This is a remake of a GBA game from 2003. It’s really fun but also simple and lacks a lot of the customization that you are asking for. You can choose from 4 starting characters 2 male and 2 female but you can’t change either hair eyes etc only skin tone. There are a few clothing options but it’s mostly classic farmer overalls and modern looking hoodies in different colours. Plus a couple silly outfits like a reindeer costume. There are house upgrades but other than placing some small objects on tables you can’t fully customize where furniture goes like in Stardew Valley. It is endless though you can easily go into year 50+ if you are dedicated in completing all the shipping lists, achievements etc. “Secret“ special marriage candidates can also add a lot more gameplay to the game for you as some require a lot of work before they will marry you unlike the normal candidates. This is also the first game in the series (in the localization) that is like Stardew Valley in the fact that same sex dating/marriage is a thing.
Stardew Valley was actually inspired by Harvest Moon 1996-2013 (now Story of Seasons 2014-present). So if you like that game you will like this series.
If you don’t mind having limited customization but loved Stardew Valley I’d definitely give it a shot. If you really want a lot of customization then I’d look to one of the more recent 3DS titles. Those have way more. Including many different outfits you can make and hairstyles/colours, eye colours, etc. You can also customize where you place stuff on your farm. Story of Season Trio of Towns is worth looking at in this case. Or if you want even more customization and don’t mind going a bit older try Harvest Moon a New Beginning. In that one as well as your character and farm you can even customize the entire town by building shops and homes and decorations/roads wherever you want. Keep in mind that same sex dating/marriage doesn’t exist in the older titles.
Hopefully this helped.
