Skyrim and Stardew Valley might not seem like similar games on the surface, but they actually share a good portion of their appeal. Both offer exceptionally inviting worlds full of sandbox opportunities, and even if Skyrim‘s quests can be a little less chill than Stardew Valley‘s, it can be an extremely cozy game in its own right.
One new RPG is keyed into the crossover appeal, billing itself specifically as an experience that could appeal to fans of both games. Add in a dash of Redwall, and it’s not surprising that it’s already starting to win over plenty of acolytes.
This month, the new sandbox RPG Hawthorn released a “Proof-of-Concept” demo on Steam as part of the Next Fest event for upcoming games. The game, developed by NEARstudios, focuses on building up a fantasy village of diminutive animals in either single-player or co-op, with farming, crafting, exploration, and more. It’s also gunning for a dynamic world, with shifting weather that provides challenges and a valley that changes over time.
Hawthorn‘s official website cites a Eurogamer quote describing it as an “adorable baby” of Stardew Valley and Skyrim, and it highlights the involvement of Skyrim lead designer Bruce Nesmith. Inviting comparisons to two titanic hits is certainly audacious, but it’s easy to see how Hawthorn is spinning that DNA into a unique experience.
The Hawthorn “Proof-of-Concept” demo is a public version of “a prototype made at the start of [NEARstudios’] journey,” so it doesn’t reflect the current state of the game, which sounds significantly more feature-rich. Even so, it’s making a strong impression, with a Steam review consensus that currently sits at 93% positive. For those interested in checking out Hawthorn, now is the time, as the demo will become unavailable at the end of the Next Fest event on June 22.
Even above Skyrim and Stardew Valley, the Hawthorn comparison that intrigues me the most is its invocation of inspirations outside of gaming. The site mentions “Victorian-era European fairytales and the spirit of 80s and 90s anthropomorphic adventure stories,” two realms that both offer up stronger atmospheres than the average cozy game manages.
I’m hoping that Hawthorn can effectively tap into those sensibilities and deliver something that feels a little less trite than many of its peers. Without a confirmed release window, the demo will likely be the best way to judge the merits of this Skyrim and Stardew Valley blend for months (or even years) to come.
- Developer(s)
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NEARstudios
- Multiplayer
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Online Multiplayer
- Number of Players
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1