Fields of Mistria Review: A Magical Journey in Farming Adventure
Hey, fellow cozy gamers! Today, I'm so excited to share my thoughts on a game that has quickly become a favorite of mine – Fields of Mistria. If you're a fan of farm-sim RPGs from the late 90s and onward, you're in for a treat. In this blog post, I'll dive into the enchanting world of Mistria, exploring its magic, romance, and adventure. So relax, grab your hot beverage, and let's get started!
| Platforms | PC and Steam Deck |
| Developer | NPC Studio |
| Steam Reviews | Overwhelmingly Positive |
| Release Date | 5 Aug, 2024 |
The Story: A Village in Need
Mistria is an idyllic village nestled between the forest and the sea, and it's where our adventure begins. The game sets the stage with a captivating story – after a devastating earthquake, the once-thriving village is in ruins, and strange magic starts to seep through the land. As the protagonist, you're offered an overgrown but promising homestead in exchange for your help to restore the town to its former glory.
From the moment I set foot in Mistria, I was hooked. The storyline is rich and immersive, drawing you into the lives of the villagers and the mysteries of the land. As you progress, you'll uncover secrets, build relationships, and harness the power of magic to rejuvenate the village.
Activities: Farming, Fishing, and Beyond
One of the standout features of Fields of Mistria is the sheer variety of activities you can engage in. Of course, farming is at the heart of the game. You can grow a wide range of crops, each season bringing unique plants, forage, and fish. The farming mechanics are intuitive yet detailed, allowing for a satisfying and rewarding experience.
But that's just the beginning! Here's a breakdown of some of the activities you can dive into:
Fishing and Foraging
Fishing in Mistria is a relaxing and enjoyable pastime. The game offers different fishing spots, each with its own set of fish to catch. Foraging is equally exciting, as you explore the land for rare items and ingredients.
Mining and Bug Collecting
The mines are a treasure trove of resources and mysteries. As you delve deeper, you'll encounter valuable ores and magical artifacts. Bug collecting adds another layer of fun, with a variety of insects to discover and add to your collection.
Crafting and Cooking
Crafting in Fields of Mistria is both extensive and creative. You can craft everything from tools to furniture, helping you personalize your homestead. Cooking is a delight, and unlike many similar games, you don't need to wait for a house upgrade to start whipping up delicious meals. You can buy a kitchen from the carpenter shop or use the one at the local inn right from the beginning.
Swimming and Jumping
Here's where Fields of Mistria truly sets itself apart – you can swim and jump! Swimming allows you to cross rivers and explore underwater for hidden treasures. Jumping adds a new dimension to exploration, making it easier to navigate the terrain and adding a touch of freedom to your adventures.
Seasons and Weather: A Dynamic World
Mistria's world is alive with dynamic seasons and weather patterns. Each season brings its own charm and challenges, from the vibrant blossoms of spring to the snowy landscapes of winter. The weather affects your farming, foraging, and fishing activities, keeping you on your toes and adding depth to the gameplay.
The unique seasonal crops, forage items, fish, and insects ensure that there's always something new to discover. This dynamic environment keeps the game fresh and engaging, no matter how many hours you sink into it.
The Museum: A Blend of Artifacts and Bundles
The Museum in Mistria is a fantastic feature that combines elements from other beloved games. It's a place where you can donate a wide variety of items – artifacts, crops, fish, insects, and more. Completing collections and bundles rewards you with valuable items and boosts to your farm and town.
I love how the Museum encourages exploration and collection, adding a sense of purpose to your daily activities. It’s like a mix of the traditional museum donation system and the bundle system from games like Stardew Valley and Coral Island, offering a familiar yet refreshing experience.
Magic: Unlocking the Mystical
Magic in Fields of Mistria is a game-changer. As you progress through the mines and follow the main storyline, you'll unlock various spells that add a magical touch to your farming and adventuring. From replenishing your stamina to instantly growing crops, the spells are both useful and fun.
However, casting spells requires Mana, which restores slowly each night. This adds a strategic element to using magic, as you need to balance your magical activities with your daily tasks. Unlocking and mastering these spells is incredibly satisfying and adds a unique twist to the game.
Friendship and Romance: Building Relationships
One of the most charming aspects of Fields of Mistria is the emphasis on building relationships with the villagers. With over 30 characters to get to know, each with their own stories and personalities, the village feels alive and vibrant.
Forming Friendships
Friendship is earned through conversations, gift-giving, and fulfilling requests from the Request Board. Each interaction feels meaningful, and watching your relationships grow is rewarding. I especially love that every Friday, all the villagers gather at the local inn to play games and socialize, creating a sense of community.
Romance and Marriage
Finding your ideal match among the 12 marriage candidates is a delightful part of the game. Each candidate is unique, and the romantic interactions are heartwarming and fun. While heart progression past four hearts and marriage will be added in future updates, the foundation is already there, and I'm excited to see how these relationships evolve.
Saving your game
It's that time to save your progress before wrapping up your gaming session. You've got two ways to do this: choose between using the Bed or the Diary.
Opting for the bed will automatically update your main save and signal the end of the day. On the other hand, if you go for the Diary, it'll make a fresh save file that's separate from the main one. The cool thing about the Diary is that you can use it whenever you want and hop back into the game instantly. Think of the Diary as a way to create a solid backup save – it's a good idea to save there every few days just to be safe.
Multiple ways to save in a farming sim is so rare, especially in farming games. So I really appreciate that you can save the game mid-say using the journal in your game.
Early Access: A Work in Progress
It's important to remember that Fields of Mistria is currently in early access. This means the game isn't fully complete yet, and there may be bugs and missing features. However, with around 35+ hours of gameplay already available, there's plenty to enjoy.
The developers are actively working on updates and have shared their plans for future content. This transparency and dedication give me confidence that the game will continue to improve and expand, making it an even more immersive experience.
You can check out all the cool stuff that's in the game right now during Early Access and see what the creators have planned for the future: Fields of Mistria Early Access.
Overall Thoughts: A Cozy Game Gem
Fields of Mistria has quickly become one of my favorite cozy games to play. It has everything I love – magic, farming, swimming, crafting, cooking, and adorable animals. The character creator is fantastic, with great options for clothing and customization. The 90s vibe and charming characters remind me of my favorite manga series, Sailor Moon.
The romanceable characters are all unique and appealing, and I may or may not have a crush on Juniper. For me, Fields of Mistria is definitely a game of the year contender. If you're looking for a game that combines the best elements of classic farm-sims with new and exciting features, this is the one for you.
I've created a ~1.5-hour gameplay video with no commentary if you'd like to see how the game looks. You can watch it here.
Join the Adventure
Fields of Mistria is a magical journey that offers a perfect blend of farming, adventure, and community. Whether you're a long-time fan of farm-sims or new to the genre, this game has something special to offer. With its captivating story, diverse activities, and charming characters, it’s a game that will keep you coming back for more.
So, grab your tools, dive into the world of Mistria, and start building the farm of your dreams. I promise you won't be disappointed!
For more cozy game recommendations, check here.