Rune Factory 4

Your happy news for you. Rune Factory 4 (ルーンファクトリー4 Rūn Fakutorī 4) is a simulation/role-playing video game developed by Neverland Co. and published by Marvelous Entertainment for the Nintendo 3DS handheld console. It was announced in Famitsu on June 29, 2011 and will be released later in Spring 2012 (previously late 2011). It is the sixth game in the Rune Factory series, and the first to be released on the 3DS. Will English version will use the subtitle "A Fantasy Harvest Moon" in this title again? Let's see later on.

Like Tides of Destiny, there are 2 main character as usual, Lest (male, top;) and Frey (female, bottom). But unlike Tides of Destiny, at the start of the game, you can choose either of them. (I prefer Frey more than Lest because she is female) Anyway, Let's go to the story section.

The story's setting in the kingdom of Selfia, the protagonist falls from an airship and loses their memory. They are saved by an elder named Volkanon, and the protagonist must act as the town's temporary prince/princess. Frey/Lest tells whomever you're playing as has potential to be an Earthmate, just as the three protagonists before them (Raguna, Kyle, and Micah) and they can communicate with dragons.

So far, there are only 3 bachelor and bachelorettes, there are: Margaret, Dolce, and Bishnal. When a potential loves first shows up in Rune Factory 4, you get to see a movie of them. Once you start courting members of the opposite gender, you won’t have to dive straight into marriage after getting together — you’ll have the opportunity to maintain your relationship as lovers, not just with one but with multiple candidates.

See? How's the formation?

Next up is farming. You aren’t restricted to a strict grid in Rune Factory 4 while planting crops. Once you find a nice field to farm in, you can plant crops in whatever formation you choose. You can even grow giant crops (Like Harvest Moon DS).

To marry someone, you must have romantic date first. They're more innocent and romantic, such as playing piano, fishing or even talking. At first, you must invite someone (by pressing L and R?). And the romantic scene occur so MC can even closer to spouse you want to marry. In the bottom screenshot, it's revealed we can see the emotion dialog even when talking.

Shop, err... it's the same system as Rune Factory 3. No complain for me what is the shop system. Please see these two pictures intsead. Oh, by the way, the two new characters is Wolkanon (the elder butler, bottom), and there is a new system. You can build up the town using Prince System. Constructing buildings and hold festivals are needed by spending Prince Points.

Finally, dungeons. Like previous games, Famitsu confirms that you can tame monsters in dungeons and raise them (I think with monster hut too). Rune Factory 4 is about 50% complete in June 30th and is due out this year. Please note that the updates will be out before Dungeons system and I will update this post as the new updates by Marvelous are out. I will check Siliconera.com often for updates.

Rune Factory: Tides of Destiny

  

This game was released in Japan on February 24, 2011 in PS3 and Wii with the title Rune Factory Oceans. I've heard that Natsume has picked up the localization rights to the game. The game will be released October 11 this year with the title Rune Factory: Tides of Destiny! Yaaay ^o^!

Story
Aden and Sonja, the two childhood friend, due to unexplained reasons, they're enveloped in a bright, white light and whisked away to another world. Upon awaking, however, Aden finds his childhood friend nowhere in sight – rather, her consciousness has been transported into his own body. Eventually, a young lady by the name of Odette soon discovers Aden, and offers him housing neighboring the inn, "Sisters," she and her two siblings, Lily and Violet, run.

Sometime thereafter, though, a giant rises from a large, sudden rift in the ground – the result of a seed that Aden and Sonja had planted previous to their current circumstances – and descends upon the land. Finding the being cute, Sonja names it Ymir, who then permits the two to ride on him as he walks about the ocean. With this, new islands are upturned, sea monsters are fought, and the strange place Aden and Sonja are stranded in is slowly uncovered.

Gameplay
From the video I watch thanks to OtogiClover, until the end of the story we'll play as Aden, who, stucked by Sonia because two gender in one body. Farming in the island is the goal, also both has to defeat Masked Man. Like Rune Factory 2, we can choose either Aden or Sonja and the unchoosed character will stay in the inn (really? I'm only know Japanese a little).

Unfortunately, the character portaits 'weeped out'. The portaits was changed into 3D, we can see villagers wearing accessory too. If you want, you can always press L1 (PS3) or C (Wii) button to temporarily change into default.

