Metacritic (71)
OpenCritic (69)
Player 2 (A-)
TheSixthAxis (9/10):
Noisy Pixel (9/10):
MonsterVine (4.5/5):
Digitally Downloaded (4.5/5):
Screen Rant (4.5/5):
WellPlayed (9/10):
God is a Geek (8.5/10):
GAMES.CH (83%, review in German):
Video Chums (8.1/10):
Hardcore Gamer (4/5):
Hobby Consolas (80/100, review in Spanish):
Shindig (4/5):
CGMagazine (8/10):
The Mako Reactor (8/10):
RPG Fan (75/100):
Vandal (7.5/10, review in Spanish):
Gamers Heroes (75/100):
Worth Playing (7.2/10):
Nintendo World Report (7/10):
Vooks (3.5/5):
DarkStation (3.5/5):
IGN (7/10):
Siliconera (7/10):
Hey Poor Player (3.5/5):
Destructoid (6.5/10):
Areajugones (6.5/10, review in Spanish):
Gameblog.fr (6/10, review in French):
Game Rant (3/5):
NookGaming (6/10):
Impulsegamer (2/5):
GameSkinny (3/10):
OpenCritic (69)
Player 2 (A-)
It's extremely charming, and completely captures the Iyashikei 'slice-of-life genre, particularly in the personality of the town's characters and how they interact with one another, yet also beckon you into that same world.
TheSixthAxis (9/10):
You can easily get yourself lost in the world of Olive Town - I've already spent more than 50 hours cultivating a farm that's entirely unique to me. Whether you want a relaxing time or a challenge, this is the game for you; Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town is so malleable that it'll work for everyone.
Noisy Pixel (9/10):
Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town is a simulation farmer's dream game. It has everything the series is known for with a refined and streamlined system to make gameplay easier and more manageable. The list of materials to gather and things to do is vast, which makes the eyesore of the new item machines weigh on the experience so prominently.
MonsterVine (4.5/5):
There are some small technical issues, but overall, Pioneers of Olive Town is a great game for newcomers and Harvest Moon fans alike.
Digitally Downloaded (4.5/5):
Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town is wholesome. It's a little naive in the way it presents the "grass is always greener on the other side" perspective on country living, but this series has been kicking around since the Super Nintendo and always gets away with it, on account of being so sweet and good-natured that it's impossible not to love.
Screen Rant (4.5/5):
Overall, Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town is an exciting update to past mechanics in previous Story of Seasons games. The focus on farm exploration has put importance back on building up a player's homestead, rather than solely on the town surrounding the farm. The difficulties with Maker Machines could be improved on during the expected DLC packs coming in future months. However, Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town is a fulfilling and satisfying farming simulation experience perfect for those looking to grow a few virtual potatoes while also scratching an itch for exploration.
WellPlayed (9/10):
There are many more positive things about this game than I have room to say here. With so much to do it's very easy to play for hours and hours without realising it. If this was any other genre than a farming sim then I may have been bothered by the performance hiccups, but I was having such a great time that I didn't really care nor did I experience any bugs in my 45+ hrs. There is already bucket loads of content in this game and even more is coming via DLC, and all things said and done SoS:PoOT is a farming sim that will have wide appeal for fans and newbies alike.
God is a Geek (8.5/10):
There's so much joy in Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town, with so many avenues to head down that it always feel like your story is unique. There might appear to be too much to do by yourself, however, as long as you find your own comfort zone, there's no telling just how much fun you'll have.
GAMES.CH (83%, review in German):
The game doesn't dare to make any groundbreaking innovations, but maybe that's why it can pull the player into its farming-loop. However, the loading times and the pocket UI could be improved a bit.
Video Chums (8.1/10):
I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Pioneers of Olive Town. It may have the odd technical issue yet it makes up for that with a solid variety of items to collect and create, many rewarding skills to level up, and new gameplay elements to enjoy.
