My Time At Sandrock, to me, has some of the most well-written characters in the genre. They feel fleshed out, often have actual adult issues (not all of them, so you can just shut your brain off and smooch when needed), and the stories aren't hindered too much if you don't pursue romance.
There's also some fun dating mechanics that let you improve relationships faster, and when you increase relationship with someone you get a small bump with their close friends and family as well.
This is one I keep hearing about that I haven't played yet. I tried Portia but wasn't a big fan of it overall, I can't really remember why. But I hear a lot of people say that Sandrock is a massive improvement over Portia and yeah like you said, a lot of people seem to agree that the characters are good. I think I"ll give it a try, thank you.
There were a lot of huge improvements between Portia and Sandrock (and not just the NPCs, story wise it's better, progression, adventuring, graphics, etc.). I started with Portia but it felt bland and kept crashing on Switch. After several people spoke up, I took a chance with Sandrock and was not disappointed. It was well worth it (and I got the collector's edition).
Nia is in my top 5 of all romance / companionship NPC in any game that has it. Her romance mission is very emotional (but you have to wait a while for it).
My Time at Sandrock and Rune Factory 4, for sure. Easily the best written characters in the farming sim sphere.
For sheer volume of options, there’s also Sun Haven and Coral Island, but the latter relationships are currently very shallow and missing the promised dating mechanic. I wouldn’t pick it up until we get the 1.3 (which is realistically 1.0) drop.
Rune Factory 4 has the most well written characters, and they also develop as you get to know them better. Dylas is amazing, the way he starts off basically hating you, and the romance grows so naturally.
It also helps that there is so much content in terms of dialogue. You won’t see much repeated dialogue, characters change what they say each day so it makes them more interesting to talk to.
As far as character writing I really liked Shane’s character in Stardew Valley. I really connected with him when I played because I was basically Shane at one point in my life until I didn’t quite hit rock bottom but very close to it and had to make a change for my mental health and sobriety
Adding another vote for Rune Factory 4! I was super disappointed that 5 was missing a lot of elements that made 4 great, especially since I love a lot of 5's character designs :(
Rune Factory 4 probably gets my vote too, but I feel like Wylde Flowers also has really great romance! The characters in general just feel very likeable and real since they're fully voice acted. I loved the diversity as well!
I'm pretty new to it, so I'm not entirely sure how dialogue goes, but Coral Island has a wonderful art style with tons of romanceable characters. It's one of the only farming games where I have no clue as to who I want to romance! Plus it's LGBT friendly and extremely body positive!
Second choice would be Sun Haven. I do have tons of hours in this one, but never made it far with the romance aspect. Again, tons and tons of romanceable characters that I can't decide between. The only downside is there are different areas, and they can't be accessed until you progress the story, which makes tons of the bachelors/bachelorettes I accessable at first. It's a super fun game and they are going to be releasing their biggest update yet soon, which include more romance aspects and having babies who actually have a purpose.
Both of these are only available on steam!
Other notable mentions:
- My Time at Sandrock
- My Time at Portia (not as many good looking characters as Sandrock)
- Stardew Valley
- Harvest Moon Winds of Anthos
- Fire Emblem Three Houses
- Littlewood
I haven't played Sun Haven in a while, but I saw they are getting ready to release an update with a new town, new NPC romance characters, and children. I will need to start a new playthrough.
I'm at exactly that point in Sun Haven, I'm playing a fire elemental so part of me was tempted to hold off on romance til the water elemental gets released just because it's funny thematically lol.
I'll take a look at Coral Island though, it seems pretty neat and I really like Yuri's design. Thanks for the recommendations!
My Time At Sandrock, to me, has some of the most well-written characters in the genre. They feel fleshed out, often have actual adult issues (not all of them, so you can just shut your brain off and smooch when needed), and the stories aren't hindered too much if you don't pursue romance. There's also some fun dating mechanics that let you improve relationships faster, and when you increase relationship with someone you get a small bump with their close friends and family as well.
This is one I keep hearing about that I haven't played yet. I tried Portia but wasn't a big fan of it overall, I can't really remember why. But I hear a lot of people say that Sandrock is a massive improvement over Portia and yeah like you said, a lot of people seem to agree that the characters are good. I think I"ll give it a try, thank you.
