The newly-releasedRoots of Pachafrom developer Soda Den brings a Stone Age interpretation of the beloved farming simulator style of games likeStardew Valley. The overwhelming success of the farming simulator from solo developer ConcernedApe has seen an explosion in popularity of farming sims within the gaming industry. Whilefranchises likeHarvest MoonandStory of Seasonshave long brought easygoing farm lives into gaming, a plethora of indie games have cropped up in recent years to capitalize onStardew’s popularity.
Roots of Pachais the first game released by indie game studio Soda Den, partnering with publisher Crytivo for the release of the game. Crytivo has worked to publish a variety of other indie games on Steam, mostly working with smaller studios on simulation games likeThe UniversimandPrehistoric Kingdom. Steam has become a haven for plenty of indie farming sims looking to capture the same magic asStardew Valleywith games likeSun HavenandMy Time at Portiaseeing successon the platform. Now,Roots of Pachabrings a prehistoric twist to the genre.
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Releasing earlier this week,Roots of Pachapromises a farming sim centered around a “thriving Stone Age community.” The prehistoric farming game features a variety of ancient animals to befriend from wild boars and fish to towering woolly mammoths. The game offers several different mechanics with players able to learn how to preserve food, sculpt pottery and metalworking, and even expand the village with new buildings.Roots of Pachaalsofeatures a multiplayer co-op modewith special mini-games and events for playing with friends.
Similar to games likeStardew Valley, the social element also plays a heavy role inRoots of Pachawith players interacting with their tribe. Players can build relationships and friendships with the other members of their clan, as well as invite new characters from other clans to join the village.The game’s Steam pagehints at a romance element common to farming sims, as well as prehistoric festivals and rituals to participate in.Roots of Pachais currently only available through Steam, on sale for 10% off until May 2nd.
The overwhelming success ofStardew Valleyhas evolved farming simulators into one of the most popular genres of indie games, even extending into big-name releases.November’sHarvestellasaw JRPG juggernaut Square-Enixthrow their hat into the farming ring, combining traditional farming sim elements with JRPG mechanics. Even the popularLike a Dragonfranchise has implemented farming gameplay into its newest game,Like a Dragon: Ishin.Roots of Pacha’s prehistoric farming looks to bring a unique element to the growing genre.
