Harvester Review | The Wacky Adventures of Sigma Steve 

Not to brag, but I am the actor who played the baby sister in this game, my dad is holding the cards at the tv studio (he was a 3d artist who worked on the game), and my mother is the mysterious dark woman towards the end of the game. I doubt anyone will see this or believe me but it's true :) I'm super excited to see all of the coverage the game has gotten this year.

Steve's actor getting arrested for child pornography a decade later just adds to the whole story

The line that always gets me is the death by natural causes. "Natural causes?". "You can't live without a spinal cord, son, Nothing unnatural about that."

Are you telling me full motion video ISN'T the future of gaming????

I love the idea of marrying Stephanie and living the rest of your life in Harvest - doing what? Chatting with the Wasp Woman? Helping to clean up the burnt out wreckage of DNA's Diner? Trying not to piss off Colonel Buster and cause WW3? Having dinner with the Potsdams? Avoiding eye contact with Mr. Johnson? Do we get our haircuts at Pastorelli's or get mom to give us a bowl cut? Will Jimmy show up at our new house and demand papers?

As a janitor, I can confirm that we are obligated to swiftly and violently react to someone walking on freshly mopped floors.

It's worth noting that it was only Steve's on-screen actor who was arrested, his voice actor was a different person. Many of the characters had different voice actors who dubbed over the performances of the actors in the live-action cutscenes

I feel that the point of the ending is to say that while fictional violence can affect your perception of real violence in some way, it can't MAKE you violent. At the end, Steve still has a choice. It's saying that whether or not you choose to commit acts of violence is still on you, since after ALL of that, you can still choose NOT to.

I love that they have Steve hooked up to the machine fully clothed, but Stephanie is in lingerie. The most 90s shit

A true sigma male doesn't care if hes in a fabricated alternate reality or not

So I guess he won’t mention the fact that… oh no wait, there you go. Great timing with that ending.

Fun fact: if you kill a non-essential NPC you can get out of prison twice. The first time you get if you previously blackmailed the sheriff prompting him to offer you a one time trip out of jail, the second if you get put in the cell and manage to rig a trap to make a tub fall on the sheriff's head, knocking him out and making him forget he arrested you.

HE WAS ARRESTED FOR WHAT this twist ending can not be topped

The "putting tape on a window then breaking it" thing isn't really a robbery thing, it's just a thing most people end up learning when they have to deal with a broken window. When I was a kid a robin flew into our sliding glass door and the while window was cracked into a million pieces or more. So, in order to avoid shards of glass all over the floor and outside my mom covered the window in masking tape so when it was removed all the glass shards were stuck to the tape and didn't make a mess.

25:20 Wait a sec... "Gein Memorial Bake Sale"... as in Ed Gein, the mild mannered grave robber and murderer? Although his home contained a plethora of human body parts, Gein always denied eating them. Gein was like the poster boy for "But he seemed like such a nice guy!" After his conviction, he spent the rest of his life in mental institutions, where he exhibited "model behavior" and was praised for his amiable and cooperative nature. Best of all, townsfolk considered him reliable and honest, often employing him as a babysitter. A babysitter!!!

This game perfectly encapsulates what experiencing a weird nightmare is like.

As someone who has removed and installed tons of windows and glass, yes, tapeing the glass in a cross pattern will help keep it held together when breaking, that way you dont have giant chunks of glass falling everywhere

I left my legs in Düsseldorf... THEY OWED ME!!!

44:15 That Steve, always such a kidder!

"i'm like 600 spider in an outhouse" is not a phrase i expected to hear, and i love it

32:02 That sheriff eating human meat with schlocky amounts of blood on his face, just delivering that "Don't mind if I do!"... That is singlehandedly the best scene in the game at conveying the tone. It's so perfectly cheesy.

Harvester made a lot more sense to me when I understood it as a product of big fans of Twin Peaks attempting to replicate its style of unnerving camp and meta-commentary and place it all into the context of asking what the relationship between videogames and violence actually is and how it fits into the wider picture of human violence as a whole.

