pioneers ofI really don’t understand all the negative reviews I’ve played both of the farming games out this month harvest moon one world and story of seasons but seasons is by far superior it’s just a fun farming/ life sim so if you have ever played and enjoyed a story of seasons or stardew valley or the older harvest moon games or are interested in trying a game like this just give pioneers of olive town a try you won’t be able to put it down it’s just that addictive.… Expand
  2. uncharted4
    Mar 24, 2021
    9
    this game is pretty good. i noticed few bugs here and there.. gameplay is solid.. characters are interesting and craft things is pretty cool
  3. OhNoItsSenpai
    Mar 26, 2021
    9
    Great game play and plenty to do. Story of seasons has adopted a lot of things from other entertaining Sims and added their own original flair to it. The characters models are quite a bit better than the PlayStation remake we got, and the pastel style world manages to look decent enough on the switch without crashing the poor console. My biggest complaint is the same with all of theseGreat game play and plenty to do. Story of seasons has adopted a lot of things from other entertaining Sims and added their own original flair to it. The characters models are quite a bit better than the PlayStation remake we got, and the pastel style world manages to look decent enough on the switch without crashing the poor console. My biggest complaint is the same with all of these games, a want much more time to do everything! Although it's probably the small time frame in a day that ends up making the game so addictive, planning out your day and the next so that you can complete the task you want. Also, I was excited to see that they had put in a museum system j like animal crossing, but without being able to actually see the animals or artwork of the photos you take it definitely falls flat from the game it was pulled from. Would have rather had it on the PS4 though.… Expand
  4. Fcubero
    Mar 26, 2021
    9
    I’ve been playing the game since it came out and I have been enjoying it a lot. The activities and things you get to do have been fun so far. My only issue is the 10000 makes but I hope these get patched
  5. Sercho
    Mar 30, 2021
    9
    The bokujo monogatari series has evolved through the years, Pioneers of Olive Town has some new mechanics such as crafting, the museum, and the way crops and animals are raised. I love the art and the characters designs too. This new game allows you to marry whoever you want regardless the gender and you can choose your character's appearance, voice and stance besides choosing yourThe bokujo monogatari series has evolved through the years, Pioneers of Olive Town has some new mechanics such as crafting, the museum, and the way crops and animals are raised. I love the art and the characters designs too. This new game allows you to marry whoever you want regardless the gender and you can choose your character's appearance, voice and stance besides choosing your pronouns. This is a great game I recommend to any harvest moon fan or Story of seasons fan.… Expand
  6. firemawile
    Mar 24, 2021
    8
    So far, so good. As a long time fan of these farming sims games, since FOMT on GBA, Pioneers of Olive Town is a largely inoffensive evolution of the series.

    The game is much slower paced in a way. Not that tasks take too long to do, but instead the days feel longer and there's a lot to take care off. Crafting is done fine, although the sheer number of Makers is staggering. It    So far, so good. As a long time fan of these farming sims games, since FOMT on GBA, Pioneers of Olive Town is a largely inoffensive evolution of the series.

    The game is much slower paced in a way. Not that tasks take too long to do, but instead the days feel longer and there's a lot to take care off. Crafting is done fine, although the sheer number of Makers is staggering. It surprisingly feels more like 'My Time at Portia' than SoS at times. The UI needs some additional organizing as well.

    As for the performance, it's also fine. There's a couple of occasions were the framerate will drop (Still a massive improvement from the 3ds SoS, Thankfully). You will also get the occasional visual oddity, try pausing and you get an ugly blur effect.

    I absolutely love this artstyle. It's a nice and natural progression from the 3DS games. The villagers so far are interesting enough, Although the exclusion of character portraits is very disappointing. Olive town is rather charming place, and refreshingly well organized.

    It's a very good entry into the genre. Some may want to compare it to it's competition, I too spent hundreds of hours playing Stardew Valley, but its overall a very different experience. If you like farm sims than SoS Pioneers of Olive Town is a worthy entry.    … Expand
  7. JamesC1992
    Mar 27, 2021
    8
    I felt like this game was trying too much to be like Animal Crossing & Stardew Valley that it lost it's magic of being what it was known for back in the day. The characters are very soulless & the framerate is annoying at times. It's not a bad game & I expect the dlc and patches to really make the game a better experience but it's something to hold me over until the masterpeice of Runefactory 5.
  8. queenpuffgaming
    Mar 29, 2021
    8
    Farming sims have been exploding these days, especially since stardew valley came out everybody wanted to try at least 1 farming sim. Story of seasons goes way back, and so does harvest moon. I have played most of them, and was very ecxited to hear that story of seasons was getting a brand new game instead of another remake/remaster.

