Summary
Near Studios has recently announcedHawthorn, a game described by the developers as a mixture ofSkyrimandStardew Valley. BothSkyrimandStardew Valleyhave plenty of fans, so this new sandbox life sim will likely be an interesting pick for gamers who want a cozy experience with exploration elements.
Hawthornwill be Near Studios’ first title. The recently formed US-based company has developers who previously worked for major studios such as BioWare, Bethesda, and Naughty Dog. The studio was co-founded by Heather Cerlan and Jason Richardson, who both worked at Bethesda, among other studios, and it seems that these developers intend to use their expertise to create a cozy sandboxexperience with strongSkyrimvibes.
The upcomingHawthornwas announced withan official Steam pageand a short trailer that showcases some activities and exploration. The game can be played both solo or in co-op and allows players to control a small woodland creature character in a village filled with anthropomorphic NPCs while building a community. Gamers will be able to explore their surroundings during four distinct seasons, create their characters using various races, forage, farm, fish, craft, and build a fairytale village. Bruce Nesmith, who previously worked asSkyrim’s lead designer and is currently part of Near Studios, also described Hawthorn as “an intimateSkyrimsandbox meets aStardew Valleyvillage simulation.”
Hawthorn Will Be Created By Former Bethesda, BioWare, and Naughty Dog Developers
An intimateSkyrimsandbox meets aStardew Valleyvillage simulation.
WhileHawthornwill cater to people who likegames likeStardew Valley, it also seems like a perfect pick for players who love exploration and survival games due to its expansive world and building mechanics. The game will have a dynamic world with random events, and players will often be able to pick either a peaceful or aggressive solution to most conflicts.
Hawthorn’s mixture of farming simulation with fantasy is part of a popular trend. Theupcoming gameMirthwood, for example, mixes life sim and RPG elements. InMirthwood, the gamer plays as a refugee in a fantasy world and has to build a new community while exploring dangerous places. The game was recently delayed, but it’s still one of the most noteworthy examples of this new cozy fantasy trend.
Unfortunately,Hawthorndoes not have a release date yet, so gamers may need to wait a while before playing, but at least there are plenty of options. TheStardew Valley-inspiredFields of Mistria, for instance, is getting rave reviews on Steam. The game has an old-school 90s charm, a village with several NPCs, and yet another interesting setting that mixes magic, farming, and some excellent cozy vibes.
Hawthorn
Once upon a time, woodland creatures built a trading post in forgotten Windermere Valley, but now it is the haunt of varmints, fairy lights, and mysterious rumors about why this village was abandoned. To you, however, this is a hope for a new life.Recruit villagers and grow a community. Defend against the elements and forest tricksters. Thrive and celebrate the seasons’ traditions. Rebuilding won’t be easy, but you and your newfound friends are up to the challenge.
