What’s On My Nintendo Switch: Rune Factory 4 Special

You know, I’ve tried to play Harvest Moon a couple of times. I just can’t get into it. Playing Rune Factory 5 and the entire Animal Crossing series is most likely to blame. The character design and game play of Harvest Moon feels bland and restricting. So, I decided to play Rune Factory 4 Special.

I wanted new characters with a similar story. Although there was a clear difference between four and five, I didn’t mind. I’d already played chibi characters from Dragon Quest: Builders 2. So switching to compressed characters didn’t seem like a big deal. Plus the anime style illustrations were beautiful and a bit rustic. That’s what led to my next adventure.

So I’m A Fake Princess

Although Prince Arthur arrives,  the Divine Wind Dragon Ventus and the real prince decide that I will be ruler the town. As an Earthmate I quickly become a talented farmer. So it’s my responsibility to make produce, complete tasks, and inact directives to improve tourism in The Land of Selphia. Did I mention this includes investigating dangerous places…

It’s Me…I’m The Problem…

I will say this. Fighting 2-D is difficult for me. This isn’t the first time I’ve brought this issue up. It’s the reason I haven’t finished Link’s Awakening. Yes, Link’s Awakening has the 3-D look of Animal Crossing but the game mechanics are still 2-D. For me 360° game play is extremely necessary for combat. However ,I don’t mind the this format for Frey’s (my RPG) daily life. In fact it’s easier to build my other skills like farming this way.

Wait When Did This Start?

Another issue of working backwards in this series is story mode. Sometimes I didn’t realize that I initiated a side story. Don’t get me wrong, they’re important for building relationships with your subjects. Much Like Rune Factory 5, your stuck in it till you’ve finished the simulation. You’d think they’d have an expiration, but they don’t. The issue must be resolved.

The quest menu on Rune Factory 5 gives you and idea of what’s going on, but it’s the map that helps. Rune Factory 5’s map allows the player to choose to take on the side story, court a love interest, or start your adventure. It makes sense that Rune Factory 5 corrected this issue. So I won’t let it get in my way of finishing Rune Factory 4.

Ooh Wait There’s More

Although I may stumble my way through it, I look forward to playing Newlywed Mode that comes with additional cut scenes. It’s the main reason I’m working towards finishing the main story. Based on the Summer event’s Frey is enjoying right now, she might end up marrying Prince Arthur. We’ll have to see.

Spoiler Alert: I can’t progress with Doug, which is frustrating because he was my first target. I’m annoyed that his role in the story line is holding me back. It’s a similar issue I had with Ryker in Rune Factory five, an important relationship event occurs later in the story compared to the other potential male leads.

Perks of Playing Out of Order

Since I started a new file with the intention of concurring another male character, I was surprised to see a message about Rune Factory 4. My Rune Factory 5 game play has change a little, because two characters from Rune Factory 4 visit your village rather frequently.

Unfortunately, Doug and Margaret aren’t romantic prospects in Rune Factory 5. However you can get the male and female attire for their games protagonist (Lest and Frey) through missions. I’m not sure how much Doug and Margaret will change my gameplay, but I remembered their gift preferences. So that’s made it easier to raise their friendship level. Sadly, they don’t participate in special events.

If your interested, Nintendo has a good deal on the digital copy of Rune Factory 4 Special. If you’re looking for a new game to occupy some of your down time, this one is a cute aesthetic. Thanks for stopping by. See ya next Monday!