9.3

Review: The Home Country

Oh wow! What a great vibe The Home Country has! From the very first moment it felt like I got into a warm mix of Stardew Valley and Mysteria, but with a unique charm. And the best part? The whole game is made by but één developer. Eén! This project deserves a lot more attention, because there is so much love, atmosphere and detail in it that it would be a shame to go unnoticed.

In the game you immediately withdraw the story. You have been appointed to build a new village by the supposedly smartest professor who éémake a mistake per year (and that mistake is probably choosing you). You arrive in a small hamlet with a few residents. But most striking is the large estate a little further away, inhabited by two people of blue blood: the elegant Duchess, the mysterious Mr. Mortimer, and their ‘always’ Clean housekeeper Marian. Their presence gives the whole a wonderful, typical British atmosphere.

The developer himself is extremely active on his Discord server and that really deserves a shout-out. He really reads everything, responds to everything and everyone, and is open to feedback, suggestions and even small questions. It feels like you're part of a growing project that the maker is working on with passion and attention. This makes The Home Country not only a charming game, but also a warm community in which you immediately feel welcome.

Graphically, the game opts for a beautifully drawn style with a warm, cozy look. Everything feels soft, inviting and colorful, without becoming overwhelming. The music deserves a real compliment, beautifully composed and perfectly fitting to the quiet, constructive atmosphere of the village.

Of course the game has some rough edges. There are bugs in here and there (logically, because the game is created by één person), and even the wiki is still in full construction. 

Would you like to explore this game and join a small, cozy community? I'd say, Get in, because you'll be really surprised!