I've read some reviews and I've heard that the controls are so hard to use that the game isn't worth buying. I'm quite happy with my DS Cute version right now, and I think I'm getting a Wii for my birthday so should I just wait, or is it actually worth it?

Well if you're getting a Wii, then maybe you should just wait and get ToT. But the controls for IoH aren't bad at all, after playing it for 30mins-1h it was second nature. I find the controls quite fun to be honest. I just got the game 3 days a go for my birthday and so far I'm happy with it (IMG:style_emoticons/default/lalasmile.gif) The only pain is the crops. It's a lot harder this time around, I still haven't really figured it out ^^; sometimes my turnips will grow in 4 days, then others might take 10 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/lalaexdee.gif) I know it has something to do with the weather though.
But I still think it's a lot of fun ^^

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/lalaexdee.gif) Honestly it depends on how much patience you have.

IoH's good, and it's controls aren't unbearably terrible like some people would lead you to believe. The main problem with it is it's... different. It changes the way farming is done a bit, upgrading tools, some other junk, and the player characters are unbearably weak.

Meh... The controls aren't all that difficult, they're just different and take some getting used to. People who complain about probably just got attached to the old set of controls.

Anyway, I personally think Island of Happiness is better than Harvest Moon: DS (I dunno about DS Cute because I unfortunately haven't played it). It takes awhile to get your farm started, and there is a lot to unlock. That can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on what kind of player you are.

I am in agreement with Cresenttwilight about the crops... They're tough to grow. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/lalatounge.gif)

My brother made the purchase, so I'm grateful I did not spend my own money on it. It is okay, but does not seem to hold my interest for long. I suppose I like games were you can get started right away, this one seems to slowly build. It just depends on how you prefer your games.

My 2 cents:

Well, the game is good. But it has some qualities that just give unease and hold you back from playing a lot. The controls and the crop system were probably the things that stand out as far as negatives. Controls aren't much of a big deal though, they become easy to use once you get used to them.(Took me around 30-45 minutes) And the crop system is hard to do, considering you can't control weather.

Overall, the game isn't half bad. If you're just bored and have some money burning holes in your pocket, you should get this. If you want ToT, I would suggest getting that over this game though.

Hm. I'd like to get both but I know for a fact that I won't play both. I can only play one game at a time (which is funny because I can read multiple books at a time no problem) but I'll obsess over one game for a while, then change to a different one. I guess it depends of I get the Wii for my birthday (which is in two days!) My boyfriend kind of "spilt the beans" a little bit, but not REALLY. I said "Hey for Christmas we should just buy each other a Wii" and he went "oh, well, I had kind of been thinking about it for your birthday, our other roommates said they'd help" and I went "What the waffles why did you tell me thaaatttttt?" but then he said "I don't know if I can afford it though."
so I don't know!

I think its worth buying the marriage just takes for ever but other than that its great.

I dont think the controls are a problem at all. The game is good but not the best that has come out recently. Its kinda slow and the villagers are extremely boring. also the days get a little repetetive but otherwise its a great game and in my opinion, alot better than ds and ds cute. its more challenging too