Update by Casey DeFreitas, February 25, 2020. There's variety in that you can equip three moves at any given time, which dovetails into different combos. For all the things you can do in Rune Factory 4, the game is surprisingly lacking in filler. Either way, Rune Factory 4 Special proves itself to be a modern classic and a shining example of how good this genre can be; make sure to give it a shot. Rune Factory 4 set the bar back in 2012 on the Nintendo 3DS, and now a new and improved remaster of the game titled Rune Factory 4 Special is available on Nintendo Switch to … Rune Factory 4 Special Review. We encourage you to read our updated PRIVACY POLICY and COOKIE POLICY. That in itself opens a wealth of customization options since there are a lot of weapons and magic spells to choose from, including fist weapons, a first for the series. Verdict. While traveling on an airship with a mysterious artifact, you’re accosted by stowaway spies. This kind of hand-holding can feel tiresome for those who follow the series, but it does make the sense of freedom feel all the better once the training wheels come off. The initial developments of Rune Factory 4's story get to the point so quickly and effectively, you might not have time to roll your eyes at the sustained rollout of Japanese role-playing game plot cliches. The same goes for the monster chickens and the really big monster cows. The game features some of the biggest overhauls to the Rune Factory series yet to ensure that the game is both enjoyable for long-time fans and new comers to the Rune Factory … As combatants, they have their own unique fighting styles and level up alongside you, so there's added incentive to maintain your friendships. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device. You also have to partake in quests, vanquish monsters in dungeons, and assume the role of an accidental prince. As much as he enjoys the franchise, Miguel would not have approved of Rune Factory had it been a mere Harvest Moon medieval reskin. Just be prepared to pack your patience and reign in your expectations of what wearing a crown means. Not every line … Rune Factory 4 Special was my first Rune Factory game, as well as technically being my first Harvest Moon/Story of Seasons game, and I was pretty much sucked in as I played hours at a time without realizing that it’s three in the morning. Whoever named the series obviously never made the "factory farm" connection, because in both its outlook and presentation, Rune Factory 4 is as organic, idyllic, and cage-free as they come. The ability to run fast fits the combat system since you're expected to move around to dodge and flank monsters. on October 11, 2013 at 12:22PM PDT. Rune Factory 4 Special for the Nintendo Switch is an upgraded remaster of the original 3DS game with noticeably better graphics and some new content. Rune Factory 4 Special‘s gameplay is comprised of two primary parts.The first part, farming, essentially works incredibly similarly to games like Story of Seasons and Harvest Moon (which are technically the same thing, I know). Farming is still a major component, though following a day/night cycle and growing bountiful crops aren't your only goals. Rune Factory 4 does what any spin-off game should eventually do: emerge from the shadow of the main series that inspired it. It is a great blend of life sim, farm sim, and full on RPG. The visual style combines a vibrant color palette with endearing character, monster, and object designs. These options already give you a tangible sense of ownership, but Rune Factory 4 gives you even more reasons to be invested. It is very much a game you can take at your own pace without worrying. You even gain strength just by running! Share. The cast is Rune Factory 4 happens to be one of my favorite games of all time. Rune Factory 4 Special features an action combat system that feels satisfying in an “arcadey-like” sense, despite being mechanically shallow . 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When it comes to farming, the … Farming shares a spotlight with dungeon exploration and combat, yet one of Rune Factory 4's finest attributes is how it combines these seemingly disparate elements into a cohesive whole. Once you slowly finish the basic tutorial quests, you will get into a loop of farming, talking to people, taking on new requests, getting into a dungeon, or doing things like fishing or crafting. Shopping. It was first released in the year 2012. Rune Factory 4 Review. Rune Factory 4 Review. Audio in Rune Factory 4 Special can be casually described as “just fine.”. Loosely described as Harvest Moon but in a … On the ground, an unsuspecting talking dragon cushions your fall and promptly makes you the prince of a town that is in need of a role model. Rune Factory 4 Special for Switch. Rune Factory 4 Review - YouTube. Like the Harvest Moon series, Rune Factory 4 does not provide an authentic farming experience, but is a whole lot more inviting than actual farming simulations. You’re free to do it at your pace. Rune Factory 4‘s strengths in terms of interaction shine, but it lack of depth in combat and poor pacing causes the game to fault more than it should. Review: Rune Factory 4. Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol. Rune Factory 4 Special Switch Review. You'll still be toiling in the fields like everybody else, but at least you can do so with a smile on your face. That said, Rune Factory 4 excels because every action you take brings you one step closer to one of many substantial goals, whether it's increasing stats, getting more monster labor on the farm, or impressing that one special guy in town. Aside from the traditional character leveling rewards from visiting dungeons, clearing these areas unlocks new characters in town. With dozens of hours of gameplay (and the option of playing well after the story ends) Rune Factory 4 is definitely a good time. The slick and navigation-friendly user interface is complemented by the tight town design and the hero's swift mobility. For the Special edition, the option to use Japanese or English voices has been added. Whichever gender you choose, there's a selection of suitors to court as potential love interests. Some have compared Rune Factory to Animal Crossing. Rune Factory 4 takes its … Rune Factory 4 comes with so much charm and magic that you can forgive the game its shortcomings, of which there are few. Proper planting, watering, and timely harvesting yields ideal crops in Rune Factory 4, and knowing you can rely on these cause-and-effect outcomes is wholly rewarding. Rune Factory 4 is irresistibly charming. Many will appreciate the game's small touches, such as character model appearances updated to show equipped accessories, even if it’s something as simple as a ribbon in one’s hair. Though you must care for your farm regularly, the game gives you ample time to enjoy other activities like fishing and socializing in town. As with many N64 owners in 1999, Miguel’s Harvest Moon "gateway" installment was Harvest Moon 64. It has a plethora of things to do and a variety of ways to do them, and features some lovely graphics and catchy tunes. Dark dungeon treks aren't deep, hour-long adventures, but are instead straightforward arrays of real-time monster encounters, switch-based puzzles, and simple boss fights. The farming and town aspects are fun and are something you just don't see in other games (obvious Harvest Moon comparison excluded). Also, this game is developed by Neverland. Great sense of ownership through customization, Gender choice deepens relationship options. Miguel Concepcion You can watch the trailer for Rune Factory 4 Special below for a feel of the graphics and gameplay. Rune 4 Factory Special, for the Nintendo Switch, is... basically the exact same 3DS game that made its debut way back in 2012, but with the requisite bump in resolution for the new hardware, some redrawn assets, a tiny bit of extra story content, a slightly more polished translation, and that annoying random trigger for the final act removed in favor of a simpler mechanic. There are a number of weapon types at the player’s disposal, like axes, hammers, spears, swords, gloves, and staves, all … Excellent writing; Varied gameplay The tutorial goes over every aspect of the gameplay, making sure you know what you can do and how to do it. Not only did I enjoy it but it made me fall head over heels in love with the franchise! ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. It’s a solid 3DS title with tons of content to explore, but while the refinements are minimal, it doesn’t do enough to launch itself into greatness. Rune Factory 4 Review: Fancy charming neighbors and a whimsical workload? Rune Factory 4: Special review – fun revival of a retro franchise. It's hard to think of a better way to have an appreciation for your property than having crafted your belongings yourself. The cast is great and the … You sense this constancy when you tame monsters and use them as your farm animals. After one blow to the head, you end up with a case of amnesia and escape by falling off the airship. More importantly, you needn't stress over the less delightful aspects of real life farming. Rune Factory 4 Special runs perfectly well in both docked and handheld modes. The game starts you off with an unfortunate question which … Rune Factory 4 marks the return of the popular Harvest Moon spinoff that combines farming with dungeon adventuring. Rune Factory 4 Special doesn’t force you into doing certain things or missing out. These elements are interwoven throughout a central narrative of unusual depth for this franchise. It's a first for the series and a marked improvement over the strange half-boy, half-sheep protagonist from the last game. With Rune Factory 4 as my first foray into the series I was pleasantly surprised with the entry. I had absolutely no performance issues with the game and loved being able to take it on the go. Dating follows the classic Harvest Moon formula of requiring you to be thoughtful with your words and generous with your gifts. At every turn, the positives … The 55 hours he spent on Rune Factory 4 flew by unexpectedly. Rune Factory 4 will soak up more time than it actually takes to run a farm and slaughter monsters, but the franchise seems determined to remain insular and averse to … If you've always been on the fence about Harvest Moon because you crave some action to break up the routine of farming, Rune Factory 4 handily addresses those desires. Games You Should Buy On PlayStation Network ASAP, Loot Box Spending And Problematic Gambling Linked, Researchers Say, By Rune Factory 4 Special is a delightful game with a ton of content to keep you busy, despite feeling a little overwhelming in the beginning. This comfortable but clunky reboot of the part … You need only look to the dragons and action role-playing game combat to see that the game embraces the "fantasy" part of the series' slogan, "A Fantasy Harvest Moon." The character models are still on the childlike "chibi" side, but they are a vast improvement over the characters from the previous games, many of whom barely looked human. Conversations with townsfolk and story events ensure you