EDIT: After 8 years and playing this game every now and then again and again I have to change the review somewhat. The game is absolutely worth its price and it is one of the best indie games ever released. Even after 8 years, just a month ago the developer released a huge update to the game. It's no longer the game I reviewed and left some negative remarks for.
The years are still somewhat samey, though there's now so much to do it no longer feels as negative, it gives you a chance to retry for the best outcomes and the dialogue might be different. Ginger Island brings a whole new area to explore AFTER you've already done most of the things in the main areas. It's not as in-depth, but that's not to say it lacks in depth, it's just a new free update area with lots to do.
What I said previously regarding the partners becoming soulless ghosts after marriage no longer holds as true, they have their own routines and things they do, though more your-farm-centric. But they still feel like the person they were before.

It's just an amazing game with a lot of replayability for years to come. Definitely buy it if you're in any way interested in the genre.

OLD:
This game is absolutely awesome for an indie game. When i first looked at it i thought it wouldn't be worth the 15 euros i'd have to put into it. But after buying it i was totally hooked. The gameplay is neat, story is nice, and especially the character progression is absolutely brilliant.
Even though i really do enjoy this game i will have to say a few negative things about it:
- Every year is the same, After year one almost all the charm is gone because there's only all of the same events as last year. Even though is might be realistic like this, adding more year specific events would bring some replayability.
- Once you get someone to be your wife they lose all their depth in dialogue and character. Almost to the point you'd rather have them as a friend than a wife. Which is really sad.

But still, it is a game worth buying.

EDIT: After 8 years and playing this game every now and then again and again I have to change the review somewhat. The game is absolutely worth its price and it is one of the best indie games ever released. Even after 8 years, just a month ago the developer released a huge update to the game. It's no longer the game I reviewed and left some negative remarks for. The years are still somewhat samey, though there's now so much to do it no longer feels as negative, it gives you a chance to retry for the best outcomes and the dialogue might be different. Ginger Island brings a whole new area to explore AFTER you've already done most of the things in the main areas. It's not as in-depth, but that's not to say it lacks in depth, it's just a new free update area with lots to do. What I said previously regarding the partners becoming soulless ghosts after marriage no longer holds as true, they have their own routines and things they do, though more your-farm-centric. But they still feel like the person they were before. It's just an amazing game with a lot of replayability for years to come. Definitely buy it if you're in any way interested in the genre. OLD: This game is absolutely awesome for an indie game. When i first looked at it i thought it wouldn't be worth the 15 euros i'd have to put into it. But after buying it i was totally hooked. The gameplay is neat, story is nice, and especially the character progression is absolutely brilliant. Even though i really do enjoy this game i will have to say a few negative things about it: - Every year is the same, After year one almost all the charm is gone because there's only all of the same events as last year. Even though is might be realistic like this, adding more year specific events would bring some replayability. - Once you get someone to be your wife they lose all their depth in dialogue and character. Almost to the point you'd rather have them as a friend than a wife. Which is really sad. But still, it is a game worth buying.