Harvest Moon 2

Infobox VG
title = Harvest Moon 2


developer = Pack-In-Video
publisher = Natsume Co., Ltd
designer =
engine =
released = vgrelease|JP=1999-08-06|NA=2000-09-11|PAL=2001-03-30
genre = Simulation/Role-playing
modes = Single-player
ratings = vgratings|ESRB=Everyone
platforms = Game Boy Color
requirements =

"Harvest Moon 2" is a farm simulation video game for the Game Boy Color developed by Pack-In-Video. The object of the game is to cultivate a farm to prevent the land from being used to build an amusement park. As with the previous game the player may choose to play as a boy or a girl.

There are several differences between this game and the previous installments on the GB/GBC. One major difference between Harvest Moon GB, and Harvest Moon 2, is that in HM2 one is able to build a sheep pen and then buy sheep. And one can build a greenhouse and grow herbs and special plants that only grow in the greenhouse. As opposed to HMGBC in this game, you can actually walk around the town.

Gameplay

The initial goal is that in three years time, the character must bring up the farm by growing and selling crops, and raising livestock. There are also plenty of secrets to unlock in the game. At the end of the first year, the main character's grandfather (still in spirit form) comes back to the farm to check up on it. If he thinks it's looking good, the player may continue the game for another couple years. If he thinks the farm is short of success, a Game Over is given.

Crops

Crops are a primary source of income in "Harvest Moon 2." After being planted, the seeds must be watered every day until they can be harvested, when it is possible to sell them. Some plants that are harvested may produce more than a single batch of crops from the same plant system, allowing some crops to be harvested more than once. Crops may be grown in any of the four seasons. If you build a hothouse, it is also possible to grow flowers and herbs, regardless of season.

Animals

At the beginning of the game the option is given whether to have a dog or a cat as a pet. Neither choice affects the gameplay. Pets have various abilities which make them beneficial to the farm. The dog will keep wild dogs away from your farm at night. The cat will occasionally bring you seeds. Pets must be left outside overnight to use their abilities. The player after a certain period of time is able to acquire a horse, which can be ridden, and used for farm work as well.

The livestock in this game includes cows, chickens, and sheep. Cows produce milk, chickens produce eggs, and sheep produce wool.

Tools and items

There is a wide variety of tools in "Harvest Moon 2." Tools are used to carry out chores, care for livestock, and tend to crops.

Reception

IGN rated the game at 7.0, or "decent", saying that the game world is much bigger than the first Harvest Moon, and the farming much improved, but the dating sim aspect of the game is greatly missed. [cite web | author=Marc Nix| date= November 28, 2000| title=Harvest Moon 2| format= | work=IGN | url=http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/164/164820p1.html| accessdate=2008-02-12]

References