《星砂島物語》（Starsand Island）是由Seed Lab開發與發行的生活模擬遊戲，預定於2026年第一季登上Steam、PlayStation 5與Nintendo Switch 平台。以療癒系的海島生活為主題，融合農場經營、釣魚、冒險探索、社交戀愛與自由建設要素，被媒體譽為「結合《牧場物語》與《動物森友會》的新世代海島生活遊戲」。

在遊戲中飾演一位厭倦都市喧囂的上班族，為了尋找內心的平靜與真實的生活而辭去工作，搬到美麗又神秘的「星砂島」（Starsand Island）。這座島嶼被稱為「深海之星」，四周被蔚藍海洋與茂密熱帶森林包圍。在這裡，將展開嶄新的田園人生—從破舊的小屋開始，建立屬於自己的農場與家園，與可愛的動物相伴，與當地居民互動，逐步融入這個溫暖而充滿秘密的小島社區。

隨著故事推進，不僅能發展浪漫關係，還能逐步揭開島嶼背後的傳說與古代遺跡之謎。據說在「月光森林」與「沉沒神殿」深處，隱藏著與星砂有關的古老力量，而這一切的真相，都與玩家的過去有著神秘的聯繫。玩法設計自由度極高，採取開放式的「慢生活模擬」結構。可進行以下活動：

• 務農與養殖：在自家農場種植熱帶水果與蔬菜，如鳳梨、芒果、胡椒與稻米；飼養貓咪、狗、鴨子、羊駝、甚至水豚等動物，收集農產品或作為陪伴夥伴。
• 釣魚與探險：可在海邊、河流與湖泊垂釣，或駕駛小船前往外島探索，尋找稀有魚類與寶藏。
• 建築與裝修：採用完整的 DIY 系統，玩家能自由規劃房屋格局、設計庭院、製作傢俱，甚至以「壁畫」「音效」與「互動機關」裝飾房間，讓每個角落都體現個人風格。
• 社交與戀愛：島上有超過 40 位 NPC，每人都有獨立劇情、個性與背景。透過送禮、對話與任務可加深關係，部分角色可發展戀愛，最終共築家庭。
• 冒險與戰鬥：除了溫馨日常，玩家還可進入島上危險地帶，挑戰迷霧叢林、古代遺跡，與奇異生物戰鬥，取得稀有礦物與資源。

此外，日夜循環與天氣系統影響農作與野外事件，例如颱風會摧毀作物、月蝕之夜會觸發特殊任務。每道料理都有保存期限與不同效果，如增加體力或提升好感度，製作時需參考食譜。

團隊自稱靈感來自日本吉卜力工作室（Studio Ghibli）的明亮動畫風格。畫面以柔和色調與細膩光影表現島上自然景觀，從沙灘、稻田到珊瑚海底，都呈現出童話般的細節。室內環境亦充滿巧思，例如電風扇轉動時會出現漫畫風「風線」，電視能播放玩家自定義動畫（官方示範畫面中甚至出現《蠟筆小新》、《湯姆與傑利》、《哆啦A夢》等經典作品的片段）。整體視覺給人強烈的溫暖與懷舊感。音樂方面則以原聲樂團演奏的輕柔旋律為主，配合海浪、鳥鳴與風聲，營造出沉浸式的島嶼氛圍。

自從在Steam發布預告片以來，便在生活模擬類社群中引發極大關注。玩家讚譽其「畫風唯美」「自由度極高」「細節豐富得驚人」，並將其與《牧場物語》《星露谷物語》《集合啦！動物森友會》並列為「新世代療癒遊戲代表」。多家外媒預測，本作將成為2026年初最具潛力的獨立作品之一。評論普遍指出，這不僅延續經典農場遊戲的核心玩法，更在「角色互動」與「建築創意」兩方面突破傳統，能真正打造出屬於自己的夢幻家園。

總體而言，《星砂島物語》是「回歸自然、重拾生活意義」的溫馨旅程。用夢幻般的畫面與細膩的互動系統，邀請每位玩家在星砂島上找到屬於自己的節奏與歸屬。

Starsand Island is a life simulation game developed and published by Seed Lab, set for release in Q1 2026 on Steam, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch. Blending elements of farming, fishing, crafting, exploration, and relationship-building, the game has been described by early previews as “a next-generation blend of Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing,” wrapped in a soothing, Studio Ghibli–inspired world.

