The Palace on the Hill Review

Game: The Palace on the Hill
Genre: Adventure, Casual, Indie, RPG
System: Steam (Windows & macOS)
Developer | Publisher: Niku Games
Controller Support: Full
Price: US $19.99 | UK £16.75 | EU € 19.50
Release Date: June 8th, 2024

A review code was used, with thanks to Niku Games.

A heartfelt story of ambition, struggle, and friendship told from the perspective of a young boy in fictional 90s rural India. Explore ancient palace ruins, set up your garden, cook Indian food, run errands for quirky characters, and learn about your history by making art.

The Best Place to Start is the Beginning

There is no shortage of farming simulation games to choose from, and while I do enjoy them, I sometimes find that they can all start to blend together.

Many of them don’t break new ground or bring anything truly unique to the table…until The Palace on the Hill. Part farming sim and part adventure sim, this game offers a beautiful glimpse into rural India, providing a fresh and intriguing perspective on the farming simulation genre. I was excited to explore this new and different world and learn more about the unique culture and practices of rural Indian farmers.

School’s Out in The Palace on the Hill

Meet Vir, a compassionate teenage boy from rural India who is spending his summer vacation helping his hardworking father on their family farm. As Vir embarks on this adventure, he encounters a diverse cast of characters who will guide him on his journey through the game. These characters offer quests and challenges that will shape Vir’s future, helping him grow and develop as he navigates the virtual world.

I have always been drawn to games that offer quests and a sense of achievement, as they provide me with a sense of purpose and fulfilment. Adventure sims, in particular, resonate with me because they allow me to feel like I am making meaningful progress with my time spent gaming. The thrill of completing tasks and overcoming obstacles fuels my passion for gaming,

Make Recipes to Advance Quests

As you embark on your journey in the quaint village, you will have the opportunity to take evening shifts at the charming local tea shop. Here, you can showcase your skills by using the crops you have cultivated and the herbs you have foraged to create delicious recipes. These recipes can be unlocked through the progression of your story or by engaging in heartfelt conversations with the characters you meet along the way.

In addition to your work at the tea shop, you can explore the various stalls that offer unique offerings. One stall allows you to purchase seeds to enhance your garden further, while another provides herbs for medicinal purposes. You can also visit a stall that offers furniture to help expand the cosy ambience of the tea shop. Embrace these opportunities to connect with the community and nurture not only your garden but also your soul.

You can also sell items to these vendors too. However, this is where my one main criticism lies.

It’s frustrating and a struggle to gather enough coins to complete certain quests in the game. It can feel like a never-ending process, especially when most crops only sell for 5 coins each. One particular quest even requires you to pay a hefty 850 coins to purchase an item from another character in order to progress. It can be disheartening to wait for crops to grow, as it takes a couple of in-game days. However, the option to manually go to sleep to speed up the timer is a helpful feature that can at least make the waiting game a bit more bearable.

Art is at the Heart

Art plays a pivotal role in The Palace on the Hill. Vir, who is a talented artist, will be assigned painting tasks and will be offered clues needed to complete each masterpiece. Fortunately, I didn’t find this aspect of the game too challenging, as the quest tracker helped me keep track of the locations where the necessary items for the painting could be found. I found all the items relatively easily and enjoyed the artistic process. Once the paintings are completed, players proudly display them in the local school, adding beauty and colour to the otherwise plain surroundings. It’s a wonderful way to showcase your creativity and contribute to the world of The Palace on the Hill.

Conclusion

The Palace on the Hill is a heartwarming game that beautifully captures the essence of community and culture in rural India. Vir, along with all the wonderful characters you encounter throughout the game, will surely warm your heart with their charm. The game provides a unique perspective that sets it apart from other games in the same genre, offering players a special look into the rich tapestry of rural life in India. It’s a truly special experience that will leave a lasting impression on all who play it.

You can find The Palace on the Hill on the Steam page here.

Final Verdict: I Like it a Lot

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