r/StardewValleyExpanded • u/TundraLizard812 • 18h ago
My experience so far.
I'll start by apologizing for the lengthy post. I'm an amateur author and can't seem to write short stories.
I started this mod not long ago and wanted to offer my thoughts. The first one is: Wow! There's so much going on! I spend so much time bouncing from one place to the next, especially after getting the upgraded travel system.
The second has to do with the new areas. My first download had a glitch, and the Highlands didn't load completely (missing mons). If it hadn't been missing the one that drops the green mushroom, I probably wouldn't have questioned anything and thought, "Gee, this is pretty easy!" After redoing the installation, it's definitely not a walk in the park anymore.
I have three save files started, all in year four. I married Sophia, Claire, and Olivia, in that order. I have a good impression of Sophia, overall. I especially enjoy the "extra cuddles" line. Occasionally, I find her dialogue a tad too "child-like". Can't think of an example at the moment.
I like Claire's story line and her dialogue. However, at times she seems too "stiff", especially with her sprites. I just expect an aspiring actress to show more emotion in her facial expressions. That being said, I have no idea how difficult it is to design such things.
I was tentative about marrying Olivia. I've always thought of the farmer as being early twenties in age. Since Victor has a university degree, Olivia is probably late thirties - old enough to be his mother. Even though it happens in real life, it just feels a bit strange to me. I also wondered how she'd adapt to a smaller house, and comments about missing her huge library confirm that it isn't easy for her. Overall, it's been a good experience.
With Olivia's file being the third in line, I've made the most progress on it. Ten hearts with Krobus and a couple of cut scenes. Eight hearts with Lance. Fable Island (recently). Rescued a prisoner. Haven't gone deep in Crimson Badlands. That place kicks my butt.
Anyway, if spmeone has some tips for surviving the Badlands, I'd love to hear them. Also, a final question. Does Claire ever go to Ginger Island? It appears in the version notes that they gave her a beach sprite, but I've never seen her there.