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Giants Software created the C64 version of their Farming Simulator as a pre-order bonus, before making it available as a standalone cartridge through Protovision in limited numbers.

We sow the seed, nature grows the seed, we eat the seed… There is a basic gameplay loop in this edition of Farming Simulator. Plough the field (F1 for the red Case IH Magnum tractor and plough), sow the seed (F3 for the green Fendt 700 tractor and seeder), harvest the crops (F7 for the big green John Deere T560 combine harvester) and fill the trailer (F5 for the blue New Holland T7 tractor with trailer). Pressing Fire (or right CTRL) will activate the plough, plant seeds or harvest. Crops must then be taken back by trailer to the farm's silo to earn money. Each vehicle has a limited amount of fuel, so more must be bought by pulling up to the petrol pumps (with money deducted). The seeder can be refilled with more seed at the silo, also at the cost of money, no money, seed or fuel will mean the game is over.

The game is well presented, with a clear controls screen and a scrolling credits sequence. In-game the isometric graphics move smoothly and the vehicles are well-drawn (with overlaid sprites for added detail). Sound works OK, with neat touches including the reversing beeps and the horn (press H to sound).

The controls take a little getting used to, and it is not always immediately apparent if the equipment is working on the current "square" of field. There is not a huge map to explore, and it soon becomes repetitive. Although the boxed edition is very well presented (including the CD sleeve looking like a floppy disk), the price is very high for such a limited game.

Collectors have already made this highly sought after, but the novelty will soon wear off. Intriguing to see such a big company support the C64, though.