Story

The game follows a city worker who, burned out by the noise and pressure of urban life, decides to quit their job and start over on the enchanting Starsand Island, known to locals as the “Star of the Deep Sea.”
Here, surrounded by turquoise waters and lush tropical forests, players rediscover a slower, more meaningful rhythm of life. You’ll start with a small, rundown home and gradually build your dream farm, raise animals, make friends—or even fall in love—with the island’s residents, and uncover the mysterious legends hidden in its ruins and forests.

As the story unfolds, players slowly learn that the island’s ancient ruins, shimmering sands, and moonlit forests conceal secrets tied to their own past—hinting that your arrival on Starsand Island may not have been mere coincidence.

Gameplay and Mechanics

Starsand Island offers an open-ended “slow life” experience with an impressive degree of freedom.

Players can:

• Farm and Raise Animals – Cultivate tropical crops like pineapples, mangoes, and rice, and care for adorable animals such as cats, dogs, ducks, alpacas, and even capybaras.
• Fish and Explore – Cast your line in rivers, lakes, and coastal waters, or set sail to nearby islands in search of rare fish, minerals, and treasures.
• Build and Decorate – The game’s robust DIY system allows players to freely design homes, gardens, and interiors. From murals and soundscapes to programmable gadgets, every element can be customized, turning your homestead into a living canvas of creativity.
• Socialize and Fall in Love – The island is home to over 40 unique NPCs, each with distinct personalities, backstories, and daily routines. Through conversations, gifts, and quests, you can build friendships or romantic relationships—eventually sharing your island life with someone special.
• Adventure and Combat – Beyond peaceful farming, players can venture into foggy jungles and ancient ruins where strange creatures lurk. Combat and exploration yield rare materials and hidden lore that expand the island’s mythology.

The game also features dynamic day-night cycles and weather systems that affect crops and events—typhoons may damage fields, while a lunar eclipse might unlock rare quests. Every meal has a shelf life and unique effects (like stamina boosts or affection bonuses), and cooking requires learning proper recipes.

Art and Sound

The visual style is inspired by Studio Ghibli’s bright, painterly animations, emphasizing warmth, light, and natural beauty. From coral reefs to golden rice terraces, every landscape feels like a living watercolor.

Indoor scenes are filled with charming details—a spinning fan emits cartoon-style motion lines, while TVs can play custom animations. The developers cheekily previewed clips inspired by classics like Crayon Shin-chan, Tom and Jerry, and Doraemon, adding a nostalgic touch.

The soundtrack uses live orchestral arrangements with gentle guitar and piano melodies, blending seamlessly with environmental sounds—waves, birds, and rustling trees—to create an immersive, relaxing atmosphere.

Market Reception and Expectations

Since its reveal on Steam, Starsand Island has become one of the most anticipated indie titles in the life-sim genre. Early previews praise its stunning visuals, high customization freedom, and meticulous attention to detail. Many compare it favorably to Stardew Valley, Harvest Moon, and Animal Crossing, calling it “the most heartwarming island life sim of the decade.”

Critics highlight its dual strengths: the emotional depth of its social interactions and the limitless creativity of its building system—both of which elevate it beyond traditional farming games.

Overall Impression

Starsand Island is more than just a farming simulator—it’s an invitation to rediscover the beauty of simplicity. Through its lush animation, heartfelt characters, and deeply interactive world, the game offers players a space to slow down, reconnect with nature, and create a paradise that truly feels like home.