Upcoming Steam Game is Like an Anime Stardew Valley With Shape-Shifting

ACE Entertainment has officially announced Tales of Seikyu as an anime-inspired farming sim game, featuring shape-shifting into several different “yokai” as one of its main mechanics. Recent years have seen the farming simulation genre explode in popularity off the success of beloved games like Stardew Valley and the Harvest Moon franchise. Many of gaming’s biggest developers have even given their own spin on the popular genre, like Square-Enix’s Harvestella and Sega’s Like A Dragon: Ishin! incorporating farming as a mini-game. Now, the newest farming sim from ACE Entertainment looks to bring a mythology-inspired spin on the genre.

While farming sim games were initially popularized by franchises like Harvest Moon and Story of Seasons, Stardew Valley has become one of the genre’s biggest breakout hits. The critical acclaim for the 2016 farming sim developed by solo creator Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone has inspired countless modern farming games, helping to explode the sub-genre’s popularity. Indie developers in particular have flocked to the genre with new games like Roots of Pacha and Coral Island seeing success. Now, Tales of Seikyu will bring the farming gameplay into a world filled with yokai.

The announcement trailer for Tales of Seikyu officially gives fans their first look at the game, showing off shapeshifting into different creatures as one of its main gimmicks. Within the game, players are able to transform into different animals and creatures to do their farm work, turning into a warthog to work the soil and flying around as a crow spirit. Tales of Seikyu‘s announcement trailer shows off a variety of gameplay other than farming with cooking, romance, and even a full combat system. Tales of Seikyu also revealed the game will be seeking funding through Kickstarter, with the game’s set to open on January 12.

Tales of Seikyu‘s world takes heavy inspiration from Japanese mythology, with different yokai spirits playing many of the game’s leading roles. Players will be able to meet “tengu” crow spirits, personified seal people, and a talking crane among others within the in-game world of Seikyu. Tales of Seikyu gives players full freedom to customize their farm, able to build a variety of facilities between barns, fields, sheds, and plenty more. The game even features a combat system reminiscent of modern action RPGs, squaring off against fearsome demons.

Tales of Seikyu looks to be a promising addition to a sizable lineup of modern farming simulation games. Many modern farming simulation games have sought their own unique niches to stand out from the crowd, like the previously mentioned Roots of Pacha‘s prehistoric setting. Fantasy settings have been a popular addition to many games in the genre, adding an element of mysticism and magic to the cozy nature of farming sims. Tales of Seikyu‘s yokai-inspired gameplay should serve as a unique entry within the booming farming genre.

Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley is a hit Indie release that spawned a cult following thanks to its similarities to titles like Harvest Moon and The Sims. Players will take control of their own characters as they are dropped into the eponymous Stardew Valley and given an old dilapidated farm. They’ll cultivate new crops and relationships with the NPCs scattered around the area, as well as combat monsters and embark on other quests.

Released

February 26, 2016

Developer(s)

ConcernedApe

Publisher(s)

ConcernedApe

Genre(s)

RPG , Simulation

Multiplayer

Local Multiplayer , Online Multiplayer

ESRB

E for Everyone (Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language, Simulated Gambling, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco)

Split Screen Orientation

Vertical or Horizontal

Number of Players

1-4

Steam Deck Compatibility

Verified