Review of Orange Season: A Farming Game in Need of Significant Repairs
Covering the state of broken games serves a crucial purpose: it acts as a cautionary tale for potential buyers. However, some gaming experiences are so fraught with issues that discussing them becomes a challenge in itself. Such is the case with Orange Season on the Nintendo Switch, a port of a farming simulation that initially gained traction during its early access phase on PC. Unfortunately, the game proved to be too flawed to enjoy.
First Impressions: A Familiar Setup
Orange Season starts fairly typical for the genre: you find yourself in a vibrant new town with a sprawling farm waiting for attention. Players are greeted by a welcoming community eager to incorporate them into local life, complete with various quests and social opportunities. However, my enthusiasm was tempered by the lack of accessibility due to the small text size on the Switch version, potentially complicating quest engagement. Although the in-game journal provides adequate information, I was skeptical about how this would impact my overall experience.
Gameplay Mechanics: Major Hurdles Encountered
My initial quest soon spotlighted a critical flaw in the Switch version: the game’s problematic navigation. I found myself repeatedly snagging on the environment in areas that should have been completely accessible. While I managed to extricate myself through some trial and error, I soon discovered even more baffling issues. I was often able to pass straight through fences, walls, and buildings. On several occasions, I wound up inside homes that were meant to be locked, highlighting severe design flaws.
This led to an infuriating experience where I became stuck in unintended spaces, requiring a restart to regain my progress. Instances included finding myself trapped in a yard after slipping through a storefront or getting caught in the geometry of the cityscape, forcing me back to the main menu. Such recurring setbacks made gameplay incredibly frustrating.
Map Functionality: The Quest for Navigation
Moreover, the map functionality in Orange Season leaves much to be desired. Navigational aids are either poorly implemented or non-existent, which exacerbates the already frustrating gameplay experience. Players might find themselves longing for the more polished mechanics seen in other farming simulators like Core Keeper or the classic charm of Mario & Luigi: Brothership.
In conclusion, while the premise of Orange Season is promising, its execution is marred by significant flaws. For those interested in farming games, you might want to explore alternatives like Potionomics or read about my experience with Slitterhead, which, despite its issues, offers a more engaging experience.
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