Summary
On August 23, Twin Sails Interactive showcased three games at GamesRadar’s Future Games Show, one of which includedBloomtown: A Different Story.Bloomtownis being marketed as a narrative-driven JRPG complete with monster taming. Still, there’s no doubt that the art style and storyline are quitesimilar toStardew Valley. There is, however, a unique twist presented in Twin Sail Interactive’s upcoming title that could pique the interest of those who enjoy horror.
WhileBloomtownis a separate entity, the developer ofStardew Valleyhas commented before that he has “never had an issue” with fans creating games inspired by his own. After all,Stardew Valleywas created because of influences from theHarvest Moonfranchise. As such, games with similar concepts are very common butBloomtowntakes these familiar aspects and fully delves into the supernatural.
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Bloomtown Explores the Dark Side of Simulation RPGs
Though it’s been speculated thatStardew Valleyis set in the early 1990s, based on the technology available,Bloomtownis confirmed to take place somewhere in the 1960s. Some have even called the lattera crossover betweenStardew ValleyandStranger Things, which so far seems to be an apt description. Comparable to the Upside Down, there’s a whole new world to explore filled with demons called the Underside.
Bloomtownisn’t officially labeled as a horror game, but players shouldn’t be fooled by the facade of a peaceful American settlement or the cute pixel graphics. It’s been confirmed that the once-cozy town is being targeted by someone or something, as children begin to disappear. The summary on Steam details that the protagonists, Emily and Chester, must set out to save the town “fromthe demonic creaturesthat live in the hearts of its residents”.
A post from the game’s Twitter account debuted the second-ever gameplay trailer ofBloomtown, which offers a more detailed look at the narrative and how combat works. Though this video only lasts around thirty seconds, it does reveal pertinent information. It was already known thatBloomtownis coming to PC and console, but audiences now have a Q2 2024 release date to look forward to.
Despite the fact thatStardew Valleyhas several unsolved mysteries, the game primarily focuses on repairing the farm and forming relationships with residents. Of course, there are some elements of magic seeing as there are wizards, witches, forest spirits, and monsters that might be considered otherworldly. ConcernedApe has been reportedly working on his first game sinceStardew Valley, calledHaunted Chocolatier, but the second title will involve ghosts and confectionary sweets rather than turn-based combat and demons.
Unfortunately,Haunted Chocolatierstill doesn’t have a release date. In the meantime, it could be very worthwhile for fans ofStardew Valleyto keep tabs onBloomtown: A Different Story. Though it takes inspiration from retro JRPGs as well, it should scratch an itch for those who enjoy feeling a tinge of fear in their life simulations.
Bloomtown: A Different Storyreleases in Q2 of 2024.
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