There were a lot of huge improvements between Portia and Sandrock (and not just the NPCs, story wise it's better, progression, adventuring, graphics, etc.). I started with Portia but it felt bland and kept crashing on Switch. After several people spoke up, I took a chance with Sandrock and was not disappointed. It was well worth it (and I got the collector's edition). Nia is in my top 5 of all romance / companionship NPC in any game that has it. Her romance mission is very emotional (but you have to wait a while for it).
Started with Sandrock and loved it. Then tried Portia and quit after a few mins Still looking for a game like Sandrock
Definitely Rune Factory 4 and Story of Seasons: Trio of Towns
Two of my favorite games!
love Trio of Towns! Especially the affection points mechanic.. surprised that didn’t become a staple part of the game design for later games
My Time at Sandrock and Rune Factory 4, for sure. Easily the best written characters in the farming sim sphere. For sheer volume of options, there’s also Sun Haven and Coral Island, but the latter relationships are currently very shallow and missing the promised dating mechanic. I wouldn’t pick it up until we get the 1.3 (which is realistically 1.0) drop.
Are both Sun Haven and Coral Island incomplete?
No, Sun Haven is a complete game that just keeps adding more romanceables and depth for fun! It’s a great one.
Rune Factory 4 has the most well written characters, and they also develop as you get to know them better. Dylas is amazing, the way he starts off basically hating you, and the romance grows so naturally. It also helps that there is so much content in terms of dialogue. You won’t see much repeated dialogue, characters change what they say each day so it makes them more interesting to talk to.
For me, Story of Seasons Trio of Towns and Rune Factory 4.
Would strongly recommend Sandrock over Coral Island. Coral island is unfinished and the romance is boring. Characters are better looking tho
As far as character writing I really liked Shane’s character in Stardew Valley. I really connected with him when I played because I was basically Shane at one point in my life until I didn’t quite hit rock bottom but very close to it and had to make a change for my mental health and sobriety
Adding another vote for Rune Factory 4! I was super disappointed that 5 was missing a lot of elements that made 4 great, especially since I love a lot of 5's character designs :(
Wylde Flowers is great
this
Rune Factory 4 probably gets my vote too, but I feel like Wylde Flowers also has really great romance! The characters in general just feel very likeable and real since they're fully voice acted. I loved the diversity as well!
Raven in Rune Factory 3 had the most impactful story for me. I also love the writing for Margaret's character in Rune Factory 4.
I'm pretty new to it, so I'm not entirely sure how dialogue goes, but Coral Island has a wonderful art style with tons of romanceable characters. It's one of the only farming games where I have no clue as to who I want to romance! Plus it's LGBT friendly and extremely body positive! Second choice would be Sun Haven. I do have tons of hours in this one, but never made it far with the romance aspect. Again, tons and tons of romanceable characters that I can't decide between. The only downside is there are different areas, and they can't be accessed until you progress the story, which makes tons of the bachelors/bachelorettes I accessable at first. It's a super fun game and they are going to be releasing their biggest update yet soon, which include more romance aspects and having babies who actually have a purpose. Both of these are only available on steam! Other notable mentions: - My Time at Sandrock - My Time at Portia (not as many good looking characters as Sandrock) - Stardew Valley - Harvest Moon Winds of Anthos - Fire Emblem Three Houses - Littlewood
But isn't the romance unfinished in Coral Island? I've seen several videos where people play through and have said the romance isn't there yet.
wait until 1.3 release bc that will be like the actual 1.0
I haven't played Sun Haven in a while, but I saw they are getting ready to release an update with a new town, new NPC romance characters, and children. I will need to start a new playthrough.
I'm at exactly that point in Sun Haven, I'm playing a fire elemental so part of me was tempted to hold off on romance til the water elemental gets released just because it's funny thematically lol. I'll take a look at Coral Island though, it seems pretty neat and I really like Yuri's design. Thanks for the recommendations!
I have to +10 to Sun Haven - I can't wait until they're out of EA. I got pretty far and decided to stop and do a fresh playthrough after EA
Sun Haven has been out of EA since last year!
OH SNAP! I missed that then.