In a bustling world of city life and crowded spaces, the allure of farming sims has always been about finding solace in simplicity. Enter Farlands, the latest indie game from JanduSoft, which combines the cozy appeal of classic farming sims like Stardew Valley with the expansive possibilities of No Man’s Sky.
The Concept
Farlands starts with a unique premise: rather than inheriting a family farm, players purchase an entire planet. This agrarian rock, located on the fringes of the solar system, promises a fresh start but comes with its own set of challenges. Abandoned for decades, this new home requires significant work to become a thriving sanctuary.
Early Access Launch
The game launched in Early Access on July 24, 2024, inviting players to help shape its development. Early Access offers a sandbox experience, allowing players to explore planets, gather resources, and focus on their farms while JanduSoft continues to refine and expand the game based on community feedback.
Features and Gameplay
In Farlands, players are not alone. They are accompanied by a personal assistance droid with a cat head, which adds a whimsical touch to the gameplay. This droid helps players manage their tasks and explore the various planets in search of resources to cultivate their new home planet.
The roadmap for Farlands promises exciting features:
- Relationships and Romances: Build relationships with NPCs who have their own stories and reasons for settling in the remote solar system.
- Tool Upgrades and Customization: Enhance your farming tools and decorate your home with multiple furniture sets.
- Exploration and Combat: Discover new planets, face hostile mobs, and unlock mines for valuable resources.
- Seasonal Events and Story Progression: Engage in seasonal events and advance through the game’s storyline as updates are released.
Community Involvement
JanduSoft emphasizes community involvement in the development process. Players can join the official Discord server to report bugs, share suggestions, and interact directly with the development team. This collaborative approach ensures that player feedback directly influences the game’s evolution.
Reception and Future Updates
Early feedback on Farlands has been positive, with players praising its charming pixel art style and the potential for growth. However, some areas, such as item management and in-game tutorials, have been highlighted for improvement. The developers have committed to addressing these issues in future updates, ensuring that Farlands evolves into a fully realized space farming adventure.
As Farlands continues to develop, it stands out as a promising addition to the genre, offering players the chance to escape to the stars and create a thriving farm on their own planet. With its blend of exploration, community building, and resource management, Farlands is set to become a staple in the world of indie games.
Farlands is available now on Steam in Early Access. Join the adventure and help shape the future of this interstellar farming sim.