For the monster (I don't know much because I don't come to E3 2011), from the video I watch, you can take up to 3 monster (with clover symbol above the monster's head). You can plant crops depending of the monster. They separated to 4 parts, Spring Island, Summer Island, Fall Island, and Winter Island, and each monster in certain Island can give you a chance to plant specific seasonal crops depending of the Season Island. For example, Goblin can give you chance for planting Potato, Strawberry, and Cucumber, while Yipper will give you a chance to plant Buckeye Tree and Maple Tree. (Warning: It's only my suggestion because I only can Japanese a little)

Characters

Note: Thanks to tvtropes.org for this description, and fogu.com for the images! Please note some US name, I don't know it's official or not, but it's taken by screenshots from Facebook. More official US name will appear once I see the walkthrough video after the US game is released.

Main Characters

Aden (アゼル Azeru, Azel)

 

Seiyuu: Miyuki Sawashiro (J), Ted Sroka (E)

An outgoing, friendly individual and the male protagonist, he shares a somewhat playful relationship with Sonia, his childhood friend for whom he cares for deeply. Due to various circumstances, he is whisked away to another world at the beginning of the game and, as a result, must share his body with Sonia’s consciousness. Can be a bit head-strong and values the friendship of others.

Sonja (ソニア Sonia, Sonia)

 

Seiyuu: Ai Shimizu (J), Jessica Straus (E)

A cheerful young woman with a bright personality, she is the female protagonist and is ultimately forced to cohabit Aden’s body as a result of losing her own, which, unsurprisingly, causes some complications (it's revealed that Masked Man has use Sonja's body for some reason). Nevertheless, her sunny disposition is rarely dampened, though she easily falls victim to jealousy. Deeply cares for Aden and has the ability to sing the Spirit Song besides the "Sisters" (Lily, Odette, Violet).

Bachelors (if you play as Sonja)

Aden

(see above)

Bismark (ビスマルク Bisumaruku)

 

Seiyuu: Hideyuki Hayami (J), Todd Haberkorn

A kind, though somewhat reticent, young man who co-runs the general store with his twin sister, Sarah, he is diligent in his work and takes pride in his profession, though is often exacerbated by his sibling’s lack of motivation and his constant need to reprimand her. He notably values chivalry, and will not stand for the unseemly actions of others, particularly if those actions are directed at women. Can sometimes be a bit socially awkward, particularly in concerns to Sonja.

James (ジェームス Jēmusu)

 

Seiyuu: Hiroyuki Yoshino (J), Matt Mercer (E)

An intrepid merchant who cares for his sister, Elena, he exhibits a cordial and gentlemanly air. Valuing politeness, he has no qualms about chastising his younger sibling for her at-times rude behavior, though nevertheless dotes on her frequently. Kind and down-to-earth, he is an amiable and welcoming individual.

Joe (ジョー Jō)

Seiyuu: Katsuyuki Konishi (J), Chris Rickabaugh (E)

An extroverted, out-going treasure hunter who lives off the coast of Finis Island with his sea-faring grandfather, Bacchus, with whom he often disagrees with over the validity of his profession. Nevertheless, he is passionate about what he does, and displays competence at the task. Having a prankster personality, he is no stranger to reprimands and is rather expressive in his emotions and opinions. Upon seeing Sonja for the first time, he instantly falls in love with her.

Bachelorettes (if you play as Aden)

Electra de-Sainte Coquille (エレクトラ・ハッタイン・ヴィヴィアージュ Erekutora Hattain 'Vu~ivu~iāju)

 

Seiyuu: Sakura Tange (J), Lauren Landa (E)

Daughter of Beatrix, the matriarch of the Hattain sub-branch of the wealthy de Sainte-Coquille clan, she is a hardworking and diligent individual who, on top of acting as Finis Island's representative in her mother's stead, strives to help earn funds for her family, which is rather strapped for cash. Nevertheless, she maintains an optimistic outlook on things and likes to help others. In her spare time, she enjoys crafting accessories and studying in secret in the hopes of one day attending a school in the city. She is good friends with her maid, Maerwen.

