Sailor Moon-Style Farming Sim Has the Makings of a Summer Hit

Following Steam Next Fest, we’ve received a slew of limited-time demos for highly anticipated games, including NPC Studio’s Fields of Mistria. The Sailor Moon-esque farming and life sim boasts a rosy pixel art style that calls back to old-school games and fantasy anime of the ’90s. It’s earned comparisons to Stardew Valley, garnering a fair amount of hype ahead of launch. If you’re looking forward to meeting marriage candidates that rival Prince Endymion and Queen Nehelenia, get your rose-colored glasses ready. Mistria‘s early access release date is just around the corner.

Fields of Mistria Enters Early Access in August 2024

With the drop of its playable demo, Fields of Mistria is set to enter early access on August 5, 2024. A console release is in the cards, too, but NPC Studio has yet to specify additional platforms. For now, you can download Mistria‘s Next Fest demo via Steam until June 17, 2024. And yes, you can totally play it on Steam Deck.

The demo covers your first three in-game days at your new farm in Mistria. This is just enough time to become acquainted with mechanics, plot origins, and the town’s swoon-worthy marriage candidates before its summer launch. Admittedly, I’m kind of bummed the demo is so short. That said, it’s definitely worth your time to take in the gorgeous visuals, test out exclusive spells, and meet the townies. A few nice surprises are thrown into the mix as well. Count on solid clothing options and an extensive pronoun selection. You can even take on all the objectives possible within the allotted demo period, too.

Mistria’s Standout Art Direction and Marriage Candidates Seem Promising

Fields of Mistria has managed to stand out amongst other upcoming releases thanks to its distinctive art style. In line with the game’s fantasy RPG elements, its visuals seem to pay homage to the classic Sailor Moon anime’s character designs and signature rosy tint — a happy accident that was actually the result of film degradation. Even so, Mistria’s landscape and interiors are practically blushing, and the town’s bachelors and bachelorettes are just as charming as they look, too.

So far, 10 known marriage candidates are set to appear in the finished game, each of whom was introduced in the playable demo. Based on NPC Studio’s teaser images, it looks like we can also expect to meet two more singles by the time Fields of Mistria exits early access. In the meantime, those planning to play are already fleshing out their favorites. I haven’t had such a tough time choosing who to romance in a while. I’m already torn between sweet Adeline, Balor, and the hot-headed blacksmith, March.

With all this and more to look forward to, I’m beyond excited to see where Fields of Mistria leads upon the game’s early access release this August. Until then, be sure to wishlist the game on Steam. Follow along for updates on X (formerly Twitter) and here at GameSkinny.