Mark your calendars, guys, as Grave Seasons is set to release during the summer this year. I’ve been keeping up to date with the game for a while now, patiently waiting for any news. It’s one of my most anticipated games on my Steam wishlist.
Speaking of, if this game sounds like your cup of tea, make sure to add Grave Seasons to your own wishlist, ready for the upcoming release. While we don’t have a proper date just yet, we at least know the time frame. Summer isn’t that far away when you think about it. I’ve got my fingers crossed for an early summer launch.
If you’re reading this with absolutely no idea of what Grave Seasons is, then let me shed some light on this gem of a game. Do you like Stardew Valley? Did you enjoy playing Potion Permit? Do you like crime thrillers? Perhaps a little bit of horror? Whilst you wouldn’t usually think of the latter two aspects when thinking of Stardew Valley, somehow, Grave Seasons is a true amalgamation.
There’s also the neat little fact that it’s published by Blumhouse, which, in 2023, branched out into video games. Blumhouse has gained notoriety in the horror movie world with releases such as Paranormal Activity, a personal favourite of mine.
Things Turn… Grave
You’ve started a new life as a farmer in a lovely little town. Oh, and you’ve escaped from jail. Why were you in jail? It’s probably best not to ask questions. Ashenridge is your new home, with charming neighbours and beautiful surroundings. All is well. All is peaceful. That is, until someone is murdered, and then another, and another. Looks like there’s a serial killer on the loose.
Farmer by day, detective by night, as a jail escapee, you task yourself with finding out who the killer is. To make this concept even better, the killer is randomised each playthrough. You don’t know if you’re talking to a previously innocent character from a former save file or the terrifying serial murderer. Heck, you might even end up romancing the killer without realising. That makes things a bit awkward, huh.
A Unique Farming Sim
Okay, so you’re a farmer, but is that all it takes for it to be compared to Stardew Valley? No, as you can also fish, mine, and sell your items to earn money. It’s a somewhat similar gameplay cycle, with the addition of murder. The communal feeling of Ashenridge is familiar, with residents going about their day, whom you can speak with to build relationships, romantic or not.
The choices you make when completing quests and during dialogue make a huge difference in your playthrough. If the killer trusts you enough, you may find it easier to reveal their crimes. The thing is, any character has a chance to be guilty, so with your deduction, wit, and crafty investigative skills, it’s up to you to do whatever it takes.
Cosy Crime Thriller
As an unofficial detective, you need to look out for clues that could point towards the potential killer. Communicating with each resident may help you to catch them out. Some may be better than others at remaining cryptic.
The goal is to find the culprit before they spill more blood, though there may be a few murders while you investigate, not that that will help your conscience. One of the best ways to do so is to try to discover who the next victim is. This can lead you to your target, or it can at least save a life.
