Summary
Gamers know the bittersweet emotions that come with a beloved game’s end all too well, and the feeling is more complicated for indie management games without a definitive conclusion, as players can eventually get bored and start loathing the title they once loved. Before the boredom sets in, players often search for alternatives to diversify their playing experiences, andGraveyard Keepercan step into that role forStardew Valley. Although they have similar mechanics,Graveyard Keeper’s eerie aesthetic and dark themes set it apart from its counterparts in the indie management genre, providing a welcome twist to a genre described as too flowery in some circles.
Medieval RPGsand somber themes often go well together, as evidenced in blockbusters likeThe WitcherandElden Ring, and Lazy Bear Games continues the trend of sobering tales withGraveyard Keeper. The game begins with the protagonist being hit by a car and waking up in another world where he has to work as a graveyard keeper. His ultimate goal is to return to his old life and wife, and he performs his new job to keep up appearances. This backstory starkly contrasts the dreamy nature ofStardew Valley, where the main character takes ownership of the rundown farm in Pelican Town to restore it to its former glory, employing the townspeople’s help and fostering a sense of community through rebuilding the town.
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Graveyard Keeper’s Darker Elements are a Welcome Contrast to Stardew Valley’s Happy Themes
Revamping the town is one ofStardew Valley’s main attractions, and players can collect different resources to put into the town center by working on the farm and building relationships with the locals, collecting perks for their efforts. Similarly toStardew Valley’s Pelican Townand farm,Graveyard Keeper’s playable grounds are considerably rundown at the start of the game and requires serious repairs – but with an opposite spin,Graveyard Keeper’s tasks focus on the morbid theme, requiring gamers to perform autopsies, manage the graveyard, and sometimes even lead a church. As the cemetery’s overall condition improves, the church will become available for gamers to conduct sermons and unlock more skills like cremation.
Cannibalism typically features insurvival games likeThe Walking DeadandSons of the Forest, butGraveyard Keeperputs a spin on it, allowing the protagonist to sell body parts to the local tavern or add them to his cooking.Stardew Valley, on the other hand, maintains a farming focus, featuring four in-game seasons and giving players over 50 crop options to plant. Players usually prefer highly profitable crops like grape and fairy rose, although plant choice also depends on the season. There are also opportunities to improve income inStardew Valley, such as raising animals and combining crops with other farm produce to create high-quality finished goods like cheese.
The demand for crafting tools is on the rise, as demonstrated byValheimwith its upcoming Ashlands Update, andGraveyard Keeperincorporates more building elements thanStardew Valley, making it an appealing alternative for fans of the crafting genre. Players can customize items ranging from coffins to decorations to their tastes, which is great in an era where customization options are in high demand. Additionally, the Lazy Bear Games brainchild has a more mechanized approach to progression, distributing points for completing tasks that can be allocated to unique skill trees – meaning gamers have to do more to level up.
Stardew Valley’s leveling system appears less grind-focused because every task is interconnected, allowing gamers to spread their skill points in different skills or specialize in one, gaining more perks as they develop.Graveyard Keeperis an intriguing option for fans ofStardew Valleyseeking an alternative that ventures beyond the lighthearted and explores life’s darker themes.
Graveyard Keeperis available on Mobile, Nintendo Switch, PC, and PS4.