Just a heads up, the car is called a tucker not because that’s what Mr.Johnson named it, but because the make of the car is called Tucker. They’re really cool cars that were way ahead of their time.

What's shocking is that he got arrested for a heinous act and STILL WORE THE FLANNEL?!

"I guess when your baby's pre-rendered, there isn't much to do" my sides are now missing 🤣

So there's two things that come to mind with this game. One, that the 'natural causes? you can't live without a spinal cord' scene is one of the best written jokes of all time. Second, that this game is kind of before its time in one way: the way in which it seamlessly conditions the player to commit ever more violent acts as the story progresses. It's almost at Bioshock 'would you kindly' levels of subtle, where you go from minor pranks of vandalism and theft to accidental murder to intentional murder. The player, over time, goes along with it because we as players just want to play the game, to the point where Stephanie chastising the player for doing bad things makes the player annoyed, because in our mind we're like 'of course we did this, it was logical!' And in fact one clever bit of juxtaposition is that in the beginning we encounter the violent TV show and we're probably like 'damn, that's really violent' but then by the end of the game we're doing equally violent things ourselves and not blinking an eye. It's actually very interesting in how the game pulls it off. It's just a shame that the entire last half of the game is such a terrible addition; the game would have been better served if the lodge section was cut down and instead you had to confront and justify the actions you've already taken to get there.

I love the telepathy thing because you just know they only recorded the guy looking all ominous and grimacing, and not talking. So they just recorded a voice and made up an excuse for it. So amazing.

I always wonder what the people thought when creating this game. Interviews for gamedevs should be more of a thing. It takes balls to create unique and distinctive games.

I've always thought Harvester was really cool. Those sorts of old weird off the wall point and clicks have always been super appealing. A video on Armed & Delirious would be pretty cool too if you ever want to go over another crazy point and click that prides itself on needing a guide to play, just explaining and showing off the things happening in it would be fun.

To this day I randomly say "You've always been a kidder, Steve." to people I meet just to see if they get the reference.

Perfect description for this game: Roger Corman's Twin Peaks

Harvester, I hardly know her.

I'll be honest. I hope you keep using the neck cast self-portrait to represent yourself. It's such an iconic sort of comedic cut-away that's already grown on me.

>Day was shit >new majuular video >day better now

This game is really something, it killed me that you can ask your mother about incest, not only she answer you but she's into it. In the French version the postman and cop perv is voiced by the official french voice actor of Christopher lloyd and the principal by Homer simpson which adds more comedy to the whole thing !

44:16 That was not the bookend I was expecting to see here. Fantastic video, guy.

Harvester is the gift that keeps on giving

Slowbeef and Diabetus introduced me to these games and a few others many years ago on Retsupurae, so this game is somehow nostalgic to me even though I didn't ever get a chance to play it myself.

I'm feeling my age so hard watching all this footage. I was born in 91 and I was about 5 when it came out. Obviously my parents would have had a collective heart attack if I played this but it's still fun to tap into it....like, I get a 2nd chance at what I missed out on the day of.

Harvester and Darkseed are completely linked together in my head so I'm gonna say yeah you gotta review Darkseed now

Found your Dragoon video just the other day or so and proceeded to binge watch all of your content in one sitting overnight. Your pacing is incredibly good across all your videos including this one! This kind of content is what I mainly watch on YT and your channel quickly has become one of my favorites; really looking forward to your future uploads!(fingers crossed for a Symphonia video) Just started my playthrough of Thief thanks to your channel and now I'll have to add this to the list along with LoD & Chrono Cross.

I like Harvester a lot (up until we go into the lodge). But something you mentioned at 8:29 really resonated with me. That cupboard in the diner was the one thing I was missing that day. I did EVERYTHING else. And I checked everywhere a million times to see how to progress. When I looked up a guide, it wasn't obvious since the guide gets this item early. Only when I FINALLY got the item did the game move to the next day. That was the hardest part of the game for me, bar none. Also, one thing to note is that is that you can blackmail the sheriff to get one free get out of jail free card that you can use once (so you can get away with murder once, even if caught). And for the cloth from the firemen, one of them does give a hint that he had to hide it from the others and that's why it's hidden in the lamp. One last thing, the funeral director is a required NPC, as you need to blackmail him for the airplane glue (but you can just kill him to get it). Anyway, I liked the review!

