Let me tell you about Roots of Pacha, a farming sim that took me back to the days of playing Stardw Valley and Harvest Moon. It’s set in the Stone Age, but don’t expect a fight for survival. How good is it and how does it compare to these classics?
The first thing that struck me was the lively atmosphere. The villagers aren’t just faces you water crops for. They have their own goals, dreams, and even contribute to the village on their own. It feels like you’re part of a big family, working together to unlock new ideas and improve your way of life. It’s a refreshing change from the typical “lone hero” farming sim trope.
The characters are well-designed, with tons of unique dialogue. I rarely heard the same lines twice, except for specific situations. There’s a good mix of personalities, and the game even includes same-sex relationships among the villagers. It’s a nice touch that adds to the inclusivity of the game.
While the art style is adorable and captures the prehistoric vibe, there are some things that feel a bit out of place. The ability to create artisan goods, for example, seems a little advanced for a Stone Age setting. The same goes for the lack of typical Stone Age animals like mammoths or giant sloths.
The farming system itself can be a bit tedious at first. It takes time to clear land and get your crops going. However, the developers seem committed to improvement, with updates planned to address this. Once you get past the initial hump, the irrigation system and the ability to tame animals add a nice layer of strategy and personalization to your farm.
If you’re looking for a game with high stakes or combat, Roots of Pacha might not be for you. There are no monsters to slay or dungeons to explore. The focus is purely on peaceful village life. This can be a good thing if you’re looking for a relaxing experience, but some players might find it lacking in excitement compared to other farming sims.
There’s no denying the similarities between Roots of Pacha and Stardew Valley. However, Pacha offers its own charm with its unique setting, irrigation system, and focus on community. While it might not quite dethrone Stardew Valley as the king of farming sims, it’s definitely a worthy contender.
Roots of Pacha: Roots of Pacha is a charming and relaxing game with a strong sense of community. It's a great choice for players who want a peaceful experience and a break from the usual farming sim grind. – Tom Henry
Game was reviewed on Steam, PC and code was provided by StridePR.
