Harvest Moon – Save the Homeland is a simulation game for the PlayStation 2 that deviates from the franchise's classic mechanics. Players focus on thwarting the development of their town into a resort by fostering community ties instead of solely pursuing profit. While farming is crucial, the game highlights building relationships with local residents as essential for advancement.
The first Harvest Moon game for the PS2 takes a little deviance from all the other games in the series. The goal this time around is to save your town from being turned into a resort next year. The game focuses more on relationships than making money - which is the goal in all other Harvest Moon games to date. You still are running a farm and must succeed in the life of a farmer, but the actual gameplay rewards those who interact with the townspeople over those who just work the fields.