The guy blitzed off his ass on weed while holding up the cue card reading "shit on a stickeroo" is a VERY powerful mood for me. This vid is fascinating. Pretty sure it's the first review of yours I sat down and watched through. Enjoy your work deeply, Maj. Keep it up.

It is so impressive how much content you’re putting out at such a fast rate. I hope you’re still giving yourself ample time to relax and not overworking! Also great video as always!

Been a part of the Harvester cult since 2012. Love the game in all its horrible cheesy glory. The GoG version comes with downloadable mock tourism brochures and stuff for the town of Harvest.

Reminder the actor for the Sargent of the Lodge is the artist who created the giant featured in "The Oldest View" The panic over video games in the early 90s was an extension of the Satanic Panic of the 80s: religious leaders and politicians using media as a scapegoat for the problems they have a massive amount of power over and oftentimes cause. It's a whole lot easier to blame Night Trap and Mortal Kombat for kids and teens "acting up" than it is to challenge sick systems or push back against powerful groups with money (ie the NRA) and push for real progress. Compare those clips of politicians speaking to when Fred Rogers appeared in Congress. Fred would definitely not approve of Harvester but he always put forth the idea to carefully consider what media you do choose to consume and think about how that impacts you as well as separating fiction from reality.

Dude, I predict a good future for your channel. More long videos about niche shit plz!

I'm surprised you didn't show the clip of Steve's mom. You know the one.

As a janitor, the janitor stereotype is accurate

I personally love the jank visuals. I think the use of mixed media is a really powerful tool for horror - it makes everything look deeply off-kilter. The mix of weird pre-rendered backgrounds with real actors reminds me of the analog horror series/channel Boisvert.

Dark Seed is 100% worth a review. Even if the Sequel is a little jankier.

Amazing review. I probably never get tired of seeing Harvester Reviews. It’s probably the game I find the most fascinating. Like a fever dream you wanna wake up from. But you still wanna see how it ends. You earned a sub. Keep up the great content

I had this game when it came out when I was a kid. I was maybe 8 years old playing this thing, and I can remember being very hooked on just how bizarre it was. For me it was just as cartoony as playing any other of the beloved point and click adventure games at the time. I actually didn't have too much trouble progressing until the puzzles got really obtuse (like you said) but I was a kid with plenty of time on his hands so I probably got a lot farther than most would without a walkthrough. This, Torin's Passage, and King's Quest VI were my favorite computer games as a kid. Mr. Pottsdam yelling "MEEEAAAAAT!" will forever be apart of me.

You've always been such a kidder, Majuular!

Harvester was always one of the those games that was before my time, yet I'm endlessly fascinated by. The full motion gore tickles my fancy in a similar way the Mortal Kombat Trilogy does, and the campy, horror aspects remind me a lot of Night Trap for the Sega CD oddly enough.

Took me a while but I realized there is a hint to fabric being in the vicinity of the firehouse, as the fireman you're talking to at 22:41 says "I've secured a bolt of the most divine mauve material. I've hidden it because..." I wonder what other crazy things have *some* sort of indicator.

Fun fact, in 2016(ish) I got my wisdom teeth removed, all four of them in one go. How did I recover? Well, by being high as a kite on vicodin and watching a longplay of harvester. Good times!

8:57 Behold, the prophecy has come true!

i really enjoy your narration style and humor. its rare to see games like this covered in a straight-man kinda way as opposed to over the top ISNT THIS GAME WACKY WOOWAAHH!!! i’m a big fan of this and the dark seed video

Been a minute since I first found this video, but just wanted to let you know, Majuular, that this is truly a treat of a video. I loved the Retsupurae longplay of Harvester way too much, and seeing you go on to cover Dark Seed was even more of a treat. Hope you're well!

