Game mechanics can be patented. It’s stupid, but things such as “loading screen mini games” and “overhead arrows pointing to your objective” have been patented. The second I believe even got enforced once.
I think these kind of things have been getting approved less and less, but I wouldn’t be surprised if “balls that contain monsters” was patented back in the early days too.
Man I love Sun Haven! I definitely feel more involved in tending to my crops by using magic than setting up a sprinkler system. Co-op made for a really cute time.
Part of me wished the story was a little bit more than just an excuse to get you new farms but wouldn’t want to ruin the tone haha.