Cattle Country is here with a horse-kick of nostalgia from another time, ready to bring players into the vast, untouched countryside. With Roger Clark (Arthur Morgan of Red Dead Redemption II) lending his voice as narrator, the game immediately sets a tone that’s both familiar and comforting. Naturally, with a voice crisp on the air, echoing the rustic charm of Western storytelling. It’s pixel art, text dialogue, and buttery-smooth animations that brought me back to those handheld games from the past.
Players begin by naming their village and are then welcomed into a lively world filled with vibrant colors and energetic wildlife. Throughout their adventure, they will encounter 22 residents with silly, heartwarming dialogue, all of whom have their own splash of personality across the quaint, bustling town. Each character has a portrait, a list of Likes and Hates, and even a birthday!
Gameplay-wise, Cattle Country borrows the best from classic farming sims like Stardew Valley, but adds its own dusty twist. There’s a town calendar full of festivals, side gigs, and even a bank system where you can save money or take on building projects to improve the town. A random encounter with the Sheriff introduces you to a feature: gun mechanics. Out here in the countryside, you need to be safe, an’ all, right?
Hunting and bandit shootouts add some spice to the otherwise peaceful lifestyle, especially if you leave the optional “Enemies in Mines” and “Enemies in Overworld” toggled on. Meaning those looking for a smoother and chill gaming experience can check these off.
The transitions between farming, exploring, and story feel seamless, which I appreciated. This gives players a real sense of momentum as the 5-minute day clock ticks forward. There is a familiar rhythm to ending the day in your tent, receiving your sales report, and skill upgrades the moment you hit he hay. Skill upgrades include foraging, mining, and cooking, all of which will be noticeably recognizable to fans of the genre.
Cattle Country stands out because of its detailed worldbuilding. Every building’s interior is carefully designed, and there’s abundant wildlife in the fields and forests. The game has a nostalgic feel but also includes enough fresh ideas to keep it interesting. Though the overworld map can feel crowded at times, it’s a small trade-off for the open countryside and excitement you feel when you meet new residents. With its mix of cozy mechanics and light frontier grit, Cattle Country is more than just another farming sim.
I played this with an Xbox controller, and Cattle Country is also Steam Deck verified.
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