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Rune Factory 3 Special
Released On: Sep 5, 2023
75
8.3
Where to Buy
Where to Buy
All Platforms
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 20 Critic Reviews
75
45% Positive
9 Reviews
9 Reviews
55% Mixed
11 Reviews
11 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 20 Critic Reviews
75
45% Positive
9 Reviews
9 Reviews
55% Mixed
11 Reviews
11 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Rune Factory 3 Special is mostly just an HD mask thrown onto a beloved entry in the series, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. It's been over a decade since Rune Factory 3 hit store shelves on the DS. Returning fans of the series will be delighted to play the game on upgraded hardware, and it does make a good entry point for anyone looking to experience this series for the first time. Longtime fans will likely prefer the Switch version for its original control scheme as the PC version has a couple of buttons swapped from the DS controls. For fans of farming sims or those looking for a relaxing RPG, Rune Factory 3 Special has you covered.
Rune Factory 3 Special is a life/farming simulation game originally released for the DS in 2009. Remade, it’s now playable on the Switch. Fight monsters, grow and harvest crops, sell loot, cook, fish, and raise your relationship levels with the villagers in this very interactive and fun game.
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 20 User Ratings
8.3
85% Positive
17 Ratings
17 Ratings
5% Mixed
1 Rating
1 Rating
10% Negative
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 20 User Ratings
8.3
85% Positive
17 Ratings
17 Ratings
5% Mixed
1 Rating
1 Rating
10% Negative
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
There are no user reviews yet. Be the first to add a review.
Rune Factory 3 Special isn’t going to be for every farming game fan and won’t dethrone Stardew Valley as the most popular farming game, but its charming characters and setting make for a very enjoyable experience. I was surprisingly pleased at the quality of the writing and the depth of some of the crafting systems, and those propelled Rune Factory 3 Special forward to make it both relaxing and engaging. This is a worthy addition to the Switch library, and one I might return to in the future, if only to spend some time with some of my new favorite characters.
Rune Factory 3 Special makes few missteps in this remaster of the 2010 DS title. But for Switch owners, the availability of the technical superior Rune Factory 4 Special makes this effort a bit superfluous for all but the most fervent franchise devotees.
General fans of the genre can find many better games to choose from simply due to how much of a sea change there has been since 2009 in this genre, and most of those choices are cheaper to boot. Those interested in playing a Rune Factory game would probably be better served checking out Rune Factory 4 Special or Rune Factory 5. That mainly leaves those who are interested in exploring the past, those who have devoured all of the other good farming games, and people with a lot of specific nostalgia for this entry. If you find yourself in one or more of those groups, then sure, you could do a lot worse than this.
Rune Factory 3 Special is a well-done remaster that gives new life to an older game. While nothing sticks out as entirely revolutionary, that doesn’t stop the experience from being an enjoyable one.
The original Rune Factory 3 was widely considered a critical success, and it still holds on to the elements that made it beloved in this new release, but when judged as a remake the game does very little to improve upon anything except for its visuals. The Newlywed Mode and new Hell difficulty are nice additions, but they barely impact the main storyline or player experience in the way refreshed controls or female protagonist would - it's essentially the same game reskinned. However, Rune Factory 3 Special is still worthwhile for fans of the series, even if it doesn't quite match up with its franchise cohorts.
Summary Settle down in an idyllic fantasy town as a young adventurer with a monstrous secret in Rune Factory 3, remastered for a new generation on Nintendo Switch. Features brand new to Rune Factory 3 Special include Newlywed Mode, standalone adventures unlocked after marriage to each of the game's 11 eligible bachelorettes; Another Episode, fu...
Rated T
for Teen
Platforms:
- Nintendo Switch
- PC
Initial Release Date: Sep 5, 2023
Developer:
- Marvelous Inc.
Publisher: XSEED Games
Genres:
