Rune Factory: A Fantasy Harvest Moon

"Great for newcomers, disappointment for veterans?"

When I picked up Harvest Moon DS last year, I was utterly disappointed. It was nothing compared to the original Harvest Moon's, and the glitches and poor gameplay didn't make it any better. Once my file got erased, I gave up and started replaying some of my old games, thinking, 'What a waste of money...'

But then, of course, I hear about another Harvest Moon game coming out for the DS, called Rune Factory. I immediately knew this could be a great game for me. As I picked it up from Best Buy, I was dying to rip off the plastic cover and indulge into it for half a year. And after my first week with it, I knew this game would be worth it.

However, the 'veterans' of the Harvest Moon series may give this a lower rating, due to the fact so many things have changed. So I will list a 'Veteran' score and a 'Newbie' score, just to make things clear for potential buyers.

GAMEPLAY: 8.5/10
Veteran: 7.5/10
Newbie: 9/10

Rune Factory shows that there can too be action in a farming game. Your character, defaulted "Raguna", is a boy with Amnesia who was found by a girl names Mist after he collapsed. Mist takes Raguna as the farming type, and leads him to her old farm. The first fight engages as a monster attacks you and Mist. Using your Hoe, you easily defeat the creature. This was just a taste of what was to come.

The farming is the same as other Harvest Moon games, and is also made a lot easier with the touch screen. The wood shed is also a very helpful addition, seeing as carrying wood blocks always took up space.

What could be a great disappointment to veteran players is the inclusion of monster and monster huts. Many players may miss the traditional aspect of milking cows, hatching chickens, and shearing sheep. But those who aren't quite so stubborn will begin to accept the replacements.

The RPG aspect of the game is possibly the biggest twist and risk of the Harvest Moon series. After performing certain farming tasks, you obtain passes from the Mayor to certain caves, where the season stays the same all year. The most important part, however, is the monsters. Monster machines are implemented throughout the cave, and you must destroy each and every one in order to reach the boss at the end. The risk of altering the original point of Harvest Moon's before was a huge one, but for the most part, it payed off.

PLOT: 9.5/10
Veterans: 9.5/10
Newbies: 9/10

Veterans and newbies alike know the storyline is great. A take off of other plots, but still great. While the farming situation always continues, you can advance though the main plot with the monsters and caves as slow as you want. Great for the farmer and the RPG...-er.

MUSIC: 7.5/10
Veterans: 8.5/10
Newbies: 7/10

Not much to say. The tunes can get a bit annoying at times, but it definitely better than what it used to be. The opening title hurts my ears, though. x.x

GRAPHICS: 9/10
Veterans: 9/10
Newbies: 9.5/10

The graphics are great for the series and the DS in general. In addition to the 3-D characters and 2.5-D backgrounds, players forget two key elements. First off, the introduction anime scene is amazing. It looked somewhat like Miyazaki style, and once again, it pushes the DS to it's limits. The second element is the bosses. For once, they don't look like giant blobs, and I find myself staring at them in awe while my character gets beaten up.

FINAL SCORE: 8.5/10 (rounds to 9/10)
Veterans: 8.5/10
Newbies: 9/10

Overall, this is what I have to say. If you're a veteran looking to buy this game, be ready for a change. If you're a newbie looking to buy this game, as long as you can bond with farming this game will be great. If you've just played Harvest Moon DS, buy this game to change your opinion on the series!

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 08/26/07