    That said, at first i was a little dissapointed in    Farming sims have been exploding these days, especially since stardew valley came out everybody wanted to try at least 1 farming sim. Story of seasons goes way back, and so does harvest moon. I have played most of them, and was very ecxited to hear that story of seasons was getting a brand new game instead of another remake/remaster.

    That said, at first i was a little dissapointed in this new title, small things bothered me like: framerate drops, the townspeople being a little dull, makers only making 1 thing at the time...But as i continued playing i started to see the prospect and potential of the game. They added new simple, yet important things and visualy it is quite pleasing to the eye.

    Time goes a bit slower then it did in friends of mineral town, leaving me to do things a bit more in my own pace. Stamina drops a little less fast too, which is perfect when you go mining.
    I am quite sure they will patch things here and there and bring out the full potential of this charming farming sim, also...if you got the special edition..how cute is that notebook?

    Hope this review helped make up your mind :)    … Expand
  9. WishDreams
    Apr 19, 2021
    10
    I love this game. A unique, cozy, old-school style.

    If you like farm management games, you are going to love this one. It is true that it had a few bugs but currently with the patches everything is fixed. They will also improve the dialogs for free in the latest patch that they will release. Thus leaving a complete game without negative points. I think that after this game the    I love this game. A unique, cozy, old-school style.

    If you like farm management games, you are going to love this one. It is true that it had a few bugs but currently with the patches everything is fixed. They will also improve the dialogs for free in the latest patch that they will release. Thus leaving a complete game without negative points.

    I think that after this game the franchise will only get better.    … Expand
  10. Daitya
    Mar 26, 2021
    10
    Este juego podemos describirlo en un sola palabra, y es, "relajante". Este concepto se lo gana con su estética simple pero cuidada, una banda sonora que calmará tu mente agitada después de un día duro de trabajo, el diseño encantador de cada animal, el uso de los colores con una tonalidad clara...

    Es innegable que este juego está hecho para que te sientes y juegues sin ningún tipo de    Este juego podemos describirlo en un sola palabra, y es, "relajante". Este concepto se lo gana con su estética simple pero cuidada, una banda sonora que calmará tu mente agitada después de un día duro de trabajo, el diseño encantador de cada animal, el uso de los colores con una tonalidad clara...

    Es innegable que este juego está hecho para que te sientes y juegues sin ningún tipo de prisa. Pese a ser un juego de gestión de recursos no te pide la forma más eficiente, te pide que lo hagas a tu manera, como más lo disfrutes. Para mí es el punto fuerte de este título, me ofrece un momento de desconexión al día, dejando a un lado mis preocuaciones y centrarme en disfrutar de mi granja, sin tener que estar pendiente de los objetivos, estresado por no aprovechar cada segundo del día o llevar la mejor gestión posible.

    Hubo mucho revuelo con las opiniones de este título, debido a que en un principio tenía unas pantallas de carga bastante largas, se calentaba y podía haber un poco de lag al entrar en la granja. Esto es un problema y los propios desarrolladores lo saben, por eso lanzaron un parche el 23 de marzo reduciendo a 1/3 las pantallas de carga y mejorando el rendimiento del juego en sí. También han comunicado que este no será el último parche y que continuarán mejorando el juego para hacernos llegar la mejor experiencia posible.

    En mi opión es un juego que me ha sorprendido, y me está encantando. Recomiendo a todas aquellas personas que les guste este género probarlo y también a las que quieran adentrarse en él.
    También creo que este juego va a marcar un antes y un después en la saga. A diferencia de las últimas podemos ver una serie de novedades y contenido nuevo. No han realizado unos cambios a gran escala pero han dado el paso, y creo que esto en la siguiente entrega significará la evolución que algunos tanto esperaban. Por mi parte, estoy contento contento con este título y me encantará ver el siguiente.    … Expand
  11. MarkALV
    Apr 1, 2021
    10
    No hay nada mejor que acostarse, jugar un rato con la luz apagada y la habitación en silencio. Olvidarte de tus problemas y jugar con ilusión, como si volvieras a ser un niño. Me encantan los gráficos, la música y la actualización que la han metido a la fórmula.
  12. eliaaa_elial
    Apr 3, 2021
    10
    This is my first time playing Story of Seasons. It's a pretty good game. The graphics are unbelievably incredible and there is so much to do! The villages dialogues are kind of bland, however, but I hope later they will make it better. I love this game!
  13. Alexcase
    Apr 4, 2021
    10
    I love it, I have enjoyed every hour of the game.

