Rune Factory 3: A Fantasy Harvest Moon (2009)

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 6 minutes read

Summary

Rune Factory 3: A Fantasy Harvest Moon (2009)

Rune Factory 3: A Fantasy Harvest Moon is an action role-playing game developed by Neverland Co. and published by Marvelous Entertainment. It was released in Japan in July 2009, and in North America and Europe in February 2010. The game is the third installment in the Rune Factory series, and the first to be released on the Nintendo DS.

Rune Factory 3 combines elements of farming, action, and role-playing. Players take on the role of Micah or Sofia, a young adventurer who arrives in the town of Sharance. The town is home to both humans and monsters, who are locked in a bitter conflict. Micah/Sofia must use their unique abilities as a half-human, half-monster to bridge the gap between the two groups and save the town.

Gameplay

Rune Factory 3 features a variety of gameplay elements, including:

  • Farming: Players can grow crops, raise animals, and cook food. They can also use their crops and livestock to create items, such as weapons, armor, and accessories.
  • Action: Players can explore dungeons, fight monsters, and complete quests. They can also use a variety of weapons and magic spells to defeat their enemies.
  • Role-playing: Players can level up their character, learn new skills, and equip new items. They can also interact with the townspeople, build relationships, and get married.

Setting

Rune Factory 3 is set in the world of Sharance, a town where humans and monsters live in conflict. The humans are led by the mayor, a kind and wise man who wants to see peace between the two groups. The monsters are led by the dragon Volkanon, a powerful and fearsome creature who wants to destroy the humans.

Micah/Sofia must travel between the human and monster villages, completing quests and building relationships with both groups. They must also learn to control their own powers, and use them to stop Volkanon and bring peace to Sharance.

Characters

  • Micah: A young adventurer who is half-human and half-monster. He is kind and compassionate, and he wants to see peace between humans and monsters.
  • Sofia: A young adventurer who is also half-human and half-monster. She is strong and determined, and she is not afraid to fight for what she believes in.
  • Mayor: The mayor of Sharance. He is a kind and wise man who wants to see peace between humans and monsters.
  • Volkanon: The dragon who leads the monsters. He is a powerful and fearsome creature who wants to destroy the humans.

Reception

Rune Factory 3 received generally positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its charming characters, engaging story, and fun gameplay. However, some critics found the game to be too repetitive and grindy.

Overall, Rune Factory 3 is a solid action role-playing game with a lot to offer. The game’s charming characters, engaging story, and fun gameplay make it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre.

Legacy

Rune Factory 3 was a commercial success, selling over 500,000 copies worldwide. The game has also been praised by critics for its innovative gameplay and charming characters. Rune Factory 3 has been cited as an influence on a number of other games, including the popular farming simulator Stardew Valley.

The Rune Factory series has continued to grow in popularity since the release of Rune Factory 3. The most recent installment in the series, Rune Factory 5, was released in 2021 to critical acclaim. The series has also spawned a number of spin-off games, including Rune Factory: Tides of Destiny and Rune Factory 4 Special.

Conclusion

Rune Factory 3: A Fantasy Harvest Moon is a charming and engaging action role-playing game. The game’s unique blend of farming, action, and role-playing elements makes it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre. Rune Factory 3 is a must-play for fans of the Rune Factory series, and it is also a great introduction to the genre for newcomers.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Profile photo of Ji-yeong

Ji-yeong is a passionate gamer and whose love for video games blossomed during her childhood. Growing up in the midwest, without many friends, she spent countless hours exploring the enchanting worlds of classic JRPGs like Final Fantasy and Chrono Trigger, which sparked not only an enduring love for gaming but also a keen insight into its evolving landscape. Today, Ji-yeong channels her deep-seated passion and nostalgia into thoughtful, engaging reviews that resonate with both longtime gamers and newcomers alike. Her unique perspective, rooted in a rich history of gaming, offers readers a heartfelt journey through the pixels and stories that have shaped her love for this dynamic medium. Her favorite game series of all time is Harvest Moon.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More