Aground vs Stardew Valley
Aground
Aground is a 2D, side-scrolling, survival-themed adventure game where you'll be digging out the bowels of the earth for precious ores to turn into tools, weapons, and armor or to sell to gain coins. Similar to games like Kingdom: Classic or its sequel, Kingdom: New Lands, the game will have you venture out to explore new islands to discover more about the story behind the land, to meet new characters and to obtain better resources to craft superior items.The storyline in this game is pretty intriguing as well. It features a Bermuda Triangle-like area where people often get shipwrecked and are washed up to one of the shores of the small archipelago. The islands are filled with weird creatures and is rich with minerals and resources. As survivors starting from scratch, they do not have access to the technologies they used to enjoy that is until apparently a mysterious tribe, called the Mirrows, helped to set stuff up.
Aground offers players the sort of freedom that Minecraft is able to provide and yet, is not fully a sandbox game nor does it have a procedurally generated map. Of course, this game has a great storyline, along with quests to help drive those plot points forward, and that alone makes it a really fun game to play.
Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is an indie farm simulation/RPG that had surprisingly become popular mainly because of the beautiful pixel art, its heartwarming storyline and of its fun yet relaxing gameplay. In this game, you've inherited your grandfather's old farm in Stardew Valley, a place that was previously vibrant with life is gradually being worn-down since Joja corporation brought its Joja Mart chain to town. However, you saw the potential that this Valley has and are determined to restore it to what it could be - greatness... or you could just sell out and supply the Joja corporation with your produce... it's completely your call!Like most farm simulation games, you'll need to plant, grow and harvest a wide variety of crops as well as raise a plethora of farm animals. There are plenty of useful machines that you can restore and use to hasten your day-to-day, farm life routine. Interestingly though, being an RPG, you'll also get to mine for minerals, fight enemies, fish for... well, fishes and go foraging in the wild. These skills can be leveled up with use and as you progress, you can even unlock new recipes, places to explore and even pick up a profession or two. The best part though is that the game has some of the most interesting characters in a farm sim, some of whom you can eventually date and marry. You can also decorate your virtual home and customize the appearance of your avatar.
Stardew Valley reminds many of the game, Harvest Moon, and they aren't wrong. The game seems to build on the best parts of the latter and add in acouple of its own unique twists too. This is the sort of game that gamers, regardless of which type you are, will be able to enjoy.