Merchant vs Stardew Valley
Merchant
Merchant is a fun little idle game that's designed to be played on the side, while you're doing something else on the computer. In the game, you'll need to hire heroes who you will then send out on adventures to gather crafting materials. The materials obtained can then be turned into numerous types of armor and weapons, which you can in turn equip on your heroes or sell them off for a tidy profit. There are two main ways for you to sell your goods - you can either put it up for sale in your shop or you can fulfill the orders of passing merchants and heroes.Although the game starts out as pretty fun, the progression in this game gradually becomes rather grindy after a while - imagine: sending the same hero on the same quest will require the same amount of clicks as sending the hero on a new quest or even sending a new hero. Some automation would be great here, especially considering that the game's an idle game.
So, despite the fun concept and gameplay, its progression can truly kill your interest in the game. That being said, if you just want a simple game to play as you watch Netflix or YouTube on your computer, Merchant might just be the kind of game for you!
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.