A co-developer of Stardew Valley is making his own life simulation with lots of new ideas – and it’s set to be released on Steam as early as 2024
Arthur Lee, a former Stardew Valley employee, is working on a new life simulation that could be released this year. The game, which does not yet have a final title, will probably be called Apollo City and be set in a big city. But that’s not the only fresh idea in a genre where you all too often start a new life in the countryside or on an island. Here are some of the first screenshots:
This is what Apollo City is all about
Apollo City aims to push the traditional boundaries of the farm simulation genre: The game is set in a vibrant metropolis, but also has the rural elements typical of the genre. For example, you have the unsurprising opportunity to manage a farm right next to the hustle and bustle of the city
But back to Apollo City: In contrast to Stardew Valley, the game also offers unique urban farming areas such as rooftop gardens on high-rise buildings. In addition to classic farming activities such as agriculture, animal husbandry and fishing, you can customize your home and develop a variety of skills
Among the most exciting features are:
- Plants that spread automatically and take over neighboring fields. Watermelons, for example, can cultivate an entire field from a single seed:
I was unable to work this past week due to a family emergency, but I’m back now and have a new crop type to show off. Internally, they’re called “Creepers”. Crops like Watermelons will slowly “creep”/spread onto surrounding tiles, allowing you to grow a patch from a single seed ! pic.twitter.com/SrgUR83Guy
– Arthur ‘Mr. Podunkian’ Lee (@MrPodunkian) December 6, 2023
- (An extensive recipe system) that allows you to add your favorite ingredients to homemade dishes – for example, you can top a pizza with the vegetables you grow.
- An in-game camera with which you can complete special photo quests.
- You can keep a (dog as a pet) that will follow you everywhere if you want.
- The opportunity to earn extra money by working in a warehouse and learning automation tips:
Still extremely rough, but one way to make a few Sandos on the side is to work at the Pico warehouse… As you devote time to it, you’ll quickly learn some tricks to cut down on busywork both on the warehouse floor and on your gardens too ? pic.twitter.com/F1URG1TYZY
– Arthur ‘Mr. Podunkian’ Lee (@MrPodunkian) October 11, 2023
There is also an extensive skill list that includes such unusual skills as eating, recycling and socializing. Sleeping is also considered a skill in the game, with going to bed early leading to faster XP gain and increased maximum energy
If the game has piqued your interest: For more info, you can (follow the developer on X (formerly Twitter)), where he regularly shares new info and videos about Apollo City
and the game. The game is set to be released later this year and will soon have a Steam store page and a final title
How do you like this novel mix of country and city life? A cool idea with hit potential or just the next Stardew Valley clone? Let us know in the comments!