Dude you've easily shoot up to one of my favourites creators on the platform. Always giving me something to think about, a new perspective and an infinitely re-watchable funny video to boot. Thanks for that!

You know how some cultures hang totems to ward off spirits? Steve hangs arrow planes to ward off sex.

Always found Harvester to be such an interesting game, I enjoy hearing what people think about it after playing it. I've heard some varying responses to the game, and I guess that's the kind of conversations that makes it still talked about to this day. Great video.

Oh, to watch this after the Darkseed Review...well you've always been a kidder Majuular

I really enjoyed this game when I played it about ten years ago. There are some really interesting hidden little conversations you can have, such as confronting Stephanie's dad about the hole in the wall. It was a clunky interface, but the conversations made up for it. THIS video did a good job taking me back there. The school teacher with her baseball bat and the bloody mom in the lodge with her creepy young always stood out to me. Only thing that genuinenly disturbed me is Edna's daughter being buried alive, and then killed by her mom.

A friend of mine had this when it was still new-ish. We played it a bit and even then the uncanny weirdness and extreme violence of it was really fascinating, along with how it seemed like you could do anything with the whole adventure game format (and being able to kill anyone if you randomly wanted to). It stuck with me for years but somehow never imagined anyone else had even heard of it until it started gaining traction on RU-vid somewhat recently. There's certainly nothing like it!

Much like you stumbled upon this game I'm glad i stumbled upon your channel it's right up my alley. Betweent he fear and loathing profile pic and deep dive on a obscure point and click I rarely seen talked about or done justice in video essay form. Found you from the legend of dragoon video and don't regret seeing what other content you do. Keep it up!

7:38 Yes there is actually. If you examine around the corner of the bookcase before moving it Steve will say that there is a glowing thing behind the bookcase... An awful hit, but technically something that notifies you all is not what it seems. That being said, you probably wont notice that unless you already knew the solution... just wanted to clarify however because there is a technical hint.

You literally played the audio clip of the fireman telling you that he was in possession of fabric. I agree that adventure game moon logic is rampant in this game, however I feel this particular puzzle is explained well enough if you know what to listen for.

15:50 OMFG by Strapping Young Lad! one of my all time faves

You make stellar videos and I've now watched all of them, I look forward to getting excited for future notifications for years to come.

Just recently came across your content please keep up your good work man I don't know how often you hear this but I'm proud of you man you're really funny and you make really good points and shit you honestly make me see some games in a whole new light thank you for the wonderful content to get through work bro!

I swear some of the puzzles you had issue with actually had clues in game. The "model" in the fire house will tell you the bolt of cloth is behind the light if you speak to him during the night you break in. As for the alarm system and the father, I swear there is a hot spot/clue on top of the shelf to show that there is something behind it.

that one shot of Barkley Shut up and Jam Gaiden, its so nice to see that game on youtube even if only a little

I remember Justin McElroy from MBMBAM briefly talking about this game. I would never play through this but I would watch your review several times over. Much appreciated.

A really tiny bit of foreshadowing I didn't notice until now and wasn't brought up. (E)DNA's Diner's entire parking lot is a fire lane. At least I think it's foreshadowing. With Harvester, who knows? Watched a longplay of this in the ancient early days of RU-vid and this was an enjoyable revisiting of it. Definitely going to watch more from you.

I saw Spenny from 'Kenny vs Spenny', 'Theif: the dark project', and 'MYST' within the first 5 mins. subscribed!!

I can't put my finger on it, but everything about this game reminds me of Synecdoche, New York. Watch it if you haven't already - IMO, it's honestly one of the greatest films of all time, and my personal favorite.

Really enjoyed the review! Surprised it came up in my recommended since usually the algorithm really likes videos with a lot of views already. Wishing you luck for the channel, I'm suscribing for sure!

This game's plot reeks of classic Stephen King. I'm 100% certain that the developer was inspired by the novels such as Needful Things, Tommyknockers and Salem's Lot before he wrote the script.

Found this channel after watching the 3DO RPG video, and subbed after seeing you did a Harvester video. I love this content, keep up the good work! I'd love to see a video/multiple videos on Darkseed 1&2, but you have a great groove going and I don't want to throw it off. Again, keep up the good work!

