NEARstudios, a new indie powerhouse formed by former developers from Bethesda and BioWare, and Naughty Dog, is about to introduce its first game: Hawthorn, an indie game. Imagine the charm of a cozy life simulation blended with the epic exploration of an RPG realm of anthropomorphic animals—a world where anthropomorphic animals and fairy creatures live out their tales in the mysterious Windermere Valley. In this article, we’ll delve into the gameplay, world-building, and much more, revealing why the video game Hawthorn is one of the most anticipated indie games of the year.
In Hawthorn, players find themselves in the enchanting and somewhat eerie Windermere Valley, a place reminiscent of England's Lake District. Once upon a time, this was a lively trading post in forgotten Windermere, built by woodland creatures. Hoping for a new life, you arrive at this once-thriving village. The valley is now veiled in folklore and haunted by mysterious creatures. With the village abandoned amid rumors about why this village was deserted, it's up to you to rebuild it from scratch.
At night, the village glows under the soft fairy lights, but beware—the woods can become a haunt of varmints.
In Hawthorn, it’s not just about the buildings but the endearing NPCs you meet along the way. The valley is a crossroads of creatures, each bringing their unique personalities and backgrounds. As you befriend these newfound friends, you’ll find they each have stories to share and contribute to the village with distinct skills, whether it's crafting, farming, or guarding the community. The villagers are more than just characters; they're integral to your journey.
Whether playing solo as you build or co-op with your friends alongside village NPCs in this co-op sandbox RPG, Hawthorn invites players to experience the valley at their own pace. In co-op mode, players can join forces to build faster, explore deeper, and take on seasonal challenges together. There’s a unique charm in exploring this woodland paradise alongside friends while gradually creating a village that feels like home.
The world of Hawthorn is designed to feel alive, an ever-changing world bigger than it seems. Each season brings its own beauty and obstacles, as you celebrate the seasons with rains, snow, and sunshine altering both gameplay and aesthetics.
The four seasons aren’t just a visual change; they significantly impact the game’s mechanics. In spring, players might focus on planting crops, while autumn could bring harvest festivals and the need to gather resources for winter. The winter snow is no easy hurdle, though, as survival and gathering become more challenging.
Legends and mysterious rumors linger over Windermere Valley, and players might find themselves testing the line between myth and reality. The way the woodland shifts and the strange creatures that come and go might make you believe the old legends. Whether you’re searching for rare treasures in the woods or trying to unravel the valley’s history, exploration is encouraged but comes with risks. Strange creatures and shifting landscapes keep players on their toes, and it’s up to each player to decide whether to face these encounters peacefully or by combat.
From choosing your character’s species of anthropomorphic animal to customizing the village, Hawthorn offers a high degree of personalization.
Players can select from various species, each offering different advantages and appearances, making the journey through Hawthorn even more immersive. Whether you’re a crafty mouse or a courageous owl, these animal characters add a unique layer to the experience. Plus, you can change your settings at any time to adjust your gameplay experience.
With materials gathered from the valley and the surrounding wilderness for resources and treasure, players can rebuild and expand their village. Whether it’s fishing, farming, or crafting furniture, every activity ties back into the village. Plus, catering to the preferences of your NPC villagers can yield benefits, making the village a place that truly feels alive and shared.
NEARstudios has crafted Hawthorn’s world with a deep-rooted charm inspired by Victorian-era European fairytales and the spirit of 80s and 90s adventure stories featuring anthropomorphic animals. If you’re a fan of Stardew Valley’s warmth but also love the complexity of Skyrim’s expansive world, Hawthorn could be the perfect blend for you.
Formed by industry veterans and former Bethesda developers who’ve worked on massive titles like The Elder Scrolls, Mass Effect, and The Last of Us, NEARstudios is led by CEO and creative director Heather Cerlan and game director Jason Richardson. Skyrim lead designer Bruce Nesmith has also joined the team, adding his expertise to the mix. These former developers from Bethesda and BioWare and Naughty Dog bring their rich experience to create something uniquely heartfelt and memorable. NEARstudios has combined RPG storytelling with life sim elements to create something uniquely heartfelt and memorable. It’s no surprise that Hawthorn, described as "an intimate Skyrim sandbox meets a Stardew Valley village simulation," has already generated massive interest and has been wish-listed over 112,000 times on Steam.
While Hawthorn has taken the gaming community by storm, the journey has not been without challenges. NEARstudios has been entirely self-funded up to this point, with the team of developers working tirelessly without compensation, hoping to secure additional funding or perhaps even launch a Kickstarter campaign to bring their vision to life.
The official release date for Hawthorn has not yet been set, but fans can sign up for playtesting opportunities on the official website. Currently, it’s expected to release for PC via Steam, with potential expansions to other platforms in the future.
For those wondering if Hawthorn might come to consoles like the Xbox, PS5, or even Nintendo Switch, NEARstudios has hinted at its ambitions to bring Hawthorn to a wider audience, but for now, they’re focused on a smooth PC launch.
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Hawthorn has already captured the imagination of thousands. With its beautiful visuals, meaningful interactions, and ever-evolving world, it’s set to become a staple in the life-sim and RPG genres. Whether you’re a solo explorer or a co-op enthusiast, Hawthorn’s unique blend of gameplay promises an unforgettable adventure.
Stay tuned for more updates from NEARstudios and from us at SaveGame prepare yourself to step into the enchanting world of Hawthorn™.
