Before beginning, the player is able to choose whether to play as a girl or a boy, and name themselves. At the beginning of the game, the player's deceased grandfather visits them as a spirit and asks them to take over his farm. He implores them to succeed him as a Ranch Master, stating he will check on the player at the end of each winter to determine their progress. The player must develop their farm by growing and selling crops, and raising livestock to reach this goal. If the player's farm meets his criteria to be a Ranch Master, the player may receive extra tools; if he thinks the farm does not, a
game over is given.
Crops Crops are the primary source of income in
Harvest Moon GB. Different seeds can be sown during different seasons, but any seed
sown outside of its designated season will not sprout. After being planted, the seeds must be watered every day until they can be harvested. All harvested crops (along with anything able to be sold) may be put in the shipping bin to be sold. Almost all crops require active farming and maintenance, although every day, the player can harvest two mushrooms from their underground cellar to sell.
Animals Either a dog or a cat may be chosen as a pet. If a cat is chosen, wild dogs will not attack chickens; if a dog is picked, moles will not destroy crops. The player receives a horse early in the game, which when grown can be used for farm work, riding, and shipping items. There are two types of
livestock - cows and chickens.
Cows can produce milk, which can be turned into cheese and butter, and
chickens produce eggs. Both livestock can reproduce: cows by giving them Miracle Potion (equivalent to
artificial insemination), and chickens by hatching their eggs.
Tools and items There are a wide variety of tools in
Harvest Moon GB. At the beginning of the game, the tools available are the axe,
hoe, hammer, watering can (obtained after buying the first crop seeds), and
sickle. These tools may be improved, turning into "super" tools. The player may also receive a fishing rod, pickaxe and umbrella after reaching their grandfather's goal. ==Reception==