I don't see many threads based on Harvest Moon so why not start one for the heck of it?

Harvest Moon is one of my favorite games. The purposes of this game series got me interested into playing it such as growing and harvesting crops, taking care of animals, marrying someone, making friends, and etc. There are ways to make money such as growing crops, picking up stuff
from the wild, mining, fishing, or receiving products from your animals
but it depends on you. Who knew that a farming game series can be so fun and interesting? It also shows that hard work and dedication really pays off due to the successful on your farm but it depends on how you use your time.

My favorite game out of the Harvest Moon series has to be Harvest Moon Friends of Mineral Town for the Gameboy Advance. There is a good balance in this version. There is also a good tool system, leading your tools to upgrade eventually if you use them often. It's also much easier when there are some controls that you can use to switch items or tools rather than waste time to go back to start and make your character hold or equip an item. Wooing someone is also not that bad if you plan to marrying someone as long as you give a gift often. I also like the cooking system to learn recipes and improving recipes if necessary. Lastly, the time goes by fast if you're addicted and interested.

So what got you interested into the Harvest Moon series and which version is your favorite?