Hardcore Gamer (4/5):
What it lacks in technical prowess, Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town more than makes up for in sheer fun. The gameplay loop of farm management alongside more active roles such as mining and gathering materials makes the day-to-day adventure a lot of fun, while building up bonds with the townspeople feels like an accomplishment. Anyone looking for a more action-filled life simulation will feel right at home with Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town, and it's also perfect for any lapsed fans of the genre. Players are guided along nicely, but still given tremendous freedom to make their adventure their own.
Hobby Consolas (80/100, review in Spanish):
Story of Seasons Pioneers of Olive Town is a game that, despite not being round and presenting some questionable design decisions, as a whole manages to present a relaxing proposal, full of enjoyable hours of play and with enough capacity to position itself as a notable title within the genre of simulators.
Shindig (4/5):
While Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town has its shortcomings, they're minor frustrations in the scheme of things. For the most part, this is exactly what you'd want from the latest addition to the original farm life sim: a relaxing, cheerful game that lets you get lost in the simple joys of an idealised rural life, taking each day as it comes and working towards different goals at your own pace, with some welcome new additions to the genre's formula. A wilderness to tame, a space to call your own, some crops to grow and chickens to raise—there are far worse ways to relax and unwind.
CGMagazine (8/10):
Despite some minor flaws, Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town is an incredible new entry into the Story of Seasons franchise that is sure to please both long-time fans and newcomers alike. While I'm not sure if it'll replace Stardew Valley for some players, but it'll definitely be a welcome addition to the farm.
The Mako Reactor (8/10):
Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town has the potential to be a fantastic life simulator with a few additions and enhancements. I hope the team doesn't abandon the new features and improvements Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town brings to the series because this remains a great game but not one that is on the same level as the best entries.
RPG Fan (75/100):
A solid entry in a solid series, but feels like an upgrade in some areas and like a side-grade in others.
Vandal (7.5/10, review in Spanish):
This is your typical farming game, but full of new ideas and mechanics that add depth and diversity to the classic experience.
Gamers Heroes (75/100):
For better or worse, Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town is exactly what you'd expect from the series. If you're a fan of farming games like Harvest Moon or Stardew Valley, be sure to check this one out.
Worth Playing (7.2/10):
Overall, this review of Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town may sound a touch negative, and it is in some parts. I like how it deals with progression while keeping most of its addicting farming foundations intact. Most of what it adds feels nicked from other games and has often been implemented less convincingly. Combined with performance issues and a few other missed opportunities, Pioneers of Olive Town is a solid entry in the series, but it isn't the must-have experience that many had hoped for the series' 25th anniversary.
Nintendo World Report (7/10):
While I did enjoy most of my time in the wilderness, hitting walls in terms of waiting for materials to process was ultimately a downer. The mayor gradually gives you fewer and fewer tasks to complete, and the focus shifts more towards the player in finding their own fun and setting their own goals. The emphasis on crafting in this Story of Seasons title works to an extent, and there is a fair amount of content to discover; just be prepared for a game loop that can become almost frustratingly familiar just as the leaves start to fall.
Vooks (3.5/5):
Story of Seasons still comes recommended to fans of the farming genre, as it does have enough different to offer over other titles. I have my fingers crossed that the balancing issues are fixed in future patches.
DarkStation (3.5/5):
The decision on this game comes down to the pros vs the cons, and whether you think you'd be happy to enjoy it as it is, or if you'd rather wait until some more updates. The load times and staggers can be mildly irritating and can amass during longer play sessions, but are by no means game-breaking or a reason entirely not to give it a go. Especially for those looking to play a little more casually, or in shorter bursts, or maybe aren't now accustomed to the world of SSD loading times, I still have to recommend this title as worth a go - just perhaps not necessarily the one to pick above the others.
