Rune Factory 3 Special Review – Nostalgic Harvest with Room for Growth

XSEED Games is making concerted efforts to revitalize the Rune Factory series, and Rune Factory 3 Special represents another step in adapting this fantasy farming role-playing game for modern platforms. Following in the footsteps of Rune Factory 4 Special, which served as a remastered version of a classic title, Rune Factory 3 Special adheres to a similar approach. Originally launched on the Nintendo DS, the game stands to benefit significantly from a modern makeover, especially considering its original dual-screen setup requirements.

As someone who has played and appreciated previous Rune Factory titles for their charming yet straightforward narratives, coupled with light RPG and farming simulation elements, I found it unsurprising that Rune Factory 3 Special continues in the same vein. Generally, sequels are expected to offer improvements over their predecessors. However, since this game is a re-release of an older title, certain gameplay elements may feel somewhat dated. This is evident in Rune Factory 3 Special, which adheres to a simple narrative structure designed to immerse players in a role-playing experience.

In this installment, players assume the role of a young boy afflicted with amnesia, who finds himself in an unfamiliar town. The narrative revolves around unraveling the protagonist’s mysterious past, which is imbued with latent powers and connections to the town’s history. The story is not immediately forthcoming but unfolds gradually, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of the character and his circumstances. Despite its minor flaws and idiosyncrasies, I found the narrative to be engaging and rewarding.

One intriguing addition to Rune Factory 3 Special is the protagonist’s ability to transform into a monster. As the story reveals, the main character is a hybrid of human and monster, belonging to a special race. This feature adds a unique twist to the conventional adventure narrative. While the game may lack the dramatic story beats often expected in standard RPGs, it compensates through engaging interactions with the townspeople. The dialogue is generally clever and filled with dynamic exchanges, and the game does an admirable job of developing the characters of the local residents. Longtime fans will appreciate the game’s marriage mechanic, which adds the quest for a romantic partner to the list of objectives. However, unlike newer entries in the series, this game does not offer a female protagonist, thereby limiting the scope of potential relationships.

While the social aspect of the game is enjoyable, it also feels like a missed opportunity for deeper content. The town itself lacks compelling features to encourage exploration. Operating on a day-night cycle, the game offers dynamic interactions with townspeople but falls into a somewhat monotonous loop. Each day typically begins with farm chores, followed by social interactions. The produce from the farm is then sold in town, and players must consider seasonal factors when choosing crops.

However, Rune Factory 3 Special is not merely a farming simulator akin to Harvest Moon or Story of Seasons. It incorporates light RPG elements that add layers to the gameplay. Beyond agricultural tasks, players can explore dungeons, collect new items, and encounter monsters. The combat is straightforward, relying on a hack-and-slash approach that emphasizes equipment upgrades. Additionally, players have the option to befriend monsters and villagers, who can then assist in dungeon exploration.

In addition to the primary activities of monster hunting and socializing, Rune Factory 3 Special offers leisurely pursuits like fishing and cooking. These skills improve with practice, adding another layer to the game’s role-playing elements. As players engage in these activities, they not only level up their character but also enhance their effectiveness in various tasks. Energy management is crucial; running out of energy necessitates rest or consuming food to replenish it. The game also imposes time-sensitive limitations on certain activities, encouraging players to manage their time efficiently.

Visually, the game shows its age, given its original release on the Nintendo DS. While the art style is charming and character portraits add depth to dialogues, the overall graphical quality feels somewhat dated. Although some 3D elements scale well to higher resolutions, certain textures appear drab and low-quality, occasionally disrupting immersion. However, considering the game’s original platform, these limitations can be somewhat overlooked.

In terms of modernization, while the game has received visual upgrades and other minor improvements, it could benefit from additional quality-of-life enhancements. For instance, the cooking mechanic is marred by lengthy animation delays. Moreover, despite being a remastered version released after its successors, the game lacks some of the advanced features found in later entries of the series. This adherence to the original’s basic mechanics works to the game’s disadvantage in some respects.

In conclusion, Rune Factory 3 Special offers an engaging blend of farming simulation and role-playing elements. While it may not incorporate all the refinements that fans have come to expect from newer entries in the series, its somewhat dated approach has its own unique appeal. For those who appreciate the hybrid genre of farming simulators and RPGs, investing time in this game can be a rewarding experience.

Rune Factory 3 Special Game Information

• Price: $39.99
• Publisher: Marvelous
• Developer: XSEED
• Platform: PC (Reviewed)
• Disclaimer: A review code was given by the publisher