At first glance, Ancient Farm looks like another cute farming game that tries to capture some of the charm of the genre popularized by titles like Stardew Valley. But after a few hours of playing it becomes clear that this is not just about copying the proven formula, but about an attempt to place the classic farming gameplay in an interesting - and somewhat neglected - ancient environment.
U Ancient Farm we assume the role of a young farmer who starts a new life in a world inspired by ancient civilizations. Instead of medieval villages or modern farms, here we encounter architecture, tools and culture reminiscent of ancient Greece and Rome. The first hour already makes it clear that the atmosphere is one of the strong points of the game - from the music in the background to the design of the characters and the environment.
Gameplay is based on classic farming mechanics. The player cultivates the land, plants various crops, waters them and waits for the right moment to harvest. During the first few hours, new plants, tools and abilities are unlocked, which nicely times the feeling of progress. In addition to agriculture, there is also the raising of animals, such as chickens and goats, which require daily care, but in return provide resources that can be used for trade or further production.
One of the more interesting elements Ancient Farm is an emphasis on craftsmanship and exchange. The player can collect raw materials such as stone, wood and metal and use them to build and upgrade farm facilities. There is also a trade system with a nearby settlement, where products can be sold or exchanged for rarer resources. After about six hours of gameplay, the system becomes deep enough to require planning – what to plant, what to sell, and what to save for later upgrades.
The game also offers light RPG elements. The character we control has basic stats that improve through work - more work in the field means more efficiency, while frequent use of tools speeds up their actions. There are no complex skill trees, but the system is clear and accessible enough, which will appeal to a younger audience or players looking for a relaxed experience.
The biggest minus of the game so far is the lack of a stronger narrative line. While there are NPC characters to talk to, their stories are rather superficial and serve more as a functional part of the world than as a real motivation to play. However, given that it is a farming game, it will not be crucial for many.
All in all, Ancient Farm is a pleasant surprise for everyone who likes relaxed games with a clear gameplay loop. After about ten hours, it still feels like it has something to offer, especially if the developers keep adding content. It is not revolutionary, but it is charming, affordable and ideal for short evening sessions.
A copy of the PC version was provided by the publisher Ultimate Games SA for review purposes
