Why Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley Fans Should Be Excited for Coral Island

gamerant.com:

Over the last decade or so, indie games have become an incredibly important part of the gaming industry. While big AAA releases and first-party exclusives will always have their place, the last 10 years have shown gamers that even the smallest budget, one-person-developed titles can stand just as tall as the industry giants. Now, a game doesn't need to have a big budget to stand out from the crowd, just an exceptional idea, and Coral Island may just be the latest indie game to showcase that.

With the immense success of titles like Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing, life and farming simulators have become some of the most popular video game genres in recent years, and Coral Island wants in on the action. Releasing on October 11 2022, Coral Island takes clear, heavy inspiration from Stardew Valley, with its central gameplay loop tasking the player with creating their own farm and ranch, and improving said island's economy and appearance. However, Coral Island is far from being just a Stardew clone, with a few surprises up its sleeve.

The Legacy of Stardew Valley: My Time at Portia, Coral Island, and More

Coral Island puts relaxation at the very forefront of its gameplay experience. While fueling the island's economy and leveling the town up is the game's central mechanic and driving force, the player is allowed to do everything in their own time, with no external stressors or time pressures. After players have customized their avatar and their outfit, they'll have free rein over the island. It's up to the player on what crops they grow, what animals they tend to, and how they choose to decorate their ranch and the surrounding town. The more they do, the more the town and island will grow.

Another aspect that'll be familiar to