Elena (エレナ Erena)

 

Seiyuu: Kanae Ito (J), Stephanie Misa (E)

A spirited adolescent who is Finis Island’s resident blacksmith and lives at her shop with her older brother, James, she fashions partially-mechanical golems during her spare time, and displays an inordinate knowledge of the subject. While she often speaks harshly to others and has no qualms about saying disparaging comments, she has a kind heart. Frequently uses Aden as a personal guinea pig for her newest creations.

Lily (リリ Riri)

Seiyuu: Kikuko Inoue (J), GK Bowles (E)

The oldest of the three main heroines, she treats her younger sisters, Odette and Violet, with a motherly attitude and has an overall calm disposition. While clumsy and a terrible cook, she is very skilled at the lute and so functions as Finis Island’s bard during the evenings at the local inn, “Sisters,” which she helps run. After Odette, Violet, and Sonja, she is the one of several that can sing the Spirit Song.

Maerwen (メルプリン Merupurin)

Seiyuu: Ryo Hirohashi (J), Karen Strassman (E)

An outwardly cold Dark Elf who serves as the de Sainte-Coquilles' maid, she is good friends with Electra, though is often frustrated by her constant menial working. Indeed, she can appear easily exacerbated with others and frequently expresses this, though, ultimately, she is a kind individual appreciative of others. She reads in her spare time, and doesn’t necessarily mind discussing her elven heritage. Deeply cherishes the garden to which she tends.

Mikoto (命 Mikoto)

 

Seiyuu: Yuu Kobayashi (J), Erika Weinstein (E)

A stoic and very formal onna-bugeisha, or lady-samurai, hailing from the Far East, she works as a hired guard charged with protecting Fenith Island’s borders and speaks sparsely of her past. While she lacks confidence in herself as a person, she trains diligently every morning to become a stronger warrior. Ordinarily composed, she can, at times, show sudden bursts of anger or other emotions, particularly if she is comfortable with someone or in close proximity to a cute animal.

Odette (オデット Odetto)

 

Seiyuu: Masumi Asano (J), Rachel Hirschfield (E)

The first person both Aden and Sonja meet upon arriving at Fenith Island, she helps the two become acquainted to their new surroundings and offers them housing neighboring the inn, “Sisters,” for which she acts as the chef. Has a scar under her right eye and on her upper right arm, and is the middle sister of the three main heroines. While friendly and a generally welcoming individual, she can exhibit some tsundere tendencies. Also acts as Fenith Island’s priestess, and can sing the Spirit Song besides Lily, Violet, and Sonja. She is good friends with Sierra. She also has a posession power, when it does, complete with altered eye color and a distinctly different voice. She has some degree of control over this, however, which proves useful in many a situation.

Pandora (パンドラ Pandora)

Seiyuu: Yukari Tamura (J), Hunter Mackenzie Austin (E)

A demon encased in stone for several centuries due to a petrifaction spell gone awry, she is eventually released from her prison by Aden and Sonja, with whom she forms a peculiar relationship. Despite initial denial as to her nature, she later on becomes much more open about discussing her true identity and intentions of world domination, and often displays the ability to turn a conversation in any direction of her choosing. While somewhat menacing, she also can be kind to others. Eventually lives at the church and becomes a friend to Quinn in particular.

Sierra (セーラ Sēra)

 

Seiyuu: Fumie Mizusawa (J), GK Bowles (E)

An extroverted tomboy who co-runs the general store, “Twins,” with her twin brother, Bismarck, she largely lacks motivation to do her job, preferring instead to skip work to have fun elsewhere. Easy-going and a bit absent-minded at times, she can occasionally speak without thinking, to the chagrin of some. Is good friends with Odette, with whom she visits while procrastinating.

Sonja 
(see above) 

Violet (アイリス Airisu; Iris)

 

Seiyuu: Kana Hanazawa (J), Megan Harvey (E)

The youngest of the three main heroines, she helps her older sisters, Lily and Odette, run the inn, and acts as Finis Island’s nurse. Has a shy, somewhat reticent personality, and finds it rather difficult talking to Aden, with whom she falls in love with at first sight. Enjoys gardening, and, like her sisters and Sonja, can sing the Spirit Song.