I remember seeing harvester in every " THE MOST DISTURBING GAMES OF ALL TIME" list, always felt very curious about it, there is a huge amount of charm ont he way this was made, same as something like phantasmagoria or the seventh guest.

I'm commenting this before even watching, because this had to be the next video to focus on! I cannot tell you how many times I've watched the Retsuprae (if you're familiart with them) of Harvester. I told you on the Xenogears videos that I have comfort videos - well, their Harvester and Dark Seed 2 content are comfort *series* for me, lmao. So awesome to know I get to watch a review about one of my favorite goofy ass "this really existed?" games and that it is done by you! Cheers, mate. Edit: I was not expecting a Nutshack reference, holy shit. Just put all the cursed things in here, my guy. Second edit: "You can't live without a spinal cord, son, nothing unnatural about that." Sheriff Duane Dwayne is the star of this game and the script really did work at times. Third edit: Holy fuck! I had no idea that Steve was a diddler sa well! It truly is cursed!

I will never EVER get over laughing whenever the mention of Night trap comes up. The game is hilariously tame even for the time it was made. It just managed to, successfully, to give itself the reputation of being scandalous. . Mind you Night Trap isn't even unique in that regard. Seeing Manhunt for the first time disappointed me as it turned out to be FAR less graphic than its reputation (and once again, even with the "for its time" reasoning).

Thanks for your content man. Dark Seed Series Adventure was great. Out of a thousand options, you're my guy right now as I attempt to go through the motions and withstand yet a another soul numbing bout of depression and emotional instability. Your work is great, your personality is also great. Thanks for putting yourself out there and putting in such awesome work. You rock.

I would much rather see Majulaar shirtless than Steve. At least Majulaar has a nice beard and looks like he would give nice hugs when his neck isn’t perpetually sprained. Those things don’t necessarily translate to looking good shirtless, but they are at least more appealing physical qualities than anything Steve has to offer. The point of my comment is *why was Steve shirtless so much?!*

24:10 My only guess to the fabric in light thing is that the lights used a fabric cover. Steve basically stole a fancy lampshade. It's still nonsense as unless he could examine the light for a clue theres no way to tell that was a cloth lamp.

Holy shit this is the most insane game I've seen since Plumbers Don't Wear Ties.

I just discovered your channel yesterday and I really like your content. Your style reminds me of Mandalore. Subbed.

"I just wanted a patty melt..."

>uses footage from Koudelka >refuses to elaborate >leaves Dude... you can't just do that...

Really reminds of another 90s cult classic - Tex Murphy and especially „under a killing moon“ - would love to see your review on that! 🤓

Thank you for giving this weird game a little love. The pros and cons you pointed out are quite valid, especially the combat and odder puzzles. It’s not quite a classic, but it’s dark humour and campy B movie vibe work for me. Phantasmagoria and The Beast Within: A Gabriel Knight Mystery from Sierra are titles that maybe up your alley. Keep up the great work.

Awesome video man, im glad to get in on the ground floor of this channel :) Since people are throwing out vid ideas, please. . . . From the bottom of my heart . . . . Anonymous Agony ❤️❤️❤️

Great video man. Keep em coming!!!

I've never heard of this before, but I absolutely adore these look back at 90s FMV games, especially when I haven't heard of them before. I find the genre immensely boring even when good, so I'll never dive in myself, but they're so bizzare and wrong that I can't help but be fascinated by them..

this feels like a game ross's game dungeon would cover, great video!! thanks

Dear god you integrated incredible memes and jokes into the content, holy shit

I've played this and never once noticed the "gein memorial" bit in the school holy shit this game has so many layers. Genuinely somebody should make this game but for modern times since I think this question is now more relevant the one about violence that is and make it more based on more modern aspects of society that people find uncomfortable to talk about.

Hearing you don't review or play these games frequently, just adds to my overall praise for you review. The definitely have a knack for these types of reviews. Cheers from Montreal Quebec Canada