When the team behind Nippon Ichi Software's unsettling horror hit 'Yomawari: Night Alone' announced a new project, I naturally braced myself for another descent into madness. So, when I heard the title 'Silent Countryside Garden Story', I assumed it was a masterclass in irony. With its whimsical, cutesy protagonist and a remote, pastoral setting, the stage seemed perfectly set for something truly sinister.

However, as the details trickled in, it became clear this is far more of a life and farming sim than a nightmare simulator. I got to see exactly how these horror aficionados handle rural tranquility at a media showcase held in Japan on the 7th.

During the demo, I dove into the 'Peaceful Life Mode'. It’s a sandbox designed for those who want to farm and live without the looming threat of horror elements. In the full game, the terror kicks in when you break the village 'rules', but in this mode, those restrictions simply don't exist.

Kagatsu is depicted as a secluded mountain village, even by Japanese standards. You play as a child who, for reasons yet to be explained, finds themselves working a plot of land here. You start in a rather sparse, straw-roofed shack that you'll gradually fill with furniture and personal touches as you progress.

Initially, you have a decent-sized plot next to your home to cultivate. It’s overgrown with weeds, rocks, and debris, and clearing it feels like a full day's work. Every swing of the axe or scythe consumes stamina, and once you hit zero, it’s lights out. While you need to eat to recover energy, the game mercifully skips survival meters for hunger, thirst, or sleep, making for a much more relaxed experience.

The farming mechanics feel surprisingly robust. You can upgrade tools like scythes, hoes, axes, and watering cans. The latter requires regular trips to the river to refill. There's a huge variety of seeds to plant—cucumbers, tomatoes, corn, hops, wheat, beans, ginger, marigolds, and morning glories all make an appearance.

You sell your produce via a shipping box in front of your house. The earnings go toward buying new seeds, cosmetic items, and furniture blueprints. Basic crafting, like smelting ore in a furnace, is in, and while I couldn't test the kitchen during this session, it seems cooking will be a key part of the loop.

Interacting with the locals and exploring the village is a core pillar of the experience. The developers have retained their signature soft, painterly art style, making the world feel immersive even without the horror tropes.

The villagers are a quirky bunch. The village mayor is just a young girl, for instance; you'll need to pay her to unlock new fields. Her assistant, on the other hand, is a bit of a schemer who casually tasks you with catching fish for them. Between the shopkeepers and itinerant peddlers, there's plenty of personality. You can listen to their troubles, give gifts, and if you get close enough, they might even invite you into their homes.

The village shifts with the time and seasons. Characters move around, and the general store becomes a social hub on certain days. In the heat of summer, you’ll spot children fishing by the water. Keep an eye out for birds and cats; the birds, in particular, will drop useful seeds or items—a neat little scavenger hunt mechanic.

Even in the 'Peaceful Life Mode', there are hints of a 'creepy village' trope lurking beneath the surface. The landscape looks like a fairytale, yet there are unsettling details, like a lizard larger than a human lurking beneath the river. Above all, the village rule boards—forbidding night excursions or leaving the village—subtly hint at the dark events to come.

The game is packed with content, and while it clearly takes a page or two out of 'Stardew Valley', the developers have clearly put in the work to ensure that exploring and living in the village feels satisfying on its own.

Fishing and mining add some nice variety. Fishing is a rhythm-based mini-game, featuring real-world catches like catfish and loaches. There’s a rare chance to snag special fish that can net you a tidy profit—far more than a standard day's work.

Mining is treated like a small-scale dungeon crawl. You descend through a crumbling mine, using stamina to clear rocks and debris to reach the next level. You'll also encounter giant moths, spiders, and bats that need to be dealt with using your tools.

The ore you collect is essential for upgrading your equipment. You’ll need to be efficient with your resources. On the quality-of-life front, the game has some nice touches: you can blow a whistle to have a giant dog carry you home, and the watering can allows for continuous use with a simple button hold.

Silent Countryside Garden Story launches on July 30 for PC, PS5, and Nintendo Switch, with full Korean language support.