[Expired]Fellow Townsfolk, New Game "Sunlight City" by Former Core Member of Stardew Valley Announced

• Steam now offers "Sunkissed City", a new game from a former core member of the Stardew Valley team.
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Editor's Pick: Arthur Lee (known to players as Mr. Podunkian), who worked on Stardew Valley versions 1.4 to 1.6, has finally stepped out on his own to create his new title—"Sunkissed City." The game is already listed on the Steam store and is scheduled for release on PC in 2026, with support for multiplayer gameplay.

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At first glance, Sunkissed City's pixel art style instantly brings back memories of Stardew Valley, feeling familiar like an "old friend." However, this time the story doesn't begin with an abandoned farm—instead, players are dropped into a sun-drenched coastal metropolis called Apollo City to start a completely different urban lifestyle.

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Compared to Pelican Town's slow country living, Apollo City is much more vibrant. You can create DIY rooftop gardens, chat with diverse city residents in cafes, read books in parks, photograph wildlife, or even venture into monster-infested sewers for some excitement. With additional activities like working, gathering resources, fishing, and more, players have almost complete freedom to shape their urban lifestyle.

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In terms of gameplay design, Sunkissed City has clearly learned from Stardew Valley's experiences. For example, the fishing system—which players had a love-hate relationship with—now includes visual indicators showing exactly what fish are available at different times and weather conditions. No more memorization or trial-and-error required—a truly "liver-friendly" approach.

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Character customization remains a major feature. Players can not only freely change outfits but also make detailed adjustments to colors, patterns, and textures of clothing. Living spaces also support numerous furniture and decoration options, allowing you to create your own personal haven whether you prefer minimalist style or something more elaborate.

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For social interactions, Apollo City is home to a group of NPCs with distinctive personalities. As you become familiar with them, you'll hear about their daily troubles and small joys, and may even receive unexpected rewards at crucial moments. The game also includes romance options, adding a touch of sweetness to your urban adventure.

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Of course, behind this seemingly sunny city lie several problems: wildlife has suddenly become aggressive, aquatic ecosystems are deteriorating, monsters swarm the sewers, and citizens frequently suffer from mysterious headaches. Players will need to work with mysterious forest creatures to gradually uncover the truth behind these strange occurrences and help restore Apollo City's lost vitality.

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Additionally, Sunkissed City will launch with support for online and split-screen co-op modes, along with separate difficulty and accessibility options, allowing players of all skill levels to easily team up and have fun together.

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In today's market of increasingly similar life simulation games, this urban-themed new work from a Stardew Valley veteran might truly offer something different. As for whether it can recreate the magic of its predecessor, we'll leave that for players to decide after its release.