I have to say that the controls have improved greatly since Harvest Moon: Island of Happiness. It is a much smoother control system then the last.
Yes the characters are indeed the same but we all saw that coming. I will say that the concept is quite fun, you must find Sun Stones in order to raise a new island.
It is a bit on the easy side as far as improving your tools and a few other aspects that old school Harvest Moon players, but so far I have noticed it takes longer to improve your relationships with your animals compaired to the last.

Conclusion....If you have played the last Harvest Moon for the DS, rent it, you are sure to enjoy it. If you haven't played many or no Harvest Moon games before, I think it is a userfriendly way of coming into the Harvest Moon World and you will thoroughly enjoy playing this game and may even become addicted.

yes id you played sunshine island is it allot of the same game. but better the wonderful are done better more animals and places to explore and a few more people to marry.