I didn’t finish 4 personally either, but it was my 5th time playing the same themes if the Wii entry is included. Fans of the series claim 4 to be the best plot and say it’s the most fleshed out- the longest of the entries’ stories apparently.

The first game is still my favorite as it was fresh then, it had a lot of QOL at the time that Harvest Moon didn’t yet.

The only unique farming mechanic in the game was that the different dungeons and temples had different climates allowing you to grow crops out of season in them. The dungeons have variety, and contain different creatures, but nothing too complex that it stops being a cozy game.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Concerned Ape took the inspiration of combat in the mine from Rune Factory, Stardew combat is like a simple version of it. (RF having more weapon variety, Magic Spell casting, and Monster taming. The lite fantasy RPG elements are what made me stick around).

The first one has a much simpler story, I think you should try it out, but the second entry lets you play as your child that you have with your spouse which is refreshing once you’re that far in the game. So that might be up your alley too!