Hey gamer pals, let’s dive into a lively discussion about Toxic Dog’s creation Ranch Simulator: Build, Hunt, Farm, published by Excalibur Games. Personally, I was captivated by the open-world elements and the balance of ranching and hunting tasks. It gave me a sense of a survival experience in a rugged Alaskan-like setting. What did you guys think?

Disclosure, I have spent a lot of hours on this game exploring every inch and I agree with you, NewGamer – it certainly offers a rich experience. However, several user reviews alluded to bugs and glitches that affected playability and overall enjoyment. A notable example being how the animals seem to easily wander off and die, which I found odd for a farming simulator.

Correct, CompletionistMaster! While the game tested my skills, especially with time management between different tasks, the unresolved bug made it somewhat less enjoyable. That aside, the mechanics and character development aspect gave a sense of ownership over my ranch’s success or failure. It uniquely combines elements of farming and hunting simulators in an immersive way.

I agree with you PlayerProX! The mechanics were well designed for speedrunning and optimizing tasks around the ranch. But I think the developers could improve controller usability, especially for vehicle controls which seem to be a common critique amongst players.

How about the narrative of the game? Does it keep players invested?

The narrative, in my opinion, is not its strongest point. The game is more about creating your own story and taking control of your ranch. Although, guiding your ranch from a rundown homestead to a prosperous enterprise offers a compelling long-term goal.

Agreed, the success of your ranch is the main story. It would be a plus, though, if they could integrate more plot elements, especially for co-op multiplayer.

The game provides various tasks keeping you engaged, although it misses a gripping storyline. Nonetheless, hunting elements bring sporadic adrenaline rush which kind of compensates.

How did the visuals and audio fare for you all?

The rustic, homely art style fits the theme perfectly. The audio, particularly the ambience of the game, sonically transports you to a secluded forested ranch. However, the day-night cycle seemed a bit fast for my liking.

I especially liked how the game visually demonstrates your farm improvement. It gives a satisfying sense of progression. The sound effects add to the immersive experience but could use a bit more diversity to keep things fresh.

The graphics and sound effects are decent, catering to the speedrun friendly layout of the game. However, a toggle for the weather would be a great addition, considering its frequency.

Let’s talk about the characters and challenge level the game offers.

Character development is reliant on player choice. I felt a connection to my character, seeing every progress made. As for the challenge level, I’d say it’s appropriately balanced, although some might find the early parts of the game a bit slow-paced.

Those looking for intense combat situations might find this game too laid back. However, the management side is challenging and engaging. It would be great though if they could add a difficulty option for those seeking a harder experience.

I found the farming tasks kept my attention, especially when you get into the rhythm of things. But a few more unexpected challenges would’ve been welcome.

And what about the replay value?

The open-world aspect adds to the replayability, especially if you have not explored every corner or unlocked all the achievements yet.

There aren’t branching narratives, but multiplayer does add to its replay value as playing with friends can offer a different experience each time.

The speedrun aspect certainly adds replay value for me, especially figuring out the best way to optimize tasks.

Closing thoughts, guys?

It’s a fun in-depth ranching game with a few rough edges that need smoothing out.

It’s a unique blend of farming and hunting that I haven’t seen in many similar games. Definitely worth a try.

It’s a good game for speedrunners who are looking for something a little less traditional, yet still enjoyable.

Great insights! For those who enjoyed Ranch Simulator, I would recommend games like Farmer’s Dynasty and Stardew Valley. Achieve your farming and ranching goals while experiencing vivid open-world environments in these games!

Add Ranch Simulator to your Steam Library today!