RPGFan writes: "When I first started playing Sunshine Islands, I had an intense feeling of déjà vu. The game is so painfully similar to Island of Happiness that it practically feels like the same title just fine-tuned a little bit. Sunshine Islands may be a follow up to Island of Happiness, but does that mean we have to have essentially the same game with very little to carve itself its own identity? It seems like Natsume took Island of Happiness, added a new control scheme and a couple characters, and put it back on the market. Naturally, this makes writing this review a little difficult. Usually, I'm brimming with ideas when it comes to writing my reviews, but Harvest Moon: Sunshine Islands leaves me feeling like I've played all of this before - and with nothing new to say."
Josh from Controller Crusade writes "Anyone who has followed the Harvest Moon franchise since it burst on the scene in 1997 (1996 in Japan) knows the many ups and downs it has endured. The odd thing about Harvest Moon games is that even when they’re not that great they are still incredibly addicting. Depending on what aspect of the games you like to focus on, you’ll enjoy certain titles more than others. Personally I like to mix it up and do a little bit of everything, not pigeon hole myself into one type of task or chore. Here are my personal highs and lows for the Harvest Moon series."
NintendoLife - Harvest Moon’s power to enthral and entrap gamers is often underestimated by those who have yet to experience the unbridled thrill of growing a crop of healthy tomatoes, but nearly 15 years after the original Super NES Harvest Moon the series continues to sell well to experienced farmers and newcomers alike. Now Harvest Moon: Sunshine Islands has reached Europe, and it brings with it a few tweaks and changes that freshen the formula slightly while keeping it familiar for veterans.
Namco Bandai Partners S.A.S. has announced that it has entered into an agreement with Rising Star Games to distribute Harvest Moon: Animal Parade for Wii and Harvest Moon: Sunshine Islands for Nintendo DS. Namco Bandai Partners will bring the two games to EMEA regions in November 2010.