    It would improve some things like the conversations with the NPCs but overall it is a very good game. I'm looking forward to the next one and to polish what I've seen in this one. The next one could become a GOTY if they continue on this path of growth and development of the saga.
  14. Second-of-Relax
    Apr 6, 2021
    10
    Hi, I've seen a lot of complaints about loading screens and npcs conversations. That is why I would like to share an official announcement from the developer (https://marvelousgames.com/blogs/news/story-of-seasons-pioneers-of-olive-town-v1-0-4-patch-notes).

    For the person who is reading this review I have to tell you, don't worry about anything, the game has been improved and updated    Hi, I've seen a lot of complaints about loading screens and npcs conversations. That is why I would like to share an official announcement from the developer (https://marvelousgames.com/blogs/news/story-of-seasons-pioneers-of-olive-town-v1-0-4-patch-notes).

    For the person who is reading this review I have to tell you, don't worry about anything, the game has been improved and updated since its release, and right now it is a game with great potential that will give you many hours of play.

    It is a nice, relaxing and fun game. It has a cheap price and I assure you that you will love it, if you like this type of game.

    Marvelous is doing a great job and you can tell he cares about his product and his fans. I hope that people who have given a negative review of the game for these bugs and errors will re-rate the game, because their reviews are outdated.

    I will leave the twitter of the developer in the US and Europe so that you can validate the news for yourselves.

    Europe: https://twitter.com/marvelous_games
    US: https://twitter.com/XSEEDGames

    Thanks for your attention    … Expand
  15. julietfes
    Mar 20, 2022
    9
    A lot of the negative reviews come from the game's original release but the updates have fixed a lot of the issues! the game is way more fun now, so check this out if you like casual games like stardew valley and classic harvest moon :)
  16. Midnight2shayla
    Mar 25, 2021
    10
    The negative reviews seem obnoxious; hence my rating being a 10. I could see giving it a 4-8 due to the fact that it needs post-release patching (and how you feel about that), but lower than that does nothing to tell of how much work went into this game. Does it need love? Yes, absolutely. They already said they are going to patch it - they’re even adding dialogue. The game, as it stands,The negative reviews seem obnoxious; hence my rating being a 10. I could see giving it a 4-8 due to the fact that it needs post-release patching (and how you feel about that), but lower than that does nothing to tell of how much work went into this game. Does it need love? Yes, absolutely. They already said they are going to patch it - they’re even adding dialogue. The game, as it stands, is still adorable, though. The graphics are fantastic, the gameplay is cute, and the characters are like-able enough. I personally love the crafting and collecting additions, and I’m glad they’re experimenting. I do really miss the 2D portraits, and believe the issues connecting with the characters would be fixed if they re-implemented them. It’s a farming game, there has always been grinding. They have two modes so that you can decide how much you want to grind, but it’s still something you should expect. I’ve been finding it easy enough (and actually relaxing) clearing stuff out. Only real complaint is makers, they need to have variable output.

    Overall, I pre-ordered the premium and have already bought the season pass, no regrets. This game is good and, I believe, going to be fantastic by the time they’re done with patches/dlc.    … Expand
  17. Niisp
    Apr 2, 2021
    10
    I love everything about this game. The music, the relaxing atmosphere, the character design, the new content ...

    I'm glad to return to the saga and enjoy as a child.
  18. ultra_lame
    Apr 2, 2021
    8
    This game is okay, it's really not that bad. Sure it could be better, a masterpiece or something, but it'll hold you over until there's a Stardew sequel. But I really wish the developers would step it up and make something worthy of this great genre.
  19. yamixf
    Mar 26, 2021
    9
    This game so far so good, as long as you like farm-sim game, have a lot of things to explore and a lot of new feature that help you to enjoy the game, not only waste your time everyday to do the same boring things because there's some machine that will help you so you can enjoy the Olive Town more and more. I agree with the people say that this game still need post patch release because ofThis game so far so good, as long as you like farm-sim game, have a lot of things to explore and a lot of new feature that help you to enjoy the game, not only waste your time everyday to do the same boring things because there's some machine that will help you so you can enjoy the Olive Town more and more. I agree with the people say that this game still need post patch release because of some bug is kinda annoying thats why i didnt give this game 10/10 lol… Expand
  20. ShyFarmer
    Apr 2, 2021
    10
    This is the first game in this series that I play, and I have to say that it surprised me in a good way.
    After playing for a week I can say that it is a good game. Addictive gameplay, relaxing music, and cute graphics.