 

Others

Bacchus (バッカス Bakkusu)  

Seiyuu: Hiromu Miyazaki (J), Michael McConnohie (E)

Joe's alcoholic grandfather and guardian who lives off of Fenith Island's local pier in a houseboat, he is boisterous and rather outspoken, much to the chagrin of some at times. Has an adventurous attitude and generally attacks things with gusto, particularly fishing, of which he is particularly fond. Is a regular patron of the inn, "Sisters'," bar, and has a bit of a thing for Lily.

Beatrix de Sainte-Coquille (ボナパルト・ハッタイン・ヴィヴィアージュ Bonaparuto Hattain 'Vu~ivu~iāju; Bonaparte de Sainte Coquille)

Seiyuu: Takahiro Fujimoto (J), Unknown (E)
Matriarch of the local sub-branch of the de Sainte-Coquille clan, the Hattain, and mother of Electra, she is a bit of an eccentric that spends the better part of the day in the family's backyard attempting to dig up a buried fortune. Nevertheless, despite her somewhat neglectful ways, she sincerely cares for her daughter. Has the tendency to end words with random suffixes, and enjoys food.

Gerard (グレー Gurē; Grey)

Seiyuu: Masahiro Yamanaka (J), Kyle Hebert (E)
A priest who resides over Fenith Island's church and caretaker of Quinn and Kelsey, he has a rather flamboyant personality and often refers to himself with feminine pronouns. An honest, forthright, and affable individual, he holds the community's trust, and so serves as an emotional guide of sorts. He is fond of cute things and persons, and has taken a bit of a liking to Aden in particular. Presides over the summer's beach activities, and has a scar under his left eye.

Jocelyn (ジャスリン Jasurin)

 

Seiyuu: Unknown (J), Michelle Anne Dunphy (E)
A traveling archeologist who visits Fenith Island twice a week (Thursdays and Holidays), she has a fine eye for item identification, and so will appraise curiosities brought to her by the community's residents. An amiable individual with a calm matter of speech and an approachable demeanor, she is an all-around friendly person. Dresses in fine clothing, and is married.

Quinn (キルト Kiruto; Kilt)

Seiyuu: Saki Fumida (J), Hunter Mackenzie Austin (E)
An orphan, though otherwise generally happy-go-lucky, young girl who lives at Fenith Island's church with her twin brother, Kelsey, she has a bright and cheerful personality, preferring to play outdoors than be stuck inside. Still, she is perceptive to her sibling's feelings, and so reacts to them accordingly and looks after him the best she can. Helps to clean the chapel in her spare time.

Kelsey (ニット Nitto; Nitt)

Seiyuu: Fumie Misuzawa (J), Jay D. Stone (E)
An orphan, and debilitatingly shy, young boy who lives at Fenith Island's church with his twin sister, Quinn, he has a timid and somewhat sensitive demeanor, favoring time to himself and often opting to say little when prompted. Rather skittish, he regularly relies on his sister's guidance and lead in various situations. Reads books during his spare time, and seems to be a bit taken with Iris, around whom he often feels faint.

The Masked Man (仮面の男 Kamen no Otoko)

Seiyuu: Fuuko Saito (J), Patrick Seitz (E)

A mysterious, ominous individual who serves as the main antagonist, he ardently pursues Aden and Sonja and constantly causes grievances for them, sometimes opting to physically confront the two if the need should arise. Has a unnatural fixation with the world's various elemental temples and the orbs in which they house, as well as the mythical Native Giant, which appears to be one of the main reasons for his duplicitous actions. Additionally, has a great need for the Spirit Song, and, while he can sing it, often targets others with the same ability. Later revealed to be Sonja's possessed body.

Plus with three guest character, Tabatha (Rune Factory and Rune Factory Frontier), Anette and Candy (both in Rune Factory Frontier too)!

Rune Factory 3

The third installment of Rune Factory for DS. This game was released in Japan on October 22 2009, and the US version in November 9, 2010. This game will give you new features, like weapons, quests, and much more.

