Fields of Mistria Review (Early Access) | A Promising Contender To Stardew Valley

80
Story
8
Gameplay
8
Visuals
8
Audio
8
Value For Money
8
Price:
$ 14
Reviewed on:
PC
Fields of Mistria is a delightful indie simulation RPG that captures the charm and depth of the genre. With its engaging blend of farming, fishing, mining, crafting, and cooking mechanics, the game offers a rich and varied experience. The inclusion of character customization and dialogue choices adds layers of personalization and interactivity, making each playthrough unique. Fields of Mistria stands out as a charming and engaging simulation RPG that balances familiar mechanics with unique twists. Its depth, variety, and continuous sense of discovery make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Fields of Mistria
Gameplay & Story Release Date Pre-Order & DLC Review

Fields of Mistria invites players to build their dream farm and explore a vibrant world filled with magic and romance. Read our review to see what it did well, what it didn't do well, and if it's worth buying.

Fields of Mistria Review Overview

What is Fields of Mistria?

Start your new life in Fields of Mistria, where you can build the farm of your dreams and explore a world full of possibilities. This nostalgic farming and life simulation RPG offers a mix of magic, romance, and adventure, promising a charming experience as you navigate the joys and challenges of rural life.

Fields of Mistria features:
 ⚫︎ Character Customization
 ⚫︎ Dialogue Choices
 ⚫︎ Farming, Fishing, Mining, Crafting & Cooking Mechanic
 ⚫︎ Passive Skill Perks
 ⚫︎ Magic Skills
 ⚫︎ Calendar Events
 ⚫︎ Dynamic Weather

For more gameplay details, read everything we know about Fields of Mistria's gameplay and story.

Steam IconSteam $13.99

Fields of Mistria Pros & Cons

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Pros Cons
Checkmark Engaging Mechanics
Checkmark Magic Skills
Checkmark Character Customization
Checkmark Calendar Events
Checkmark High Initial Costs
Checkmark Lack of Information on Items
Checkmark Slow Progression

Fields of Mistria Overall Score - 80/100

Fields of Mistria is a delightful indie simulation RPG that captures the charm and depth of the genre. With its engaging blend of farming, fishing, mining, crafting, and cooking mechanics, the game offers a rich and varied experience. The inclusion of character customization and dialogue choices adds layers of personalization and interactivity, making each playthrough unique. Fields of Mistria stands out as a charming and engaging simulation RPG that balances familiar mechanics with unique twists. Its depth, variety, and continuous sense of discovery make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Fields of Mistria Story - 8/10

Mistria has just been hit by a natural disaster, and they need a capable adventurer to help rebuild in exchange for a house and land. This familiar yet effective formula has drawn me in, with the added allure of captivating lore and diverse character personalities. The story unfolds through tasks and interactions, making it an engaging and immersive experience. Each character has a unique backstory and set of challenges, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. While the plot may seem familiar, the richness of the world and the personal stories of its inhabitants kept me invested and eager to explore more.

Fields of Mistria Gameplay - 8/10

Expect the usual farming, foraging, fishing, and mining, but with a twist: the ability to learn and use magic, as well as jump and swim. There is also a balancing act of managing your daily tasks, every day, you’ll find yourself tending to your farm, collecting items for the museum, exploring deep levels of the mines and making sure to interact with the NPCs. The nostalgic design makes it easy to understand and jump into, and the depth of these interactions and tasks makes it hard to put down. The game’s long calendar allows for a satisfying sense of growth as you improve your farm, build relationships, and explore the world.

Fields of Mistria Visuals - 8/10

The charming pixel art style, while not as sharp as other games in the genre, adds a nostalgic and whimsical vibe. Though some may find it simplistic, the visuals are appealing and fit well with the overall atmosphere of the game. The color palette and design choices create a warm and inviting world that I enjoyed exploring. The 90’s anime artstyle for character bubble chats add charm and the visual style effectively conveys the game's personality.

Fields of Mistria Audio - 8/10

While not perfect, the music and sound effects are immersive and enhance the overall experience. The background music is soothing and fits the game's relaxed pace, while the sound effects add a layer of realism to daily activities. There are times when the audio can feel repetitive, but it generally complements the gameplay well.

