Natsume, Inc. has officially revealed the male protagonist of its latest project,Harvest Moon: One World. Slated for release “later in 2020,” this new addition to Natsume’s takes on theHarvest Moonseries has kept fans mostly speculating up until now.
Aside from releasing a general promotional video earlier in June, Natsume has kept rather quiet about the upcoming title. Fans were quick to point out theominous similarities toAnimal Crossingafter viewing the game’s initial trailer, and in all honesty, not much else about the game has garnered significant attention.
RELATED:Harvest Moon: One World Confirmed for PS4
Following a character announcement in June, this revelation marks the second detailed look at any specificHarvest Moon: One Worldcharacter, and gives fans a glimpse into some of the design and aesthetics to expect in the forthcoming farm simulator.
The young tired-of-potatoes man sports a red bandanna around his neck, and is dressed more for general adventuring and exploring than he is for the farm life. Thepreviously announced female protagonistis dressed in a similarly-themed dress, with red accents throughout her outfit instead of a bandanna. This makes sense given that the game is set to have players re-discovering farmwork and “the old world” on new uncharted terrain. InOne World, players will be able to leave their towns for the world at-large-another departure fromHarvest Moontradition.
Fans of the original franchise have long been expressing concerns thatNatsume’sHarvest Moonis facing an identity crisis, so it’s not difficult to see how players may be alarmed by similarities betweenHarvest Moon: One Worldand the Nintendo island-building hit,Animal Crossing: New Horizons. TheOne Worldtrailer showcases beaches and riversides that look all too familiar to fans of Nintendo’s island-life simulator, and in light of Natsume’s attempts at enticingMinecraftfans withHarvest Moon 3D: The Lost Valley,it’s likely that these similarities are more intentional than not.
Controversy aside, fans are at least relieved to finally have some additional/actual details regardingNatsume’s upcoming title. Although this main male character isn’t necessarily a huge leap from the usualHarvest Moonfare, that may not be a huge concern for players worried the series has gone completely astray.
Harvest Moon: One Worldis coming to PS4 and Switch in late 2020.
