Anime-style Stardew Valley rival Starsand Island shows off romance feature

Upcoming life and farming game, Starsand Island, has clearly taken a lot of inspiration from the mega-popular Stardew Valley, so of course it has a romance system that allows you to snuggle up with your fellow islanders. Up until now, developer Seed Lab has remained coy about how exactly the system would work, but the newest trailer gives us our best look yet at how romance options - and friendships - are being handled in the cosy anime game.

Right from the start we're shown the farming game's various islanders, including a techy gal with her own robot, a silver-haired chef, and Pastelle - the animal-loving star of the show. The male protagonist in the trailer shares a wide range of 'aww' worthy moments with her, from the initial gift-giving phase, to sharing a house - just how the romcoms taught us!

We've also catch a glimpse of Starsand Island's various, very wholesome activities, which include watching fireworks, stargazing while snuggling, cooking and watering crops together, watching TV, and (gasp) some brief hand-holding. These are spread out across the game's different levels of 'affection:' Gifting, Outing, Room Visit, Requests, and finally Cohabit.

You're not flying blind when attempting to raise a relationship level, however, as each character's menu offers insights into the islanders' personality, preferences, and even how they might respond to compliments. All valuable clues in the path to wooing a partner, but while romance takes the spotlight in the trailer, it also briefly hints that the affection system isn't exclusive to love interests.

Friendships likely function under the same mechanics, if the text accompanying the trailer is anything to go by. "NPCs are no longer just 'flat characters' or cold quest tools," it says. "They possess memories, emotions, and dreams. They laugh at life's small joys and subtly evolve through your companionship. Every islander has their own story, and your bonds with them blossom through tender encounters and interactions."

With playful photobombing, warm greetings as you pass islanders, and shared adventures also promised, Starsand Island seems like a cute substitute for farming and life sim fans who might be getting a little bored while waiting for the Haunted Chocolatier release date to roll around.

We'll just have to wait and see if Starsand Island lives up to its potential when it releases in Q4 2025.

If you're looking for something similar in the meantime, then our lists of the best life games and the best games like Animal Crossing can help you out.

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