Fallout 4 vs Stonehearth
Fallout 4
Fallout 4 is the latest installment of the highly-acclaimed game franchise, Fallout. This time around, the developers went above and beyond, and completely revamped the rather outdated V.A.T.S. and turn it into a slow-motion-based aiming system rather than outright pausing the game mid-combat. The game has a massive graphics and sound overhaul as well. The visuals are a lot better than before and the devs added in something that was previously unprecedented - voice acting for the main character. The companions play their roles a bit better as well but they still tend to glitch out, or in some cases, disappear altogether. Thankfully, for PC gamers, you can use the command console to bring them back.In addition to its usual (and still epic) open world plus complete freedom features, this game also has a main storyline that forces you to pick a side in a war between factions, the Institute, the Brotherhood and the Railroad (the Minutemen are somewhat neutral in this game). However, the cream of the crop of this game is its sandbox aspect. In this game, even the junk items have their uses as you can use them to craft or modify your weapons, but also to build bases for settlers to inhabit and also a few extra places for you to stash some supplies in addition to your home in Diamond City.
Fallout 4 may have been ranked down on Steam due to Bethesda's decision to make paid mods, but the game itself is still a pretty good sequel for its combat system alone even if you don't like the storyline as much.
Stonehearth
Stonehearth is the game you'll want to play if you enjoy playing Minecraft because you can build your very own city. Although the game is basically a sandbox game like Minecraft, it has a building aspect that's much more similar to Craft the World... except that in Stonehearth, everything's in glorious 3D. In this game, you play as the leader of a small handful of adorable-looking pioneers who are looking for a new place to settle down. There isn't a lot of digging involved in Stonehearth though you still need to get your pioneers to collect resources from the environment or to plant and harvest their own.Like in Craft the World, you'll need to provide shelter for your people and equip them with the necessary equipment so they can fend off attacks during the night. However, when it comes to crafting, Stonehearth has a much more diverse and in-depth crafting system. The building system in this game is also pretty unique though it can be rather restrictive when compared to Minecraft since the most "building" you'll be doing is mainly houses for your villagers. Of course, let's not forget about the game's much better-looking graphics!
In some way, Stonehearth is more of a survival/town-building game than a pure sandbox game like Minecraft. However, it is perfect for players who enjoy having an entire town of minions to order around, and the satisfaction of leading and developing a tribe. For a price tag of $24.99 (on Steam), Stonehearth can be a bit on the costly side, but if this is the sort of game you're into, the game will always be worth the price. You can show your support to the indie developers behind this game as well... so there's that!