Two years ago, during a period of forced downtime as I navigated the challenges of recovery and rest, I found an unexpected source of comfort: the charming game Stardew Valley on my newly acquired Nintendo Switch.
This discovery came at a time when I was dealing with the limitations of a torn meniscus, which had forced me into a period of rest. Three weeks glued to bed, and for a few months walking normal was something I could just dream about.
Breaking my leg while sitting at a computer (lol)
I suffered a meniscus tear due to an unexpected twitch while sitting at my desk. Honest truth.
Contrary to what some might think, this injury wasn’t the result of a sedentary lifestyle but rather from overexerting myself in marathons, cycling, climbing, and hiking.
For a long time in my 20s, I had a sense of invincibility, believing that my muscle memory would allow me to run 20k with minimal training, and that stretching and rest weren’t as important.
Those were my thoughts in my 20s, but now in my 30s, I’ve come to realize the opposite.
A new best friend
Back to the Switch and Stardew Valley. I hadn’t played many games that year, and my new condition certainly didn’t allow me to sit in front of a computer.
So, I decided to buy a used Switch OLED. Suffice it to say, the Switch was in excellent condition, and I could tell the previous owner was passionate about the console. He even threw in some games and a lot of quality-of-life accessories. Nice guy.
Now if I think about it, It doesn’t feel as surprising because I think the Switch attracts a specific audience, perhaps one more inclined towards patient gaming. However, generalizations are always a double-edged sword.
After some quick browsing in the Nintendo shop and looking at top 10 recommended lists online, I stumbled upon Stardew Valley, and boy, I’m still excited as I write this article.
Personal Game of The Year in 2022
For me, Stardew Valley was one of the best games I have played for a decade. I had heard about it on PC, but it never compelled me to try it. I’m not sure why, and even now, with version 1.6 on PC, I still couldn’t wrap my head around playing it there. It just feels right on a handheld.
To me, this game is made for handhelds.
I can still vividly recall those first moments as I booted up the Switch. The straightforward yet engaging pixel art felt somehow familiar, even though it was my first time playing it. With it came a sense of belonging and immersion that I hadn’t felt since childhood, especially while playing the Gothic series.
As I progressed through the game, I saw reflections of my own journey toward recovery, moving steadily toward a better, healthier state.
Transitioning to playing Stardew Valley on the Switch was seamless; I didn’t even feel the need to adapt to this medium. The ease of continuing my game, whether connected to my TV or in my hands while confined to bed, made my situation not just bearable but, at times, quite pleasant.
I know handhelds have pushed the limits further nowadays, but I highly recommend the Switch to every gamer, it’s truly something else. Makes you enjoy simpler games, mind about resources, and is still an impressive console, with unimpressive specs.
Playing on TV wasn’t for me when it came to Stardew Valley, maybe just 1% of my total playtime. Some games are like that for me, either meant for TV and couch, laptop and desk chair, or everywhere and handheld.
On the Switch, Stardew Valley became a friend, but annoying and repetitive at times, just like a faithful friend can be.
Despite its straightforward gameplay, the game unfolds with surprising depth. Usually, with chill games, I play at a relaxed pace, but sometimes it became a chore. Just like in real life, I found myself anticipating or striving toward a goal, like finishing a season, without stopping to take a break.
But it was painful at times. Just like the recovery, my mind wasn’t always in it. I was either looking forward to better times or struggling to imagine them. I try to remember with positive note, but sometimes is hard, that accident my mental health more than physical health, if it makes any sense.
Two years later, fully recovered both physically (and hopefully mentally), I find myself starting this blog specifically to share this experience, the game, and the platform.
This is kind of my first real blog post here.
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