    The development team is working hard to fix the only issues the game has. And they have succeeded :3
  21. Allmygames
    Apr 5, 2021
    10
    It has been years since I played a Harvest moon (currently called Story of Seasons). And I'm glad I bought and played this one. I love that they have polished the 3D graphics and the movement of the characters is natural, and that they control the proportions and volume. (Which in 3DS games was not very successful).

    There are new things in the mechanics, and the game maintains the    It has been years since I played a Harvest moon (currently called Story of Seasons). And I'm glad I bought and played this one. I love that they have polished the 3D graphics and the movement of the characters is natural, and that they control the proportions and volume. (Which in 3DS games was not very successful).

    There are new things in the mechanics, and the game maintains the essence of the first games which is something I love.

    If I were them I would improve the dialogue of the NPCs in normal days. Heart events represent deepening or knowing more about a citizen, but not for that reason normal conversations have to be limited to "Hello" "How are you" ...

    In summary it is a very good game and I will buy the next one if they maintain this rate of improvement in their next games.    … Expand
  22. Poring
    Apr 7, 2021
    10
    Hi there! Here's a rookie with her first Story of Seasons game. I have to say that I love this game.

    Raise your animals, plant your strawberries, fish, go into the mine, meet the villagers, have a child ... You can do many things and that is what I like about this type of game. As I have read, this is the saga that created and expanded the farm genre, and so I tried one of their    Hi there! Here's a rookie with her first Story of Seasons game. I have to say that I love this game.

    Raise your animals, plant your strawberries, fish, go into the mine, meet the villagers, have a child ... You can do many things and that is what I like about this type of game.

    As I have read, this is the saga that created and expanded the farm genre, and so I tried one of their games. I have to say that I do not regret it, and I am looking forward to playing more.    … Expand
  23. tippidink
    Apr 10, 2021
    9
    This game really took me by surprise. I wasn't expecting to enjoy it based off of all the negative reviews. They really put a lot of effort into the farming aspect of this game. A lot of QoL features which were missing from past titles. I love the sense of progression; the way silver ore rocks will eventually start spawning outside. Waking up and visiting my beaches to find oysters andThis game really took me by surprise. I wasn't expecting to enjoy it based off of all the negative reviews. They really put a lot of effort into the farming aspect of this game. A lot of QoL features which were missing from past titles. I love the sense of progression; the way silver ore rocks will eventually start spawning outside. Waking up and visiting my beaches to find oysters and clams, breaking the rock salt rocks. I absolutely adore this game so far. I think people are being way too harsh on it. The only thing I have a problem with is the framerate. I feel bad for the devs because you can tell they put a lot of care into this one. I'd recommend it if you like Harvest Moon games, easy.… Expand
  24. AlbinoCrow
    Apr 5, 2022
    10
    I almost skipped PoOT because of the negative reviews.
    I'm glad I decided to give it a chance. One of the best games I ever played.
    The game seems to have had serious problems when launched, but I honestly didn't notice anything that bothered me. A bit of loading between farm and town, but you usually go there once or twice in a day, and it's nothing too absurd. Some small framerate    I almost skipped PoOT because of the negative reviews.
    I'm glad I decided to give it a chance. One of the best games I ever played.
    The game seems to have had serious problems when launched, but I honestly didn't notice anything that bothered me. A bit of loading between farm and town, but you usually go there once or twice in a day, and it's nothing too absurd.
    Some small framerate issues on some places (probably much smoother on PC), but again nothing that would break the enjoyment.
    And I really liked the characters, chats, cutscenes. Seems more like normal people on a normal small town (I loved Rune Factory 4, but characters behaviours are too exaggerated for me).
    I'm really enjoying the game and created this account just to review it. If you had read some bad reviews and have doubts about it, most of those were written before the latest patches.
    The game is incredible, and if you played and liked FoMT, you will love it.    … Expand
  25. sex69
    Mar 28, 2021
    10
    There was this game before 'Stardew Valley'.
    'Stardew Valley' was created by copying this game.
  26. Aeron_ZX
    Jul 18, 2021
    10
    After Story of Seasons Friends of Mineral Town I was expecting a similar experience (a poor game) but 80 hours later I can confirm this game is really fun to play. The progression system is really well designed, so you have always a new craft to make, a crop to harvest, clean and pave your farm, etc.
    I played a lot of Harvest Moon/Story of Seasons entries and this is the first time I've    After Story of Seasons Friends of Mineral Town I was expecting a similar experience (a poor game) but 80 hours later I can confirm this game is really fun to play. The progression system is really well designed, so you have always a new craft to make, a crop to harvest, clean and pave your farm, etc.
    I played a lot of Harvest Moon/Story of Seasons entries and this is the first time I've been able to marry and finish the game.
    It seems the game had a bad reception, but try it first by yourselves and you'll see it gets you hooked.    … Expand
  27. wallabee
    Jul 2, 2022
    8
    Great game whether picking up new or seasoned. Lots of fun to be had! Pay no attention to performance reviews all have been solved for some time now thus the higher debut score on the PC which benefitted from all these updates. Could be a little more deep character development/dialogue but great farming sim with animals l, crops, flowers villagers A must play if you like the series orGreat game whether picking up new or seasoned. Lots of fun to be had! Pay no attention to performance reviews all have been solved for some time now thus the higher debut score on the PC which benefitted from all these updates. Could be a little more deep character development/dialogue but great farming sim with animals l, crops, flowers villagers A must play if you like the series or farming sims.… Expand
  28. alza2
    Jan 22, 2023
    8
    My daughter wants to give it a 10... but I won't go above 8...
    here comments:
    "C'est hyper cool, mais si on a une maison en bois on a le droit d'acheter qu'un seul animal mais en brique on peut en avoit plusieurs... On peut planter tout ce qu'on veut... On peut fabriquer des jardins..." She's 7 now and has been playing surprising a lot out of it, while she has also Animal    My daughter wants to give it a 10... but I won't go above 8...
    here comments:

