It’s farming season again as Natsume is releasing Harvest Moon: Tree of Tranquility for the NIntendo Wii on August 26th. The latest title in the highly popular Harvest Moon series, Tree of Tranquility will actually be released simultaneously with Harvest Moon: Island of Happiness for the DS to celebrate the series’ 10-year anniversary.

In Tree of Tranquility, you play a newcomer (male or female) to Waffle Island who must help its inhabitants. After the unexpected death of the ancient Mother Tree, life has been topsy-turvy on the little island. Stormy seas and hardships have led folks to leave en masse. The mayor has asked you to help by growing crops, nurture animals, and restore nature’s magic on Waffle Island.

Like the original Harvest Moon, Tree of Tranquility is an open-ended life simulation game. Yes there is a storyline, but you’re free to do whatever you like on the island; grow crops, farm, mine, fish, or raise animals. The cool thing is that because it’s on the Wii, there is interactive gameplay. For example, if you want to use your garden hoe, simply equip that tool and flick the Wiimote as if you were striking the ground with a real hoe. If you want to water your flowers, equip the watering can and tilt the Wiimote as if you were pouring water in the ground.

What farm is complete without animals? In Tree of Tranquility, you can raise cows, chickens, goats, silkworms, and even ostriches. Your furry and feathered friends can help you earn money. For example, you can sell any milk, eggs, and silk obtained from your animals. And riding atop an ostrich is pretty sweet. However, selling your wares isn’t the only way to make a living. You can also work part-time at the local shops and businesses.

In addition to domestic animals, you can befriend wild animals that you meet, such as penguins, turtles, bears, and monkeys. In the demo, I found a turtle hiding behind a rock and started befriending it. It takes time to earn a wild animal’s trust but can be done by visiting the animal often.