Harvest Moon DS (Nintendo DS, 2005)

Release date: Thursday 17th March 2005

Platforms: Nintendo DS

Published by: Rising Star Games, Marvelous Interactive, Natsume Inc

Developed by: Tose

Genres: Simulation

Story Driveđź“– 6/20
Accessibility🚪 14/20
Depth🤿 14/20
Challengeđź’€ 6/20
Duration⌛ 16/20
Freedom🌎 17/20
Review Scores
4xA88
Fouttaf Score
Dimension: 4
As expected, when a formula is as well-defined as this, a new entry in the saga that brings few innovations can’t be rated too generously in terms of scope. That said, if you know the drill about farm simulators, you’ll understand that this genre is far from low-key in terms of content. Even with minimal innovation, there’s a lot to sink your teeth into—just not much new to discover.
The Flair: A
For the most part, the game is solid, but the sheer amount of recycled assets from previous titles is overwhelming. The presentation feels half-baked, with little care put into things like UI and menus. The save/load screen and inventory system in particular look like rough drafts that somehow made it into the final release. As for the music and sound effects, they exist. That’s about the best thing I can say. They don’t stand out, nor do they contribute meaningfully to the game’s atmosphere.
The Feel: 8
This is classic Harvest Moon at its core, but with clumsy attempts to utilize the Nintendo DS hardware—attempts that, unfortunately, fall flat. The touchscreen mechanics feel forced, and I believe no one would use the stylus if it wasn't because the game forces you to do so. Onto other matters, while figuring things out is part of the charm of the series, this game’s execution feels less like a natural learning curve and more like a frustrating guessing game, making it especially unfriendly for newcomers. It takes the trial and error philosophy to an extreme, leaving key mechanics — such as unlocking marriage candidates or progressing in the game — completely opaque. The core gameplay that made the series popular is still present, but everything that sets this particular entry apart is negative. It’s Harvest Moon with unnecessary obstacles and a frustrating lack of polish.
The Fuel: 8
The world feels unfinished. Walking through Forget-Me-Not Valley, you get the eerie sense that you’re in a beta version of the game. The town lacks charm, the dialogue is dumbed down, and the NPC interactions feel empty—most houses exist only as set pieces for occasional cutscenes, but offer no real depth. Even major milestones, like unlocking the first 60 Harvest Sprites, fail to provide any real payoff. You expect some grand moment, but… nothing. The world just keeps going, unchanged. That being said, if your goal is to build the ultimate farm and amass a fortune, there’s enough content to keep you engaged. But that’s about the only thing keeping this game afloat.
Underwhelming
59
Classic Score
Conclusions
Harvest Moon DS is a forgettable and disappointing entry in the franchise. While it technically does the job as farming sim fodder for the DS, it lacks anything that makes it stand out. Worse, it actively detracts from the experience with clunky mechanics and an unfinished feel. If you’re looking for a good Harvest Moon experience, Friends of Mineral Town (GBA) does everything better—literally everything. There’s no reason to play this unless you’re a hardcore fan of the series or just desperate for a farm sim on the DS.
Harvest Moon DS
Harvest Moon DS (Nintendo DS, 2005)
Badge Cabinet
Release date: Thursday 17th March 2005
Platforms: Nintendo DS
Published by: Rising Star Games, Marvelous Interactive, Natsume Inc
Developed by: Tose
Genres: Simulation
Trait Chart
Story Drive đź“– 6/20
Accessibility 🚪 14/20
Depth 🤿 14/20
Challenge đź’€ 6/20
Duration ⌛ 16/20
Freedom 🌎 17/20
Review Scores
4xA88
Fouttaf Score
Dimension: 4
As expected, when a formula is as well-defined as this, a new entry in the saga that brings few innovations can’t be rated too generously in terms of scope. That said, if you know the drill about farm simulators, you’ll understand that this genre is far from low-key in terms of content. Even with minimal innovation, there’s a lot to sink your teeth into—just not much new to discover.
The Flair: A
For the most part, the game is solid, but the sheer amount of recycled assets from previous titles is overwhelming. The presentation feels half-baked, with little care put into things like UI and menus. The save/load screen and inventory system in particular look like rough drafts that somehow made it into the final release. As for the music and sound effects, they exist. That’s about the best thing I can say. They don’t stand out, nor do they contribute meaningfully to the game’s atmosphere.
The Feel: 8
This is classic Harvest Moon at its core, but with clumsy attempts to utilize the Nintendo DS hardware—attempts that, unfortunately, fall flat. The touchscreen mechanics feel forced, and I believe no one would use the stylus if it wasn't because the game forces you to do so. Onto other matters, while figuring things out is part of the charm of the series, this game’s execution feels less like a natural learning curve and more like a frustrating guessing game, making it especially unfriendly for newcomers. It takes the trial and error philosophy to an extreme, leaving key mechanics — such as unlocking marriage candidates or progressing in the game — completely opaque. The core gameplay that made the series popular is still present, but everything that sets this particular entry apart is negative. It’s Harvest Moon with unnecessary obstacles and a frustrating lack of polish.
The Fuel: 8
The world feels unfinished. Walking through Forget-Me-Not Valley, you get the eerie sense that you’re in a beta version of the game. The town lacks charm, the dialogue is dumbed down, and the NPC interactions feel empty—most houses exist only as set pieces for occasional cutscenes, but offer no real depth. Even major milestones, like unlocking the first 60 Harvest Sprites, fail to provide any real payoff. You expect some grand moment, but… nothing. The world just keeps going, unchanged. That being said, if your goal is to build the ultimate farm and amass a fortune, there’s enough content to keep you engaged. But that’s about the only thing keeping this game afloat.
Conclusions

Harvest Moon DS is a forgettable and disappointing entry in the franchise. While it technically does the job as farming sim fodder for the DS, it lacks anything that makes it stand out. Worse, it actively detracts from the experience with clunky mechanics and an unfinished feel. If you’re looking for a good Harvest Moon experience, Friends of Mineral Town (GBA) does everything better—literally everything. There’s no reason to play this unless you’re a hardcore fan of the series or just desperate for a farm sim on the DS.

Underwhelming
59
Classic Score