always have goals to meet, and you have more than enough land to cultivate behind your home, though you'll notice that greenhouse caves have been supplanted by actual dungeons. I was expecting a similar experience to that of Animal Crossing or Harvest Moon but what I found instead, was a game richer, and more diverse in content, allowing numerous hours to slip by unnoticed.. Spoiler – this is special. Rune Factory 4 is a role-playing simulation video game that is a perfect mixture of different elements. For all the things you can do in Rune Factory 4, the game is surprisingly lacking in filler. In the Rune Factory franchise, the onus of being overburdened cultivates a completely contrasting sentiment. Even if the act of running didn't provide such a tangible benefit, you'd still find yourself traveling the land. Rune Factory 4 adds new romance options, the ability to select a male or female character at the game’s start, and has endless crafting, farming and cooking opportunities. Time to pack up your things and move into Rune Factory 4’s affable and perpetually amusing little hamlet. Those charms are slightly tarnished by the paper-thin plot, uneven pacing, and an under-utilized monarchy system, but even with a few smudges on its noble crown, Rune Factory 4 rules. If anything, the tutorial of Rune Factory 4 is an ideal introduction to the series for newcomers. It's an engrossing throwback to simple, but not shallow, gameplay reminiscent of Link's Awakening. They're good at social graces, but even better in battle as companions, provided you've built solid enough friendships. In Rune Factory 4 Special, it happened very quickly, within days of beating the main game. Dating follows the classic Harvest Moon formula of requiring you to be thoughtful with your words and generous with your gifts. Rune Factory 4 adds new romance options, the ability to select a male or female character at the game's start, and has endless crafting, farming and cooking opportunities. Originally released back in 2012 on the Nintendo 3DS, Rune Factory 4 makes its way on the Nintendo Switch with Rune Factory 4 Special – it’s bigger and better with brand new game modes, new cutscenes, beautiful illustrations and even an updated opening sequence. © 2021 GAMESPOT, A RED VENTURES COMPANY. Because of this, it will surely provide you with an ultimate unique experience. It is the fourth installment of popular video game series called Rune Factory. The Rune Factory series allows players much more to do than simply tending to a farm. Copy link. A detailed review of Rune Factory 4, the latest in the farming and life simulation series from Neverland and Marvelous AQL. Update by Casey DeFreitas, February 25, 2020. Rune Factory 4 Special for the Nintendo Switch is an upgraded remaster of the original 3DS game with noticeably better graphics and some new content. While you might find yourself indecisive on what to do next, you never feel overwhelmed. Marvelous Inc Rune Factory 4 Special Reviews . Tap to unmute. There's a perpetual sense of character progression from all your actions, such as the HP and stamina you gain from farming and getting proper sleep. Getting your hands dirty as a farmer takes a bit of time since Rune Factory 4 plays it safe by assuming you've never farmed digital vegetables in the past. The game is the first to be released on the Nintendo 3DS platform with a 2013 North American release. Rune Factory 4 was originally introduced to me by my lovely fiance as a Christmas present over seven years ago. I can totally see why a lot of people love the Rune Factory … 2013-10-17 17:15:00 by Dale North. Nintendo Switch; Marvelous/Xseed. You can watch the trailer for Rune Factory 4 Special below for a feel of the graphics and gameplay. Rune Factory 4 is a great game that’s jam-packed with fun things to do. Rune Factory 4 is irresistibly charming. Info. GameSpot may get a commission from retail offers. It can be overwhelming to have all this information dumped on you at once, but luckily Rune Factory 4 doesn’t pressure you to complete everything quickly. A charming timesink. Where Frontier was murky and confusing on how to progress the main story, Rune Factory 4 is clear and concise. At first, I had no idea what to expect but he told me that it was a game he felt I would really enjoy. Watch later. While you can let story events trigger updates to store inventories, it's more practical to make weapons and farming tools yourself. It’s only from learning the mechanics and playing naturally on your own that you can learn the ropes properly. This all happens in the first 10 minutes, with concise exposition that makes it surprisingly easy to accept what's going on. Rune Factory 4 continues the popular mix of farm simulation and role playing game that its predecessors set. It makes the combat feel very fluid, and you're not locked into clunky, drawn-out animations. Rune Factory 4 Special brings yet another great RPG to the Nintendo Switch lineup with good combat, pretty characters, and difficulty levels for both casual and hardcore players. If this is your first Rune Factory, you might not grasp the significance of having the option to play as a female character. It has a plethora of things to do and a variety of ways to do them, and features some lovely graphics and … 0. Just don't expect it to give you an appreciation for the hard work and dedication needed to run a farm, because this game is jam-packed with relevant and diversionary non-farming activities. Instead of a plain old sheep, you get cute monster sheep. 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