What mechanics do you miss the most in the modern games? for me it's definitely the fact that in previous games, spouses could help out on the farm, and in Harvest Moon:
Amazon.com: Harvest Moon: Animal Parade - Nintendo Wii : Video Games
Fishing | Harvest Moon Animal Parade
Harvest Moon: Animal Parade Wii Game - Newegg.com
Harvest Moon: Animal Parade [Walkthroughs] - IGN
Amazon.com: Harvest Moon: Animal Parade - Nintendo Wii : Video Games
Harvest Moon: Animal Parade Nintendo Wii complete in box CIB US vers 719593120094 | eBay