Farming Simulator 23: A Unique Blend of Nerdy Charm and Relaxation

When it comes to a game called "Farming Simulator," it's challenging to convince those who don't immediately grasp its appeal. With options like exploring Hyrule or carrying out heists in Los Santos, why would anyone choose to plow fields and ensure timely wheat sowing for the summer?

There has always been an indescribable nerdy charm to the series, where meticulous attention to detail and serene relaxation combine to create a meditative experience through digital combine harvesters. Unfortunately, while Farming Simulator 23 hints at that beloved place I know and love, the old barn is showing signs of wear and the weeds desperately need tending.

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In Farming Simulator, your goal is simple: make more money, expand your farm, and acquire impressive new machinery to admire. You can choose from various farming approaches, such as crop-based agriculture, animal husbandry, or even logging and forestry. The fields you purchase, the crops you plant, and whether you decide to work alone or hire assistance to make things easier are entirely up to you.

One of the series' biggest attractions has always been its attention to detail regarding equipment. By incorporating real-world brands and tools, every piston, bolt, and mechanical arm is faithfully recreated. This attention to detail is what adds to the game's appeal, as Farming Simulator 23 continues to inspire awe when witnessing a pesticide sprayer unfold or observing the coordinated efforts of your harvester unloading its yield into a nearby wagon.

The Farming Simulator series alternates between high-end platforms (Xbox, PlayStation, PC) one year and mobile and Switch platforms the next, with a downgraded version. As Farming Simulator 23 belongs to the latter category, it offers a smaller, less technically impressive take on the series. However, this comparative simplicity also leads to significant streamlining, making it a much more accessible entry for newcomers.

Plowing a field in Farming Simulator 23

The overall pace of the game feels faster, with crops growing more quickly, and tools easily attachable to vehicles by simply driving into them. This departure from the endless waiting and occasional moments of confusion regarding which tool belongs to which tractor allows you to dive right into the more macro-scale business decisions involved in running your farm. If you've never played a Farming Simulator game before, this might be the ideal starting point to learn the ropes before delving into the shinier, feature-filled predecessors.

Sadly, while this transition makes the game slightly easier, it also highlights the dated feel of the Switch platform. Gone are the stunning vistas present in the mainline entries, replaced by two uninspiring maps that fail to captivate exploration. Farming Simulator 19 offered a vast world to venture into, complete with a drivable train encircling its perimeter. In contrast, in Farming Simulator 23, I've barely ventured beyond my farm or the nearby store because everything appears muddy and blurry.

A field in Farming Simulator 23

Moreover, these visual downgrades aren't justified by the game's presence on the Switch platform, as it still suffers from poor performance. The framerate drops significantly, often dipping below 15fps, even when observing your own house. Several elements from its mobile counterpart remain, such as oversized, garish touchscreen buttons permanently occupying valuable screen space. A game on the Switch doesn't require an on-screen jump button, yet it is present, needlessly taking up precious real estate.

I might have overlooked these technical hiccups if Farming Simulator 23 had attempted something innovative, but it feels as if the series has fallen into a rut. It has been nine years since Farming Simulator 15 breathed new life into the series, while subsequent releases like 17, 19, and 22 introduced enough fresh content to keep players engaged. Unfortunately, Farming Simulator 23 feels more like a rehash than a step forward. One of the most noticeable casualties is the absence of farm customization, a feature present in 19 and 22, which allowed players to add personal touches like beehives and dog kennels, and even pursue side ventures alongside their main farming business.

Logging in Farming Simulator 23

Nevertheless, Farming Simulator 23 still resides within that magical sweet spot where nerdy fascination and pure relaxation converge. I found myself repeatedly folding and unfolding my machinery, marveling at the intricate movements, and taking brief breaks from the daily grind to spend time with my chickens. However, it's difficult to view anything in Farming Simulator 23 as genuinely 'new.'