Fields of Mistria Value for Money - 8/10

At $13.99, Fields of Mistria offers a wealth of content and engaging gameplay, making it a good investment for fans of the genre. The game delivers a substantial amount of content with its mix of farming, crafting, and social interactions, and promises future updates that could enhance the experience. However, there are more established games available at the same price point that offer a similar range of features. Despite this, Fields of Mistria provides solid value with its depth and variety, making it a worthwhile purchase for those looking for a new and charming RPG.

Fields of Mistria Review: Delightful Blend of Farming and Adventure

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Fields of Mistria begins with a compelling setup. After a natural disaster devastates the town, Adeline and Eiland are desperate to find a solution. That's where I come in – the adventurous spirit ready to rebuild and breathe new life into this charming village. The character customization is surprisingly robust, allowing me to create a protagonist that feels uniquely mine. I even get to choose my pronouns, which is a nice touch of inclusivity that makes me feel even more connected to the game.

As soon as I arrive, I'm handed a plot of land and a humble house. Sure, it’s a bit of a fixer-upper, but that’s part of the charm. With my basic tools in hand, I dive headfirst into the various activities the game offers. Farming, mining, fishing, and selling goods are all part of the daily grind, but they’re anything but mundane. Each task is thoughtfully designed to keep me engaged, and the seamless integration of these mechanics ensures that there’s never a dull moment.

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One feature that truly sets Fields of Mistria apart is the joy of collecting. Whether it’s insects, flora, or other goodies, the game turns these tasks into delightful daily adventures. Each day feels fresh and exciting as I venture out to find new specimens and treasures. The world is teeming with life, and every nook and cranny holds the promise of a new discovery. This constant need to explore keeps the gameplay engaging and ensures that no two days feel the same. There’s always something new to find, and the thrill of discovery never fades.

The crafting and cooking mechanics add even more depth to the game. Sure, the crafting table, smithing table, and stove aren’t conveniently located in my home at first, but this nudges me to visit the town center regularly. As I progress, these tools become available for purchase, allowing me to upgrade my home and streamline my daily routines. It’s a satisfying progression that makes my hard work feel worthwhile.

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Leveling up in Fields of Mistria is tied to the amount of work I put in each day. Some story elements only unlock once I reach a certain level, which adds a layer of anticipation and motivation. The historical society is a brilliant addition, offering rich lore and backstory that deepen my connection to the world of Mistria. The town deity, who trades Essences (skill points) for passive skills, adds yet another layer of depth. Collecting Essences through daily tasks and then exchanging them for useful perks kept me engaged and constantly striving for improvement.

Now, let’s talk about the romanceable NPCs. This is where Fields of Mistria truly shines. Each character has a unique personality and backstory that makes interactions feel meaningful. When I first met Adeline, her strength and determination immediately caught my eye. Then there’s Celine, whose sweetness and kindness are impossible to resist. But oh boy, March with his smug attitude – it’s a challenge, but one that I’m more than willing to take on. It’s that "you’re going to like me eventually" vibe that kept me from ignoring March. The game offers a diverse cast of characters, ensuring that there’s someone for everyone to connect with and potentially romance.

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The romance aspect of Fields of Mistria is handled with care, making each relationship feel unique and rewarding. Whether I’m courting one of the 12 marriage candidates or simply building friendships with the townsfolk, these interactions add a rich layer of depth to the social fabric of the game. Watching relationships blossom and grow is one of the game’s many pleasures, (and seeing Valen and Juniper together would be a delightful outcome).

Despite its many strengths, Fields of Mistria isn’t without its flaws. The high initial costs for tools, meals, and upgrades can make the beginning of the game feel unfair. While this financial challenge adds a sense of accomplishment once overcome, it could be better balanced to avoid early-game frustration. Additionally, the lack of clear information on where to find certain items can be frustrating. More guidance, such as tooltips or floating information, would streamline the gameplay and reduce unnecessary frustration.

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The progression can also feel slow at times. Leveling up and unlocking new story elements can be a grind, which might be off-putting for players who prefer a faster-paced experience. While the game’s long calendar helps balance the pacing, some may find the slow progression a bit tedious.

