Japanese Rural Life Adventure is my favorite farming sim for mobile

Overview of Japanese Rural Life Adventure

Japanese Rural Life Adventure is a charming 16-bit-style farming sim set in the countryside, offering a unique and immersive experience. Released on Apple Arcade on Sept. 15, 2023, the game captures the essence of rural Japan with its picturesque visuals and engaging gameplay.

Game Start, the developer behind Japanese Rural Life Adventure, is known for its expertise in life sims and pixel art. According to founder Takeo Fujita, the concept of a rural Japan setting resonated well with users, leading to the full-scale development of the game.

The original concept art for Japanese Rural Life Adventure.
Image: GameStart/Apple

The game’s setting incorporates elements of rural life that are rarely found in modern-day Japan. From the serene countryside to ancient shrines, Japanese Rural Life Adventure offers players a glimpse into a world untouched by modern amenities.

Exploring the Gameplay

In Japanese Rural Life Adventure, players are tasked with revitalizing a rundown farm and immersing themselves in the local community. From repairing shrines to tending to crops, the game offers a variety of activities to engage in.

While the game includes standard farming sim features like energy management and relationship-building, its focus lies in exploration and cultural experiences. Players can unlock new map areas and participate in seasonal events that showcase traditional Japanese customs.

One of the highlights of the game is the cooking minigame, which adds a fun and interactive element to the gameplay. The attention to detail in each activity, such as fishing, enhances the overall gaming experience.

Future Updates and Expansion

Game Start has ambitious plans for Japanese Rural Life Adventure, with upcoming updates focused on introducing new cultural areas and player-requested features. The recent Oct. 17 update introduced a mystical realm, hinting at the game’s evolving narrative and gameplay.

For players seeking a mobile-friendly farming sim that offers hours of entertainment, Japanese Rural Life Adventure is a must-play. With its captivating visuals and engaging gameplay, the game provides a refreshing take on the life simulation genre.

Japanese Rural Life Adventure was released on Sept. 15, 2023, on iOS and Mac. The game was reviewed on an iPhone using an Apple Arcade subscription provided by Apple. Vox Media has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence editorial content, though Vox Media may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links. You can find additional information about Polygon’s ethics policy here.