    "C'est hyper cool, mais si on a une maison en bois on a le droit d'acheter qu'un seul animal mais en brique on peut en avoit plusieurs...

    On peut planter tout ce qu'on veut...

    On peut fabriquer des jardins..."

    She's 7 now and has been playing surprising a lot out of it, while she has also Animal crossing, all the mario stuff, Miitopia, Kirby, Link' awakening...    … Expand
  29. Ardho
    Aug 28, 2021
    8
    The story is not interesting, but I really enjoy the progress of the gameplay, good game after all, i love harvest moon, bring good memories
  30. MnfH
    Jul 15, 2022
    8
    yep the update fixed a lot of the problems so people should give it a chance and you'll find that this game is a good game.
  31. itsIanWatson
    Sep 13, 2022
    9
    Story of Seasons is one of my favorite game series of all time.

    It has the charm that all the old games have, just with a couple of fresh new game mechanics. Pros: Really good customization. All the characters are very lovable. You can date bachelors and bachelorettes, regardless of gender. The map update is so good. You can find everyone so easily. All the farming and animals    Story of Seasons is one of my favorite game series of all time.

    It has the charm that all the old games have, just with a couple of fresh new game mechanics.

    Pros:
    Really good customization.
    All the characters are very lovable.
    You can date bachelors and bachelorettes, regardless of gender.
    The map update is so good. You can find everyone so easily.
    All the farming and animals are adorable and fun.
    The fashions are really cute.
    LOTS of content!

    Cons:
    No character portraits when speaking to characters.

    There's also a lot of grinding to 100% this game which I personally love. Just think it's important to note. But I also dated every possible romance option so I could see every single cut scene so that added a lot of time to the grinding. But all the cut scenes are so worth it and the dating is my favorite part!

    I highly recommend this game. It has brought me many hours of joy and I don't think you will be disappointed if you love this genre of game.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

25
#25 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2021

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
71

Mixed or average reviews - based on 60 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 60
  2. Mixed: 31 out of 60
  3. Negative: 2 out of 60
  1. Nintendo Force Magazine
    Oct 6, 2021
    65
    It feels like the very narrow gap between Japan's release date and ours worked against it, and I would not have minded waiting a few more months for a more polished final release. [Issue #53 – July/August 2021, p. 72]
  2. Universo Nintendo
    Jun 9, 2021
    80
    Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town shows that the franchise can maintain its established formula by taking risks in other ways like Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing without the fear of losing its own charm. A game recommended for both fans and newcomers to the farming experience.
    Read full review
  3. Checkpoint Gaming
    May 29, 2021
    70
    While I do have a few complaints with Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town, overall I really enjoyed the time that I spent with the game. The actual meat of the gameplay is really satisfying with a lot of more modern gameplay ideas to freshen up the already well-loved franchise. The characters are very sweet and lovely and the cows are so round and adorable.
    Read full review
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