In conclusion, Fields of Mistria has rekindled my love for RPG simulations. Its blend of familiar mechanics with unique twists, makes it a standout in the genre. While it may not surpass Stardew Valley just yet, it’s well on its way. The game never feels like a chore, and there’s always something to look forward to, whether it’s the weekly sleep over, a festival, or simply the daily routines that make life in Mistria so charming.

Pros of Fields of Mistria

Things Fields of Mistria Got Right
Checkmark Engaging Mechanics
Checkmark Magic Skills
Checkmark Character Customization
Checkmark Calendar Events

Engaging Mechanics

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With such a wide variety of farming, fishing, mining crafting and cooking, this adds some much needed depth to the gameplay. Every mechanic is fittingly tied in, so that you always have something to do and the gameplay never gets tiresome. I constantly am able to jump from one activity to the other depending on how I feel and what my goals are for that day. Even better, the way these activities blend into each other keeps them from dragging and helps keep players immersed in all of it.

Magic Skills

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This game presents magic skills, which allows Fields of Mistria to stand out from all the other games in that subgenre. Spells to improve farming and other activities allow for more tactical excitement in discovering new useful spells which makes the game feel refreshing. The use of magic in functional things is a new play style that still keeps me engaged. It's a satisfying variation that adds some complexity to the gameplay and prevents it from feeling repetitive.

Character Customization

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The in-depth character customization gave me the freedom to craft avatars that appealed more deeply, down to being able to select pronouns. Even those little changes have helped me feel more connected to my character and the world. This allowed me to customize my character how I wished and helped with making the gaming more personal. In the end, Fields of Mistria's character customization has been a major asset for my immersion and appeal.

Calendar Events

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The calendar events kept the game world feeling alive and ever-changing. This feature adds depth to the gameplay, as I must participate in seasonal events that offer unique rewards. Calendar events provide exciting goals and milestones to look forward to, breaking up the routine and keeping the gameplay engaging. These elements contribute to a vibrant and dynamic game world that constantly evolves.

Cons of Fields of Mistria

Things That Fields of Mistria Can Improve
Checkmark High Initial Costs
Checkmark Lack of Information on Items
Checkmark Slow Progression

High Initial Costs

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Everything in the game is quite expensive at the start, which can be discouraging. The high costs of tools, meals, and upgrades make the beginning stages of the game feel like a struggle. While the financial challenge does add a sense of accomplishment once overcome, it could be balanced better to avoid early-game frustration.

Lack of Information on Items

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There is no clear information on where to find or how to obtain certain items needed for the requests. A tooltip or floating information when hovering over item names would greatly improve the gameplay experience, helping me know where to search. This lack of guidance can lead to wasted time and effort, as I often found myself wandering aimlessly in search of specific items. It’s a small but significant change that would enhance the overall player experience.

Slow Progression

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Some aspects of the game, such as leveling up and story progression, can feel slow. While this pacing may appeal to players who enjoy a more leisurely experience, others might find it frustrating, especially when certain story events are locked behind level requirements. While there is still a sense of steady accomplishment, the slow progression could feel demotivating, particularly for those who prefer a faster-paced experience.

Is Fields of Mistria Worth It?

It’s Like Harvesting a Gem

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At $13.99, Fields of Mistria provides great value and is a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to dive into a delightful and engaging RPG. The game successfully combines the charm of farming simulation with engaging life simulation elements, creating a compelling experience for fans of the genre. Its nostalgic appeal, combined with the rich variety of activities, from farming to collecting and building relationships, offers a satisfying and immersive gameplay experience, ensuring that it remains enjoyable and rewarding over time.

Platform Price
Steam IconSteam $13.99

Fields of Mistria FAQ

Are Relationships in Fields of Mistria Gender Locked?

No, players are free to romance whoever they want regardless of their farmer’s gender.

How do I get to the mines in Fields of Mistria?

You will first need to reach the Stone Rank, then a letter of invitation to open the mines will appear the following morning.

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Fields of Mistria Product Information

Fields of Mistria Cover
Title FIELDS OF MISTRIA
Release Date August 5, 2024
Developer NPC Studio
Publisher NPC Studio
Supported Platforms PC (Steam) (Other Consoles TBA)
Genre Indie Simulation RPG
Number of Players 1
ESRB Rating N/A
Official Website Fields of Mistria Website

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