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0 Now we all know that Farming Simulator games have been around for a long time. Now it’s time for a new entry to the franchise, and whilst you’ve already guessed, just pretend you didn’t know. We have gone old school, with Farming Simulator 16-bit Edition! Giants Software has released an absolutely iconic-looking game for new and old hardware. Featuring a limited run of a physical Sega Mega Drive cartridge, which, unfortunately, at the time of writing, was sold out. As well as the PC download if you want to give it a little play through on your computer.
Farming, but not as we know it!
I’m a big fan of the franchise and have spent many hours playing the fully fledged versions of the game both with friends and on my lonesome. Would the 16bit retro version keep me as occupied? It’s time to find out.
Gameplay
First and foremost, Farming Simulator 16-bit Edition is a very slimmed-down version of the game. It is incredibly basic, with only a small number of machines to drive around in. Now that isn’t all that bad. It allows you to get instant access to the gameplay, rather than the complicated and sometimes convoluted control schemes of the latter games. This one gives you three buttons to use, obviously, as it’s based on the Mega Drive hardware.
Now, whilst the gameplay loop is a lot more limited, it does give you the freedom to play through and expand your farm. Ensuring that you have ample fields to cultivate, seed and harvest from. Bringing all the money that comes with a rich and thriving farm. I absolutely loved getting all my machines lined up by the field and getting to work.
Your crops grow at an accelerated rate as well, which is great to keep you entertained. Being able to go from nothing to harvest in around 10 minutes or so. It allowed you plenty of opportunity to get some quick bucks and get those expansions underway!
Graphics & Audio
Hitting the nostalgia levels hard, Farming Simulator 16-Bit Edition is retro-gorgeous. The pixel-perfect retro style made me miss my Mega Drive quite a lot. I almost dug it out of it’s box, and then I remembered I was playing on PC! Thankfully, you are greeted with an endless charm that, in my opinion, will never die.
Even better was the soundtrack, Chris Hülsbeck has created some great retro-style music. Giving you an even deeper appreciation for what the music capabilities of the Mega Drive were. The soundtrack is catchy and complements the engine noises that are in the game.
Longevity
With all the other FS games, Farming Simulator 16-bit Edition has seemingly no end. After all, you can keep growing and growing and growing, watching your bank balance increase as you go. Perfect for affording those new bits of hardware.
Final Thoughts
So, after all that, should you be looking to get the game? Well, yes and no.
It’s a tough one, as I absolutely loved the time I spent with this one. But if it wasn’t for receiving a review key, I probably wouldn’t have gone out and purchased it myself. Don’t get me wrong, I’m thankful that I got a chance to review this game. However, the fact still remains that unless you are an avid retro collector, you probably won’t have this on your radar.
Farming Simulator 16-Bit Edition receives a Thumb Culture Silver Award.
Disclaimer: A code was received to write this review.
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