Summary
A new Kickstarter game,Starsand Island,is a farming-sim experience resemblingStardew Valley, but with an anime-style twist.Starsand Islandpromises to feature the cozy, relaxing gameplay experience that games likeStardew Valleyoffer, but with a unique visual style closer to that of Studio Ghibli movies.
Stardew Valleyhas inspired numerous gamessince its appearance in the video game industry. The indie farm sim developed by ConcernedApe offers such unique, relaxing, and charming gameplay that it became a cornerstone of the genre and a massively celebrated title, whose popularity never seems to fade despite the passing years. Many developers have ventured into creating their ownStardew Valley-like titles, featuring all sorts of different spins on the formula—from introducing sci-fi and cowboy themes to adding new mechanics—though always making their source of inspiration clear. Now, a new title inspired by ConcernedApe’s game is on the horizon.
At first glance,Starsand Islandlooks likeStardew Valleymeets Studio Ghibli, and while the game clearly seems to draw inspiration from both, it also promises some unique elements. Developed by Seed Lab,Starsand Island(currently raising funds throughKickstarter) is a “cozy life simulation sandbox” game set on a subtropical paradise where its inhabitants live in “harmony with nature and the ocean,” featuring distinct seasons. Seed Lab’s goal with the game is to create a truly peaceful experience where players can relax, spending time with the game and the island itself.
Starsand Island Is a Stardew Valley-Style Farming Game With Anime Flair
Likemany other farming-sim games,Starsand Islandgives players the option to become in-game farmers, cultivating crops, working in the fields, and taking care of their animals. But that’s not all the game offers; players can also choose to become explorers, investigating the island’s ruins and jungle, learn the ropes of fishing and spend their time catching a variety of fish, learn combat skills to face off against different creatures, or spend time building the island with many customization options. Seed Lab wants players to find their own way and rhythm to play it using the many features of the game. “Starsand Islandisn’t just a game for us; it’s a reflection of our own life philosophy,” the developer wrote.
One important feature the developer has highlighted is the romantic aspect of the game, which—much likeStardew Valley’s romance system—will introduce multiple romanceable characters, each with unique behavior patterns and personal backstories, who can join the player’s life as partners.Starsand Islandhas already raised $65,000 of its $100,000 goal and is aiming for a Q4 2025 release window.
