Featured Image Credit: 11 bit studios
Topics: Stardew Valley, The Last Of Us, Steam, PC, Indie Games
I want you to imagine a post-apocalyptic world where farming is what ensures your survival. The catch? The farm is fighting back against you.
It’s an unexpected premise, certainly, but the upcoming “gritty farming thriller” Crop blends the gameplay formula of Stardew Valley with the world-building of The Last of Us.
“Crop pairs methodical high-stakes farming with the slow-burning dread of an investigative thriller,” the synopsis reads.
“Constrained to a fading homestead, you must feed a village on the brink of starvation. Master the routine, or surrender to the rot.
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“You didn't inherit this land - the land claimed you. Now, the farm is your reality, and how you organise it is your only remaining freedom.”
Across their eerily twisted farm, players will dig trenches, install pumps, and restore equipment as they do their best to fix a fallen agricultural empire.
There are plenty of other jobs to be getting on with, including chopping down tall grass, clearing pests, producing compost, preparing your plots, and protecting your plants from inclement weather.
“The work is heavy, but in a world this broken, only tireless effort will move you forward,” devs warn.
There’s also an engaging story running throughout Crop.
“Your duties don't end at digging dirt. Why were you brought here? Why is the town cut off from the world?” the game’s description reads.
“And who is watching from the shadows as dusk falls? Investigation is as vital as irrigation. Balance the toil of the fields with the hunt for answers.
“Every crop you harvest might buy the townsfolk another day of life, but every secret you unearth brings you closer to the truth.” Consider me intrigued.
Crop is being developed by Carbonara Games, a Norwegian indie team comprising just three devs.
It’s set to be published by 11 bit studios, although it does unfortunately lack a release date for now.
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Crop is down to be a PC exclusive, launching on Steam, but hopefully, we could see a couple of console ports arrive further down the line if the game’s PC launch goes well.
If you do like the sound of this one, Crop’s Steam page is live, so you can wishlist it to be kept up to date on its progress.