"Stardew Valley" by Eric Barone, also known as ConcernedApe, did not expect that his "practice coding methods" became a huge hit among farm life-loving people. Now one of the best games of 2016, the said game reveals a dark side instead of just pure happy, innocent, and aesthetic way people perceive farming and country life. This noticeable reality in the game is presented by the character's dying grandfather. As the grandfather was dying, he hands out a letter with a condition to opening it only in critical time.

The quote from grandpa that made players reflect on life

As quoted in the prologue of "Stardew Valley," the dialogue goes this way:
"There will come a day when you feel crushed by the burden of modern life...And your bright spirit will fade before a growing emptiness...
When that happens, my boy, you'll be ready for this gift."

Realities that most people experience these days

Life and freedom are two inseparable things that a person must obtain. In "Stardew Valley," the main character works endlessly in a certain company and the cutscene reveals people stressed, tired, quit the job, and one skeleton on the desk next to the character, signifying death and no escape from the realities of life.

As players go through the game and delves deeper in the villagers' lives

Upon arriving in "Stardew Valley," the town is quaint, comfortable, natural, and nostalgic. Villagers are kind and helpful during the player's first arrival. However, as players get to know the lives of the villagers, everything gets serious in one point because their lives are shards from reality, which people are experiencing right now.

Examples would be Kent, the husband of Jodi, who suffers post-traumatic stress disorder from the war that he had been through because he was a soldier. Second, is Alex, reflecting on the memories of his abusive father and his late mother. Other stories feature other portals that are happening in reality, which is the reason why "Stardew Valley" is included as one of the best games in 2016, despite its similarity with "Harvest Moon." Fortunately, with all the dark pasts set apart, good things do come in the story and everyone is strengthened, has moved on, and reunited their lost ties.