Hello everyone! I have been COMPLETELY ADDICTED to Rune Factory 4 for the 3DS for the past two days to the point of neglecting my lair. It's amazing!
What is it? It's a Japanese RPG (J-RPG) simulation game. You farm, raise monsters and basically become the Prince/Princess of a town. You develop deep connections with the townsfolk, raising their friendship and getting to know them as you move through the very tender and sweet storyline (which, may I add, centers around a dragon?). It has combat, but most of the game's depth lays within the story, farming and crafting mechanics.
But, wait, I mentioned romance right? That's right! As you get to know some of the townspeople you can take those bonds a step further, romancing the bachelorettes and bachelors of your dreams! And this is no "Flirt flirt flirt proposal and marriage" nonsense. I have been playing for a solid 25 hours and I am not just getting into the romantic stuff.
This is not some trivial thing, it's a slow burn romance with quite a lot of pay off at the end. And you can have a child, if you want! (But no Bioware-esque "sex" scenes)
There are town events to plan, attend and compete in as well. From firefly watching, to Valentine's day, to fishing contests... there is always something to keep you occupied.
I really really really recommend that all RPG lovers check out this game IMMEDIATELY. Only problem is so few copies were published buying the game new online is a bit pricy, so I recommend stopping by your local Gamestop and seeing if they have a preowned copy.
Please support the game company and show them J-RPGs aren't dead in the West quite yet.
Hello everyone! I have been COMPLETELY ADDICTED to Rune Factory 4 for the 3DS for the past two days to the point of neglecting my lair. It's amazing!
What is it? It's a Japanese RPG (J-RPG) simulation game. You farm, raise monsters and basically become the Prince/Princess of a town. You develop deep connections with the townsfolk, raising their friendship and getting to know them as you move through the very tender and sweet storyline (which, may I add, centers around a dragon?). It has combat, but most of the game's depth lays within the story, farming and crafting mechanics.
But, wait, I mentioned romance right? That's right! As you get to know some of the townspeople you can take those bonds a step further, romancing the bachelorettes and bachelors of your dreams! And this is no "Flirt flirt flirt proposal and marriage" nonsense. I have been playing for a solid 25 hours and I am not just getting into the romantic stuff.
This is not some trivial thing, it's a slow burn romance with quite a lot of pay off at the end. And you can have a child, if you want! (But no Bioware-esque "sex" scenes)
There are town events to plan, attend and compete in as well. From firefly watching, to Valentine's day, to fishing contests... there is always something to keep you occupied.
I really really really recommend that all RPG lovers check out this game IMMEDIATELY. Only problem is so few copies were published buying the game new online is a bit pricy, so I recommend stopping by your local Gamestop and seeing if they have a preowned copy.
Please support the game company and show them J-RPGs aren't dead in the West quite yet.
I agree with you! This is a very fun, and addictive game with some really charming and fun characters.
I also have some tips for the combat element if anyone is planning to buy the game.
(THERE ARE SOME SPOILERS FOR GAME MECHANICS BE WARNED)
1) Up your crafting and forging.
Equipment you can buy is overpriced, and it isn't very helpful at all. If you don't up your crafting and forging, you'll end up with a lot of weak gear and be underprepared for dungeons. The equipment you use can make or break you which is why it's crucial that you make sure you have some good ones on you.
2) Use different weapons.
The forging system for weapons requires you to have a certain skill before certain weapons are unlocked. So, if you ever want to switch weapons, it's helpful if you can actually craft a decently powerful one. And even if you don't switch weapons types, party members are really helpful later on, and each one has an AI structured around a certain weapon type, as well as base stats that have better growths in certain areas.
3) Make weapons using what you find in dungeons.
Making weapons requires materials. And usually, the weapons and armor you used in the previous dungeon isn't enough to do suitable damage or properly defend you from attacks in the next, as the difficulty tends to spike in between. Generally, what you want to do, is pick up items in dungeons, and use them to craft better weapons and gear so you don't die.
If you ever do die, and have the misfortune of being woken up by Jones, you lose a whole ton of money. The fee maxes out at 50k.
4) Bring people along with you.
People you bring with you can be very helpful when it comes to dungeons if they're leveled, and have appropriate equipment. To bring them with you, press L or R while they're talking (the BTW thing should start bouncing). After the conversation ends, a menu will pop up. Pressing the one that says something along the lines of "Let's go on an adventure!" will have them accompany you on your journey. With the exception of Forte, everyone needs at least 3 hearts before they will agree to go anywhere with you. If there is a town event they are involved in, they will also refuse. To give them equipment, just give it to them. No strings attached, really.
All in all, I recommend the game wholeheartedly. The endings made me cry, and I've played it for hours on end.
I agree with you! This is a very fun, and addictive game with some really charming and fun characters.
I also have some tips for the combat element if anyone is planning to buy the game.
(THERE ARE SOME SPOILERS FOR GAME MECHANICS BE WARNED)
1) Up your crafting and forging.
Equipment you can buy is overpriced, and it isn't very helpful at all. If you don't up your crafting and forging, you'll end up with a lot of weak gear and be underprepared for dungeons. The equipment you use can make or break you which is why it's crucial that you make sure you have some good ones on you.
2) Use different weapons.
The forging system for weapons requires you to have a certain skill before certain weapons are unlocked. So, if you ever want to switch weapons, it's helpful if you can actually craft a decently powerful one. And even if you don't switch weapons types, party members are really helpful later on, and each one has an AI structured around a certain weapon type, as well as base stats that have better growths in certain areas.
3) Make weapons using what you find in dungeons.
Making weapons requires materials. And usually, the weapons and armor you used in the previous dungeon isn't enough to do suitable damage or properly defend you from attacks in the next, as the difficulty tends to spike in between. Generally, what you want to do, is pick up items in dungeons, and use them to craft better weapons and gear so you don't die.
If you ever do die, and have the misfortune of being woken up by Jones, you lose a whole ton of money. The fee maxes out at 50k.
4) Bring people along with you.
People you bring with you can be very helpful when it comes to dungeons if they're leveled, and have appropriate equipment. To bring them with you, press L or R while they're talking (the BTW thing should start bouncing). After the conversation ends, a menu will pop up. Pressing the one that says something along the lines of "Let's go on an adventure!" will have them accompany you on your journey. With the exception of Forte, everyone needs at least 3 hearts before they will agree to go anywhere with you. If there is a town event they are involved in, they will also refuse. To give them equipment, just give it to them. No strings attached, really.
All in all, I recommend the game wholeheartedly. The endings made me cry, and I've played it for hours on end.
I really adore the game but never got to do any romantic stuff bc i'm gay and can't do romantic options with the characters i wanted to be romantic with.
otherwise its one of my favorite games.
I really adore the game but never got to do any romantic stuff bc i'm gay and can't do romantic options with the characters i wanted to be romantic with.
otherwise its one of my favorite games.
Bah, the EU release was cancelled :( I'm really disappointed as I was looking forward to playing it, never played a rune factory game before.
Bah, the EU release was cancelled :( I'm really disappointed as I was looking forward to playing it, never played a rune factory game before.
I got this for my birfday! I'm only not playing it now because I also got Pokemon X, and I just finished the 8th gym battle...
I got this for my birfday! I'm only not playing it now because I also got Pokemon X, and I just finished the 8th gym battle...
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