Story

Now comes to the story. This game start in the stormy night, the Golden Wooly (JP: Mokomoko) falls in the sky. Then a girl named Shara (JP: Sia) comes to save the Wooly and take care of it. Next day, the Wooly has just transformed into its human form. The man named Micah (マイス Maisu; Maisu in JP) gets amnesia and only gets one way: Escape from the house! At the way Micah escape, he was meet by the mysterious girl named Raven (トゥーナ Tōna; Toona in JP), then Shara, which they are townsfolk in Sharance. Shara then takes Micah to a large tree, shows you around the interior and the farmland in front of it, and gives you advice on farming, and some tools. But suddenly, a monster appears. After defeating it with your hoe, two more come. Gaius (ガジ Gaji; Gadzhi in JP), the blacksmith, appears, and lets you choose between a shortsword, a longsword, an axe, a hammer, a spear, a stave (a type of staff) or a dual blade (a new weapon in this game). Then, Micah finally defeats it.

However, there are some problems in this peaceful town. The residents of Sharance despise the horned-residents of Univir. The difference between humans and monsters fuels this hatred. Then, Micah must united that two residents before the unseen evil sweeps both of them!

Features
Now the features. You can explore the 5 dungeons and like Rune Factory 2, excluding final dungeon, since the beginning of game you can explore all the dungeons. There are: Privera Forest (Spring), Sol Terrano Dessert (Summer), Oddward Valley (Fall), and Vale River (Winter). The final dungeon, Dragon Cave can only be access once one of your bachelorettes is missing, near the end of the game. Unlike other Rune Factory games, you can invite the villagers to join battle by pressing L or R when talking, though you can invited tamed monsters and also Magic Seeds!

The most things to look out is Time. The time flows very fast than previous Rune Factory games! And the very important, the times flows even in indoors and outdoors! So, it's important to look the time in top screen.

If you like, you can visit Yue and Mei where they arrive randomly in Miyako Inn in 2nd floor. Mei can change your name or your farm if you like (but its useless for me since I dislike changing the default name of the hero...), and you can buy random thing from Yue (nah, she's useful for me)! The cons, they can't be married neither have a face icon.

Shop is more unique! You can buy some Crops you shipped or random Weapons. The shopkeeper was changed depending of the day (ex: Raven was in charge at Monday, Wednesday, and Friday when Gaius was in charge on Tuesday and Thursday).

Quest was changed too! There are 3 locations where you can take quest. There are Bulletin Board, Mail Box and Owl. But unfortunately, you can only take one quest per day and location (ow, darn...). There are 3 types of quest, General Request, Simple Request, and Battle Request. General requests have the greatest amount of variety and tend to be related to how well the main character has gotten to know the individual villagers. These sort of quests are also unique and are not repeatable. Simple requests are usually small tasks that can be repeated many times, the reward is random. Battle requests typically involve the eradication of problematic monster mobs and can also be repeated multiple times. 

There are 11 marriage bachelorettes you can marry on. But, first you must united Sharance and Univir first, also you must complete 9 requests from her. There are:

• Carmen (イオン Ion; Ion in JP): Loves fishing and her brother. Helps out the family fishing resort. Full of energy and easily excited.

• Collette (ショコラ Shokora; Chocola in JP): Works at the diner. She'll out-eat anyone in town...unless she's distracted by food.

• Daria (ダリア Daria): An excitable and eccentric artist of many mediums. She LOVES rainbows.

• Karina (カリン Karin; Karin in JP): Unbelievably lazy girl who works at the general store. She's napping on the job.

• Kuruna (クルルファ Kururufa; Clurufa in JP) : The proud elder of the Univir settlement. She has an intense hatred of humans, but cares deeply for her monster brethren.

• Marian (マリオン Marion; Marion in JP): Outgoing girl who is training to become a doctor. However, her treatments don't always go as planned...
• Pia (ペルシャ Perusha; Persia in JP): The bathhouse assistant. Ditzy girl with a bit of a fishy secret...

• Raven (トゥーナ Tōna; Toona in JP):  Likes to keep to herself, and doesn't interact much with other people. Has a warm side to her.

• Sakuya (さくや   Sakuya): An inn attendant who loves to travel. Sells items she finds in dungeons. Not a fan of monsters.

• Shara (シア Shia; Sia in JP):  A kind and generous girl who raises flowers with love and care, she's the one who saves Micah in Wooly form.

• Sofia (ソフィア  Sofia): Sherman's Spoiled, haughty daughter. Takes his habit of speaking in opposites.

More coming soon!