Game Review: Fields of Mistria
So recently I've got a bit of time to spare
and with this time, I really want to get back into some hobbies, as it feels like it's been a long time since I've been able to!
One of those hobbies is playing games, which isn't really productive but something I personally enjoy. A game that I didn't really get to spend too much time on previously was Fields of Mistria. When I started playing, it was still in its early stages, with certain aspects incomplete and each game update continuing the story.
Just to note, any screenshots I include in this post will be from my copy of the game, just to make it more personalised!
the game menu!
Obviously you can also already tell, it's a really cutesy styled game, taking inspiration from even the anime Sailor Moon!
Developers
The game is developed by NPC Studio, who are based in the United States of America, here's a link to their section on the site listing all the team members.
I know some fans of games usually know the developers, and are familiar with any of their previous games or projects, but honestly I have no idea. I tend to just see what games youtubers are playing and try them out if they interest me.
For instance, this game really reminds me of Stardew Valley of the same game genre.
Fields of Mistria, what is it?
This game is described by the official game's site as a:
A nostalgic Farming/Life-Sim RPG game where magic, romance, and adventure await.
Its early access game version (which means it was available for certain people, usually youtubers to promote it) was in August 2024. I can't remember the exact date I started playing it to be honest, but when I started, it was still incomplete. Right now, it still is continually being updated with new features, but I plan to start a new character anyways to experience it from day 1 again.
day-to-day
This game is part of the "farming/life" simulator role-playing games, basically meaning, you are playing your own character, just going about life day-to-day in an environment that allows you to farm, explore, and 'live'. The game starts with you taking up a home in a "full of potential homestead" as per the site says. This means that later in game when you've collected enough of the game's currency, you can expand it into a farm with animals from chickens to capybaras!
my character and dog!
What I'm enjoying the most of the game
I know that many players mostly enjoy trying to 'romance' and flirt with the dateable characters in this game (yes dating is possible), but personally, I just want to get as much wealth as I can. I am simple and I just want to be able to do anything in this game (there are a lot of customisations like clothes, accessories, hairstyles available through the shops).
customisation
On top of that, any house upgrades (expanding rooms or extensions) or furniture require game currency, so I don't think my priority is bad haha.
I also just enjoy being able to do anything in it, and that you don't have to stick to just one goal. I can fish when I want, and then change my mind and go to the mines. In the mines you can gather ores like iron, and fight monsters.
about to get attacked for this screenshot
Another aspect I really enjoy is being able to 'complete' things. For instance, there are certain bugs, fish, ores (etc.) that you can donate to the game's museum in your village. I really want to complete each section, as there are even seasonal specific things you can only collect at a certain period of time or even weather!
museum
In the above picture, you can see the four different 'wings'/sections of the museum, and their progress percentages underneath each icon. Archaeology, Fishing, Insects, Flora. As you can tell, my completion % as still very low as I have only just got back into the game.