Echoes of the Plum Grove, a Stardew Valley-inspired indie game by Unwound Games, is set to release on Nintendo Switch on February 13. Following its 2024 PC debut, the game has received high praise for its unique twists on the farming-simulation genre. Like Stardew Valley, players can farm, socialize, and build relationships, but Echoes of the Plum Grove introduces a distinct mechanic—player characters age and can pass away, allowing their children or household members to continue the legacy. For those preferring a more traditional experience, aging can be turned off.
Set in a charming, Paper Mario-style world, the game begins with players stranded in a new town after a shipwreck. From there, they build a life by farming, raising animals, forming relationships, and starting families. Traits can be passed down to offspring, and winters pose a significant challenge, requiring players to stockpile food and supplies to survive. Unlike Stardew Valley, the game introduces morally complex choices, such as the ability to harm NPCs, though these actions come with consequences. NPCs, like the player, can age and pass away, adding a layer of realism and emotional weight to the experience.
Echoes of the Plum Grove is now available for pre-order on the Nintendo Switch eShop with a 10% discount, bringing the price down to $17.99 USD from the standard $19.99. Players eager to experience the game sooner can pick it up on PC via Steam, where it is already available. The game's innovative mechanics and cozy, life-simulation gameplay have made it a highly anticipated addition to the genre.