IGN (7/10):
Pioneers of Olive Town recognizes it does not need to reinvent the plow to present a full, relaxing, pleasant farming game. Aside from its sprawling size, there is not much novel about collecting materials, upgrading tools, clearing land, raising animals and crops, and befriending the townspeople – and there doesn't need to be. It is enough to simply have a wealth of interesting things to plan out and do, colored by ridiculously cute animals and interesting characters and fleshed out with piles of new things to unlock over 30 hours and beyond. While the struggling framerate and tedious crafting can be annoying, these are small blips in a pleasantly packed day-to-day cycle of tending to your farm, exploring interesting new areas, and flirting with Bridget...or Reina….or Blaire.
Siliconera (7/10):
There are some areas in which Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town feels like it definitely needs a little more time and room to grow. The progress I've seen in the time I've played is encouraging, and I'm confident that it will offer plenty of opportunities down the way. People who enjoy these sorts of farming sims for the progress you can make and routines you can build will be pleased. Especially since it constantly offers new hallmarks to hit.
Hey Poor Player (3.5/5):
I was going to end this title by saying that I wasn't sure if I actually, truly liked this game, but that isn't fair. Regardless of whether or not if it was for a review, I didn't need to put as much time into playing the game as I ultimately did. I obviously liked it, just not as much as I've liked previous installments within the series. This game made some really strange choices, and I can't say that I agree with all of them. And, to that end, I feel like some of you out there will end up feeling that way as well. You'll still be able to find all of the traditional SoS garnishings within Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town if you're willing to dig deep enough—just be prepared to do a whole lot of crafting along the way.
Destructoid (6.5/10):
I get that my complaints probably sound like I'm nitpicking the game, and maybe I am asking too much of a budget title, but really, these issues illustrate that despite the fact Pioneers of Olive Town marks the silver anniversary of the franchise, the developer didn't really go out of its way to make this entry something special. This is a safe and standard Story of Seasons game. It doesn't rock the boat, it doesn't try anything groundbreaking like when Marvelous released Rune Factory to mark the franchise's tenth anniversary; it's just more of what we've seen before with a few small twists on the formula.
Areajugones (6.5/10, review in Spanish):
Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town is a missed opportunity to make the series a recognized IP. Lots of bugs, mechanics copied from New Horizons poorly implemented, and a boring progression system. The video game is saved by its graphics and its relationship system.
Gameblog.fr (6/10, review in French):
Pioneers of Olive Town modernizes Story of Seasons' formula in a wilder, wider and somehow easier way, but such industrial revolution often feels heavy, then ultimately lacks life, if not charm, compared to the previous episodes.
Game Rant (3/5):
With rudimentary characters and extremely basic tasks, it almost feels like the Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town gameplay was made for those who haven't played any farming sims in the past. But for folks familiar with the genre, they'll find that there's not much to find here and little reason to justify spending $49.99 on an unoriginal, redundant farming sim aside from being a relaxing and easy-going experience.
NookGaming (6/10):
Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town is a mixed bag, to say the least. Its strengths don't necessarily lie in its qualities as a game, but its inclusion in a genre that is inherently addictive. The formula the genre uses has been refined and mastered to the point it has become quite the potent drug, and Olive Town can administer that narcotic effectively when it wants to. The issue is, I found it didn't have any staying power. I was hooked whilst I was playing, but once I put it down, it was a real struggle to pick it back up. There were just too many niggling little issues that hindered my enjoyment long term. As far as farming-sims go, this one is passable and worth checking out if you have exhausted other, better games in the genre.
Impulsegamer (2/5):
If you're a farm-sim aficionado, there's more titles than ever in the genre, but that doesn't work in favour for the latest Story of Seasons entry. Compared to its competition, it lacks personality and, most importantly, heart. That's not to say it's a lost cause, and with a little finnese and love, Story Of Seasons could easily return as the darling of agricultural simulators, but right now, it's nowhere near the cream of the crop.
GameSkinny (3/10):
Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town is a surprisingly dull and lifeless farm-sim that's a shadow of its storied self. We're left with caricatures and a game that shows only the slightest hint of recognizing what makes a fun gameplay loop./
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