John Deere: Harvest of the Heartland

$30, Nintendo DS

CTR Review

Developed by Black lantern Games for Destineer, this game is a real-time farming simulation game. Players take on the role of the farmer, using the DS stylus to clear land, plant and harvest crops, and drive authentic John Deere equipment. The top screen of the DS can be used to monitor the farm with the mini-map and check on the status of crops and livestock with the Query tool. You can paint your barn and create a unique logo for your farm, feed, care for, and harvest products from animals, and sell crops and livestock at the daily Commodities Market. Players can then use the money they earn to upgrade their John Deere equipment and make their farm more efficient and profitable. Players can also enter their products and livestock in "best of" shows at the County Fair. The game also features a cooperative mode using the Nintendo DS Wireless feature. Players can team up with friends and cooperatively develop their farm, get paid for helping, and share the rewards.