MINOR SPOILERS:

E is for Elodie, sad and alone,
E is for Elodie, the heir to the throne,
E is for Elodie, Lumen and strong,
E is for Elodie, evil all along,

E is for Elodie, pride and joy,
E is for Elodie, black-hearted toy,
E is for Elodie, Saver of Souls
E is for Elodie, betrayer of all,

E is for Elodie, who could never swim,
E is for Elodie, Unfit and not prim.
E is for Elodie, Lost to the Deep,
E is for Elodie, whose secrets are meek,

E is for Elodie, Warrior mighty,
E is for Elodie, not meant for fighting,
E is for Elodie, The greatest of hearts.
E is for Elodie, all alone in the dark,

E is for Elodie, the struggle to live,
E is for Elodie, No more money to give.
E is for Elodie, Courage unseen,
E is for Elodie

LONG LIVE THE QUEEN!

Stardew Valley has this strange, timeless quality to it. No matter how many hours I play it, it never feels like it. No matter how many times i'm doing the same things, it almost never gets dull or tiresome. Even though I know so much about the game, I never feel like i've seen it all - and i never get tired of seeing it again.

There are very few games that, for me, have failed to get repetative or stale whilst being ultimately fairly rote. Stardew is one of those games. It's simplicity, charm, depth and character resonates strongly enough with me that my desire to play it overcomes my usual instinct of "complete and move on". I imagine that for a long time after this moment, I will find myself returning to Stardew Valley to become once again enthralled by it. Hundreds of hours later, with a smile on my face, I'll be sitting at the end credits and be thinking to myself "What should I focus on next playthrough?"

Stardew hasn't only been a relaxing and fun experience though, it's also renewed my love for gaming in general. Sometimes, being bogged down by mundane tasks and grinding in other games wears at my spirit. It becomes more about getting it done than enjoying the journey. Stardew is the anathema of that for me; a game that doesn't force timers on you (most of the time), that lets you take as long as you like to see as much as you want. It gives you a world and says: "Have fun!", and I love that.

No matter how weary I become, no matter how frustrated I get, I know that a small part of me will find solace and comfort in Stardew Valley, and that alone is more comfort than almost any other game has provided. Stardew is good for the soul, and if you haven't tried it, I strongly reccomend you do.

EDIT: 1000 hours later, and I was right. I'm still enjoying it just as much. Truly wonderful