It's no surprise that "Farming Simulator 2016" is a widely anticipated sim game GIANTS Software, but it is not without shortcomings. In fact, the reviews say a lot about the previous game and the latest game may suffer the same fate.

Here are some potentially better games worth killing time and make tending crops less than a chore.

Stardew Valley

Not as graphically impressive as "Farming Simulator," but potentially better in terms of fun factor.

Stardew Valley, on the other hand, is a 2D game. It takes its inspiration from the first "Harvest Moon" games with its 16-bit look, but modern mechanic. In a nutshell, it is a modern "Harvest Moon" with classic looks.

Not too heavy in simulating real-life farming mechanics, the game is still enjoyable in its own rights and could even outshadow "Farming Simulator" in a number of ways.

SPINTIRES

Not exactly a farming sim or anywhere near it, but "SPINTIRES" is a game where players get to drive trucks just as well.

Unlike the first comparison, "SPINTIRES" graphically impressive just as "Farming Simulator," but it doesn't lack in the gameplay department either. In a review from the Steam page, the game is extremely optimized letting players experience smooth framerates with gorgeous graphics.

The game's goal is to drive all-terrain Soviet vehicles with only a map and a compass. It relies heavily on exploration and unlocking more trucks, fueling stations and garages.

Rune Factory

A game that lies somewhere in between farming, fantasy and even dating sim.

"Rune Factory" is a series from Natsume and XSEED that tackles lives of farmers/adventurers. Players get to tend their crops, look after their poultry and pretty much anything that can be done with "Harvest Moon"

When not doing the farmer tasks, players get to slay monsters, raid dungeons and eventually, save the village from evil threats. That's how flexible players can get with "Rune Factory"

In fact, "Rune Factory" is a spinoff from "Harvest Moon," which also happened to get extremely great reception hence additional titles in the series.

The games are available on most Nintendo consoles like Nintendo DS, 3DS, and Wii. If players don't have acces to these, emulators like No$GBA and Dolphin might just do the trick.