A very unique and great game! You won't find another series like it!
The gameplay isn't exactly limiting. You're free to do whatever, whenever! However, certain places are closed down during certain times, so be careful. It'll also take you a little time to adjust to the "time" in this world, since it'll fly by QUICK!!! Make sure you allow yourself time to go from place to place. The basic point of the game is to grow your own crops and animals on the farm. You can sell crops and animals for money if you wish, you can also eat the food you grow for stamina, or you could save them as gifts. To who you ask? The next paragraph will explain.
What really caught my attention with this game is that it captures a new idea that not many games have even thought about! Dating. You heard me right! This game allows you five lovely ladies that you try to woo over. It may take a lot of work to do it, but if it helps, I got a wife on the 1st Winter. There's several things to consider with your woman. Find out what she likes and dislikes. I won't spoil them here, so go somewhere else to find info on it. Girls have 5 different heart ratings, ranging from a casual acquaintance to true love. The festivals and events in the game can also help to fall in love with your woman. What's the reward for dating? You can get married and you'll have a wife who'll help around the farm. And if you keep her really happy...well, guess what follows? A baby! I feel that raising a family is what stands this game out from other RPGs. And the system works almost flawlessly. There's only one huge glitch! But it'll help, trust me.
The game goes over well. There's really not much else to say about it. It gives you freedom to do whatever in this game. And I feel that's why this game really shines over others is the freedom you get in the gameplay.