I took the risk and bought it recently for the Switch (which runs well enough compared to some games) after being on the fence. Surprisingly, I'm enjoying it.
The game actually feels relaxing. You're not forced to complete anything by a certain time (mostly,) and there's no punishment if you pass out. The only time restriction in place is a hard stop at midnight where it automatically takes you to a screen of your profits for the day, and then you wake up the next day on your farm.
The farming mechanics and other quality of life features are pretty solid. You don't have to do tool switching (e.g.: watering can to pickaxe to axe,) the game selects the right tool for you based on what it is you're trying to do. The only time you have to switch is when you want to use the fishing rod, bug net, or your magical staff for combat. Your farm animals are also cute, dynamic (e.g.: the chicken variant will sometimes fly around,) and can follow you around.
The fishing mechanic is similar to Spiritfarer where you reel until the fish thrashes, then reel again once they're calm. Bug catching is simple, but I like seeing a creature off in the distance and then sneaking up to it to catch it. There are various fish/bugs to find and catch too. I like seeing my progress on what I've discovered and the amount of times I've caught something.
My main gripes (most of which don't impact my personal experience too much) are all of the crafting tables/makers you have to lay out to craft different things, but there is a lot of farm space to make an area for them, and I haven't felt like I needed two of any given station. Crafting is fairly quick, and you get your materials worth out of them. The other thing is that, yes, time doesn't stop when you're in menus (although it does stop if you open the map). However, because you can take things at your own pace, I haven't minded this too much. I can still get plenty done in a day, and the mines have a system where you can warp to a floor you've explored as long as you've crafted and placed the appropriate seal per floor (these are easy to craft).
While the villagers themselves don't have a lot to say, each of them look unique and you'll find some or them bustling about. I bought this game knowing relationships/villager interaction wasn't going to be the focus, so it doesn't bother me too much because I'm having fun with the other aspects and can make my own stories/conversations for them. Quests themselves are your typical do this/fetch that with not a whole lot of depth, but I'm still finding them fun and rewarding in the overall gameplay loop.
Oh, and if flower breeding is your thing, there are a lot of varieties for you to breed and discover.
There are energy balls throughout the town for you to pick up when you're low, but you will need plenty of food and potions for the mine. I like growing/finding different things to cook with.
Overall, I'm having fun exploring. There are recipes scattered about to find, and lots to decorate your farm and house with. I wanted something where I didn't need to think too much and could just have fun and relax in a cute world. Fae Farm has been that for me thus far and I'm happy with the purchase.
I've bought other AAA titles in this price range that I regretted within an hour or two. I've also bought six indie games for the price of one AAA title where I've enjoyed most of them for countless hours.
That said. if your budget is tight and you're primarily looking for character interaction and/or relationships in your game, a bit more depth, and/or potentially something more challenging & involved, there are other viable options that'll satisfy your gaming itch more than Fae Farm will until a sale (Rune Factory 3 Special, Dinkum, Ooblets, Cozy Grove, or Moonstone Island for instance).
edit: The devs mentioned they're aware of the romance feedback on Twitter/X. It may be something that gets adjusted for the better in the future.
