Inspired by a love for games like Harvest Moon, Verdant Skies from Howling Moon Software is what they're calling a 'life simulation game'. Along with a recent update to the game on Friday, December 14th they also added a Linux version of the game.

Verdant Skies is a life simulation game born from a love for games like Harvest Moon and a desire to create something unique with modern gameplay and deep storytelling. Lose yourself in the lovingly hand-painted alien world of Viridis Primus. Ensure the success of the colony as you make friends and pursue romance with a diverse cast of characters. Demonstrate your mastery of the farming system by creating the perfect crop hybrid using the genetic splicing machine - or spend your days painting and making pottery. The possibilities are endless!

The trailer should give you a reasonable idea of what to expect:

It doesn't have too many reviews, but early indicators are that most people seem to enjoy it with it sat at a "Very Positive" user rating on Steam. As always, take it with a pinch of salt.

The way it mixes up farming with some simple genetic engineering sounds like it's at least a little different to other similar games.

Find it on Humble Store and Steam.