Fixing previous mistakes, while still utilizing the elements that made the Harvest Moon series so addictive.
Magical Melodies seems to bring back everything I loved so much about the HM series, but with better graphics & way more to do. Magical Melodies axes everything I didn't like about the last two Harvest Moon games, and REALLY enhances everything I enjoyed about 64, but giving you much more to do, such as picking to be a boy or girl, 10 possible spouses, and multiple areas to exlpore OUTSIDE of town.
They also brought back the "time stands still as long as you are inside or in a conversation" aspect that they ditched in A Wonderful Life. It helps to conserve time for things you need to do inside building, etc. Though it does not apply for when you are mining.
And if you are a fan of the Animal Crossing games, you will definatly feel a slight touch of AC gameplay & "cutesy" graphics in Magical Melodies. The Animal Crossing-ish camera angle works out so much better than previous Harvest Moon games. And I'm sure many would argue with me about this, but the fact that each day in MM only lasts about 20 minutes(depending on if you are outside or inside, of course), versus AC's REAL 24 hour days, keeps me much more busy & interested.
I think the only complaint I even have about this game is the stamina meter. With so much to do, and with the days flying by so quickly, not being able to work but for a couple of hours before almost passing out from exhaustion can be REALLY aggrevating. It's easily solved by just carrying around some regenerative food, but it would still be better if stamina could last longer.
Other than that, I would say this is the best Harvest Moon yet. If you are a fan of the Harvest Moon or Animal Crossing series, you definatly need to check Magical Melodies out.