Exploring Olive Town

This preview is based on version 1.0.2, but features may be subject to change with future updates.

Reclaiming your farmland isn’t the only thing going on in Pioneers of Olive Town. The town itself will be a constant source of new happenings, with almost 40 residents to befriend, tons of events, festivals, a museum to fill out, and a never-ending flow of requests to be fulfilled as you work to make the town a popular tourist destination.

While you don’t have direct control over the town’s aesthetic as some past games, you’ll nevertheless see it grow and change in various ways as you make your way through the year, making Olive Town have a bit of its own character arc as it slowly changes into what it aspires to be. Along the way, the residents of Olive Town will have a constant series of events, several with their own continuity instead of being simple one-off happenings. The characters are, without a doubt, one of the most appealing aspects of Olive Town; with tons of well crafted, unique lines that can also change depending on recent happenings in the town, or upcoming events such as festivals.

Speaking of, festivals in Olive Town offer mini-games, such as the Pet Derby where your smallest animal companions can compete, or simple cut-scenes such as special date nights with candidates where you can spend time together watching fireworks. Oddly, Olive Town doesn’t really have a lot for the farmer or rancher to compete in however. For better or worse, without anything like cooking or cow judging, your life in town and life on the farm end up feeling end up feeling distinctly separate from these annual events.

For those wishing to have their life with nature contribute to the town in some way, the museum provides just such an opportunity. Each new fish you catch can be donated, just as in the aquarium from GBC3, as well as artifacts you can unearth (or fish up) that could have a special place in the museum’s displays. On your first visit you’ll also receive a camera to document local wildlife you encounter on your farm or in town, which can be submitted as photo reference for models to be added to the gallery.

Though, another use of the camera is being able to freely explore Olive Town from a first person perspective. From here, you’ll be able to see details you never could from the usual bird’s-eye view of the game, with a lot of unique touches waiting to be found. Like, say, another cameo by Kombu, Igusa Matsuyama’s dog. You can also meet with Laura by the port to use your photos as postcards!

These will appear on the loading screen for other players while online, allowing you to share a unique moment with the world. I’m certain absolutely no one will use this service to just post a bunch of animal butts. Certainly not. Another online feature you can register for while at the port is the ability to appear as a tourist for other players. If you’ve put together a new, distinctive fashion, this is your opportunity to show it off.

Having spent 60 hours to complete my first year, with plenty more events to witness and friendships yet to be forged; I feel confident in saying that players will find their time in Olive Town filled with new things to see. Next time we’ll talk more about the farm and progression and dig a little deeper into how pioneer life on your farm unfolds.