Farming Simulator 20 review

Ah, the peaceful life of a farmer – tending to crops, caring for livestock, and operating heavy machinery. It's a life that most city dwellers can only dream of. But with Farming Simulator 20, that dream has become a reality that you can experience from the comfort of your own home. Created by Giants Software, Farming Simulator 20 offers an authentic and detailed agricultural experience right on your smartphone, tablet, or Nintendo Switch. It’s a game that transports you to a whole new world where the simple, rewarding tasks of farming predominate.

Plowing the Details of Gameplay

The gameplay in Farming Simulator 20 revolves around managing a farm. As a player, you have access to a vast range of the latest farming equipment from actual agricultural manufacturers, including John Deere, the world's largest agricultural machinery company. From tractors to combines, balers, and more - you have a plethora of farm machinery to operate.

The game also puts an entire agricultural process in your hands. You can choose what crops to plant - be it wheat, canola, corn, or more. You'll then follow the procedures of tilling, sowing, fertilizing, and finally, harvesting your crop. The harvested crop can then be sold in the dynamic market system of the game, which sees prices rise and fall based on supply and demand.

Livestock farming is another aspect of the game. You can rear cows, pigs, sheep, and even horses, which you need to feed and care for. Each animal type presents different responsibilities and benefits, such as producing milk or wool.

Setting Apart from the Herd

Farming Simulator 20 has sort of carved out its unique space in the market, primarily due to its hyper-realistic approach to the farming simulation genre.

Many simulation games revolve around fast-paced action or time-managed tasks, creating a hectic gameplay. Farming Simulator 20, however, opts for a slower-paced, meticulous approach, which is a refreshing deviation from the norm. It captures the actual time and effort involved in farming, setting it apart from games like Hay Day or FarmVille, which simplifies the farming process into instant harvesting and manufacturing.

The game also stands out due to its resolute commitment to realism. While other farming simulation games use imaginary or simplified versions of farming equipment, Farming Simulator 20 includes over 100 accurately modeled vehicles and tools from real-world agricultural manufacturers. This commitment to detail extends to the crop-growing and animal-rearing procedures as well. Compared to games such as Stardew Valley that tend to romanticize farming, Farming Simulator 20 presents a no-nonsense, real-world emulation, giving players the authentic experience of modern agriculture.

Farming Simulator 20 also delivers a sense of breadth not commonly found in other farming games. It offers an open-world experience, allowing you to freely roam and explore your surroundings, unlike the grid-limited building of games like Farm Story or Township.

Another distinctive feature of Farming Simulator 20 is its dynamic market system. Many farming simulations use fixed-price systems for their economies. However, Farming Simulator 20 features fluctuating prices based on supply and demand, adding a layer of risk and reward strategy to the selling process.

In essence, the dedication to realism, intricacies of farming processes, scale of operations, and economic principles differentiates Farming Simulator 20 from its counterparts in the market, sharpening its edge in the farming simulation genre. It appeals to gamers who appreciate agricultural intricacies and are looking for a more immersive, authentic farming gaming experience.

However, despite its engaging content, Farming Simulator 20 is not without its downsides. The gameplay can be repetitive; there's a lack of help or tutorial for beginners, which might put them off. Additionally, the scale of the game can sometimes feel overwhelming, leading to frustration. The mobile version's graphics, while decent, are not as good as those in the console or PC versions. And it's not necessarily the 'pick up and play' type of game. Instead, it requires patience and strategic thinking, which might not appeal to everyone.

Harvesting User Impressions

Reflecting on user impressions of Farming Simulator 20, it's clear that the game has found its niche. Users have lauded the game for its incredibly detailed and realistic portrayal of farming. The intricate processes involved in growing crops and rearing livestock have been highly appreciated.

However, on the flip side, some users have reported dissatisfaction with the game's slow pacing and repetitive nature. They've also mentioned the lack of a proper tutorial system which often leads to confusion.

Pros

- Realistic depiction of farming processes;
- In-depth management elements;
- Wide variety of farm machinery and livestock;
- Constant updates and improvements;

Cons

- It can be overwhelming for new players;
- Slightly repetitive gameplay;
- Not quite 'pick up and play';
- Graphics on mobile versions are not as impressive as on console/PC versions.